5 Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ingredients. (The Skincare Pregnancy Guide)

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but it comes with sacrifices — especially when it comes to what you apply topically. Infact there is every tendency that being pregnant will change your skincare routine. Some skincare ingredients aren’t pregnancy-safe and can compromise or interfere with your unborn child — causing birth defects and disorders. Therefore, Dermatologists have recommended some alternative pregnancy-safe skincare Ingredients to use during pregnancy.

These skincare ingredients are considered safe and doesn’t have any negative effects on growing fetus. Below are pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients to use during pregnancy.

Glycolic Acid.

When it comes to acne and anti-aging treatment during pregnancy, retiniods are to be avoided but glycolic acid is a relative alternative and much more gentle on the skin (when used on lower concentration). Glycolic acid penetrates the skin easily due to its small molecular size in weight to unclog the pores of impurites, break down oil-build up (which triggers breakouts) and also kills acne causing bacteria (p. acne).

As an exfoliator, glycolic acid micro-exfoliates the skin, gets rid of dead skin cells, and stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce increased amounts of collagen, — and by stimulating collagen production, it helps skin feel firmer, shrinks the pores and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Talking about glycolic acid’s safety to pregnancy, topical applications of glycolic acid in the form of lotions and creams with a concentration of 10% is absolutely safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is because, the effect of the acid is restricted to the upper layer of the skin and does not penetrate into the bloodstream where it can reach the baby. This Study justifies the fact.

ALSO READ: Here Are Our Favorite Glycolic Acid Facial Cleansers.

CAUTION.

Glycolic acid can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun, ensure to wear a sunscreen before stepping outside. Glycolic acid can also cause a slight tingling ― not burning ― sensation when applied. Endeavor to apply a moisture-rich moisturizer afterwards.

Vitamin C.

Vitamin C as a pregnancy-safe skincare ingredient is a powerful antioxidant which fights free radicals, protects the skin from eviromental aggressors and stressors and also fades discoloration and brighten-up the skin. Which makes it a great ingredient to treat hyperpigmentation and melasma during pregnancy, — unlike Hydroquinone.

When it also comes to fighting skin aging signs, vitamin C cannot be excluded. This ingredient is just like a direct alternative to retiniods as it plays a crucial role in the production of collagen, a protein in the skin that provides structure and elasticity.

You Can Try Out: These Vitamin C facial cream, Serums, and facial cleansers.

Kojic Acid.

Kojic acid is a botanical extract derived from fungus — which makes it a pregnancy-safe skincare ingredient. As a skin-lightener, Kojic acid fades the appearance of all kinds of discoloration ranging from dark spots, age spots, sun spots, acne scars and melasma. This natural skin lightening agent is a direct alternative to hydroquinone and can fade all kinds of hyperpigmentation in general by inhibiting melanin production — and Improve overall skin complexion.

You Can Try Out: These Kojic Acid Serums & Soaps.

CAUTION.

Asides being a pregnancy-safe and a natural brightening skincare ingredient, Kojic acid may not be suitable for individuals with super-sensitive skin due to its acidic nature. If you have a sensitive skin, you may want to stay away from using products containing Kojic acid. However if you must use them, then go for products with 1 percent, also, we recommend doing a patch test to see if you’ll react negatively to it. And don’t forget to follow up with a moisture-rich moisturizer and sunscreen during the day.

Niacinamide.

Here’s another pregnancy-safe skincare ingredient also known as nicotinamide, vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. This water-soluble skincare ingredient not only fades hyperpigmentation but also calms Irritation such as redness and inflammation. It improves skin barrier function, diminishes wrinkles, fine lines — by enhancing collagen production.

Niacinamide also hydrates the skin, leaving it supple and firm. It’s often combined with hyaluronic acid, and peptides — which are also considered pregnancy-safe for more optimal result.

Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types but more ideal for individuals with oily and sensitive skin type as it’s mild on the skin, shrinks large pores and reduces sebum (oil) production — although higher concentration (9% – 10%) may cause slight irritation. But nevertheless niacinamide still remains a gentle soul on the skin. Therefore, for pregnant women with sensitive and oily skin niacinamide is your best bet.

Azelaic Acid.

Here’s another pregnancy-safe skincare ingredient. This wonderful ingredient is regarded as multi-action or multifunctional as it addresses a whole lot of skin issues such as fading hyperpigmentation (dark spots), melasma (also known as mask of pregnancy), reduces the appearance of wrinkles fine lines, soothes redness, mildly exfoliates the skin (unclog congested pores) and treat inflammatory acne and rosacea which improves overall skin tone and radiance. Learn more on benefits of azelaic acid for skin.

UP NEXT: These Are The Best Niacinamide Serums To Try Out.