Discover easy-to-follow skincare tips for pregnancy and breastfeeding to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Learn about hormonal changes, what to avoid, and straightforward skincare routines. Get personalized advice from me and enjoy a 50% discount on your first consultation!
This one is for you mamas and mamas-to-be!
Pregnancy. Ahh, such a wonderful time! Wondering how to tweak your skincare during pregnancy or breastfeeding? There are some simple rules, but most importantly, listen to your body and keep it simple! Here are 7 skin care tips for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Just a quick introduction first
While there aren’t many studies on skincare for pregnant women, I’ll share some practical advice based on science and my own experience.
Have you ever heard that pregnant women have sensitive skin? Well, it’s a tricky thing to say. Everyone’s different. Let’s keep that in mind. Are pregnant women prone to get acne or melasma? Yes due to increased hormonal changes, experts are still not sure why all these happen.
We also know that during pregnancy, you either win the best hair, nails, and skin lottery, or you get lovely melasma, hair loss, and crappy nails. I won the lottery! Then I lost a lot of hair and my nails got as bad as before. But my skin was flawless, before and after.
Speaking of sensitive pregnant women – we can cry over the smallest things. I remember shedding tears because I didn’t get priority in the olive section at a supermarket.
How Hormones Affect the Skin:
During pregnancy, the main hormones that can affect your skin’s appearance and health include:
- Estrogen: This goes up during pregnancy, making your skin thicker and more elastic to accommodate your growing baby. It also boosts blood flow to your skin, giving you that radiant glow. However, it can also lead to acne and dark spots – Vitamin C/Niacinamide serums can help!
- Progesterone increases during pregnancy, which might make your skin oilier and prone to acne. Under 2% Salicylic acid can help!
- Human placental lactogen (hPL): Produced by the placenta, it can make your skin more resistant to insulin, causing dark spots and acne – Don’t forget your SPF either you prefer chemical or mineral ones – both are safe!
- Relaxin: This hormone relaxes your ligaments and joints to prepare for childbirth. It can also affect collagen and elastin in your skin, possibly causing stretch marks, just moisturize – stretchmarks creams and gels do NOT work. Sorry!
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): It helps meet the increased metabolic demands of your growing baby. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can lead to skin changes like dryness or discoloration.
Remember, these hormonal changes vary from woman to woman and can be influenced by factors like genetics, overall health, and skincare routine.
What to Avoid During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
First, if you have a more advanced skincare routine, you might want to steer clear of certain things. Not because there’s a lack of studies on pregnant women, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Just to mention, many experts say AHA’s are fine, or BHA’s. And I agree to a certain level.
Misinformation about pregnancy skincare creates frustration and confusion for pregnant people during a time they should be enjoying to the fullest. To get some much-needed clarification, here’s what the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists tells us regarding the most common ingredients.
Here’s what they had to say:
- AHA and BHA are generally safe! As long as you use small concentrations. For example, less than 2% BHA is absolutely fine. If you want to to replace your glycolic with lactic acid. Or skip the AHAs and use enzymes.
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s advisable to steer clear of retinol (vitamin A) and prescription retinoids (such as Renova, Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, or tretinoin). Instead, contemplate transitioning to an anti-aging serum devoid of retinol or its derivatives (including retinyl retinoate, retinaldehyde, etc). I used a moisturizer that had retinyl palmitate which is the mildest form of the retinoid family.
- Skip hydroquinone, or arbutin (or derivates like alpha-arbutin). Instead use higher concentrations of other brightening agents like Niacinamide or Vit C.
- Stay away from treatments like chemical peels, lasers, or microcurrents. Always mention you are pregnant or breastfeeding before getting a treatment.
- Avoid hot stone massages, reflexology, and pressure points. Make sure your massage therapist is qualified to provide a maternity massage and also offer a pregnancy pillow for your comfort.
Funny story: When I worked at the spa, my friend gave me a reflexology massage. She said she could feel my uterus somewhat funny. A few days later I found out I was pregnant. HAH!
What to use if you’re a newbie: how to take care of your skin while having a baby?
Feeling overwhelmed and don’t have time to research? Stick to the “less is more” approach. Keep it simple if you don’t have major skin issues. Use a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum or vitamin C, at least SPF 30 during the day, and a lightweight moisturizer at night.
Skincare during pregnancy and breastfeeding shouldn’t be overlooked!
Even though you’ll be busy and exhausted after childbirth, it’s essential to take care of your skin. I remember it took me a week after my cesarean section to get back into a proper skincare routine.
The reality is, you won’t have much time anymore. Your focus will be on your child, and if you get five minutes, you’ll want to sleep. I know better, it took me a week to wash my face properly after giving birth.
Here are some skincare tips for pregnancy and breastfeeding
As a therapist who dealt with pregnant clients, I would like to emphasize with them now that I am a mother too. Time is precious and I know how hard it is. Something in our motherly brain switches that all the care and attention is towards our new baby.
- When you have time for a shower, wash away everything, including tears, tiredness, and debris. Or mix your cleanser with an exfoliant to save time when you are in a rush.
- Use small amounts of product so it absorbs quickly, or don’t wait until your skin feels completely dry.
- Could you keep it simple? If you have extra products, consider giving them to family or friends. It’ll relieve the pressure of using them all up.
- Remember the golden rule: cleanse and apply SPF or/and moisturizer – it’s better than nothing.
- Consistency is key. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll feel better knowing you’re taking care of yourself. Oh, the self-care will be much more appreciated now.
- If you can afford it, treat yourself now and then with a facial, or a massage. Not only does it help you relax, but you are getting a little time for yourself.
In conclusion, give yourself time to recover physically and emotionally. If you have questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. And don’t forget, you get a 50% discount on your first consultation just because you carry a little wonder in your womb. I understand the financial strain of welcoming a baby and know you need support.
Disclaimer: This article doesn’t replace the medical advice your doctor gives you. Your doctor knows your medical history and can give you advice that fits your needs. Your doctor should be the one to make all conclusive decisions regarding skincare products and ingredients while you’re pregnant.