Being pregnant is a wonderful affair, the excitement of welcoming a new member to the family and the joyous process of growing a new life inside of you.
With the changes in hormones during pregnancy, you will notice differences in your skin, such as an increase in oil, sweat, and increased circulation. This will mean that you will experience hormonal acne, especially in the first and second trimesters of your pregnancy, when your androgen levels are higher than normal. Changing hormones will also mean dry, irritated or sensitive skin.
Photo by Mel Elías on Unsplash
As part of the process, moms-to-be will have to deal with the list of noteworthy not-to-dos, which include being careful of what you put on your skin.
Some ingredients you should avoid during pregnancy and while you’re breastfeeding include:
- Retinoids - a form of topical medication used to treat acne, psoriasis, skin aging, and certain types of cancers which have been associated to possibly causing birth defects
- Tetracycline - a form of antibiotic acne treatment which can affect the baby’s development of teeth and bones
- Salicylic acid - or BHA, commonly found in topical acne treatments or brightening serums which will lead to the build up of salicylates, which can have a toxic metabolic effect
- Hydroquinone - a topical anti-pigment agent which has concerning high absorption rate of 35 to 45 %
How can you then treat breakouts and acne, you ask? Try products that contain lactic acid, glycolic acid or azelaic acid.
Over-the-counter topical sulfur, zinc, and niacinamide treatments are also recommended by doctors, such as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula
Vitamin C containing products are also good replacements of Hydroquinone to lighten the spots caused by pregnancy acne or pigmentation that arises in the course of pregnancy.
Another huge concern moms-to-be should also take note of is the care of stretch marks. Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks Stretch Mark Minimiser is a good product, a “powerful cocktail” of peptides, fruit extracts and nourishing oils which will give you the safe solution to stretch mark prevention.
Other amazing products to keep the tummy lines at bay include :
There’s so much to be concerned and careful about during this sensitive 9 months of nurturing a new life. Brands like MAMA MIO will set your heart at ease knowing that the brands formulate only the cleanest, most effective products that will keep all the pregnancy skincare issues in check.
Kits like the Mama Mio Your Pregnancy Essentials Kit and the Mama Mio Sleep Easy Kit are great essential starters to your pregnancy regime.
Lookfantastic’s Mother & Baby page also collates all the products you need at the different stages of pregnancy, after childbirth and even for your newborn : https://www.lookfantastic.com.sg/health-beauty/body/mother-baby.list
Featured Image by Ignacio Campo on Unsplash
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