14 Pregnancy-Friendly Skincare Products For The Expecting Mum
Easy does it when it comes to tackling temperamental skin, stretch marks and hyperpigmentation
By Smita DeSouza -
Congratulations you’re pregnant! No matter where you are in your pregnancy journey, it’s a simultaneously exciting and terrifying time in your life, and the changes to your body and skin during this time can be overwhelming. The fluctuating hormones can sometimes cause dry skin, hyperpigmentation and acne even. And now that you're pregnant, you may not be able to use some of your usual skincare that contains Vitamin A or its derivatives retinol and retinoids, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, phthalates, formaldehyde and chemical sunscreens.
We’ve come up with a few pregnancy-friendly skincare products to help you keep your skin hydrated, eve- toned, calm and comfortable. As always, it’s best to check with your doctor before adding any new skincare to your routine.
A gentle cleanser like this one will ensure the first step in your skincare routine doesn’t strip or further irritate pregnancy skin. Rich in upcycled soy protein, this cleanser removes light makeup and deep cleanses pores while maintaining skin hydration and an optimal skin pH so your skin feels comfortable and clean.
A curation of aromatherapy oils and a luscious balm, this is the perfect gift for your favourite mum-to-be friend or even yourself. Comprising an organic massage oil, bath oil and a balm, it is the perfect addition to a pregnancy self-care routine. The trio help foster a sense of relaxation while nourishing skin and reducing the chances of developing of stretch marks.
An AHA complex safely and gently exfoliates skin without irritation or redness, watermelon enzymes brighten, hydrate and firm, hyaluronic acid holds moisture and plumps skin, niacinamide and quinoa peptide brighten, firm and reduce discolouration—all while you're asleep. Apply a generous layer as the last step of your skincare routine and wake up to bright, glowing skin.
Soothe irritated skin, strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and maintain the skin’s natural microbiome with this toner that is easily and quickly absorbed. It’s packed with fermented kombucha, plant-derived probiotics and willow bark extract and can be used daily to energise, brighten and smooth skin.
This lightweight serum is formulated without AHA, BHA, hydroquinone and retinoids to help brighten skin and even out skin tone. Instead, a blend of ancient Ayurvedic super fruits, potent brightening and skin repairing ingredients, peptides and antioxidants fight and fade hyperpigmentation, help improve texture, minimise roughness and refine pores. A worthy addition to your pregnancy skincare arsenal.
Replace your retinol serums with this bakuchiol serum that has similar benefits. A botanical alternative to retinol, bakuchiol helps soften the look of lines and wrinkles and smooths and firms skin minus the irritation that is usually associated with retinol use. It also has squalane for deep hydration and blue tansy that helps fight against damage from free radicals. It can be used in the morning and at night before your moisturiser for radiant skin.
Ease heavy, swollen legs, feet and ankles with this gel that features cooling and refreshing menthol crystals, invigorating ginger root extract, soothing and moisturising aloe vera, nourishing shea butter and soothing chamomile extract. Massage a generous dollop of the gel in upward strokes to promote muscle relaxation and soothe swelling.
As your body changes and your skin stretches, you’re likely to feel itchy and dry in certain areas but especially on your belly. Soothe itchy, dry skin and tackle stretch marks with this rich cream that has nourishing mango butter, soothing centella asiatica, regenerating rose hip oil and peptides that help restore skin elasticity. Apply generously as needed.
If you're having trouble sleeping, this bath essence can be used in a variety of ways to help you unwind and relax to promote a deep and restful night’s sleep. Add it to your bath water or to a foot soak or even a few drops on to a hot neck compress to help release tight muscles. A blend of lavender essential oil, almond and avocado oils and peat extract, it is suitable even for sensitive skin.
Hormonal fluctuations can cause hyperpigmentation like melasma which can be exacerbated by sun exposure. This is why it’s especially necessary to wear sunscreen when you’re pregnant. This mineral sunscreen offers protection from UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light and it smooths skin and blurs imperfections. It also doubles as a primer for your makeup. To get all the sun protection benefits it’s best to use it every day even when you’re indoors.
Whatever your skin may be going through during this time, you’re definitely going to need a moisturiser that keeps it hydrated and plump. Along with electrolytes—that work with the skin’s natural hydrators to attract and lock moisture into the skin—this non-greasy moisturiser also has ceramides, peptides and antioxidants to keep skin healthy.
Heat, humidity and hormonal changes can cause your skin to become hot, flushed and/or irritated. A spritz of this super fine mist that is rich in centealla asiatica as well as proprietary Cicabond blend and Jartbiome complex helps to soothe, repair, regulate, regenerate and hydrate stressed skin. It also shields skin from the effects of pollution while protecting it from free radical damage. Carry one in your bag or stash it in the refrigerator for a quick refresh.
Firm, tone and improve elasticity of the skin with this silky, lightweight body oil. A blend of 100 per cent pure plant extracts some of which include Rosemary, Geranium, Mint and Hazelnut Oil, it helps combat stretch marks and keeps skin hydrated so it’s soft and smooth. This oil is ideal for everyone who wants healthy skin, but especially good for pregnant women.
Tackle a variety of pregnancy-related skin issues like dryness, sensitivity, acne and pigmentation with this skincare set that features a range of skin loving ingredients that include silk crystal, tremella mushroom, ginseng, astaxanthin and hyaluronic acid. The set has all your skincare essentials: moisturiser, essence, lotion, serum, cleanser and sunscreen for healthy and glowing skin through your pregnancy.