Skin changes in many ways during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations, increased blood flow, and other physiological adjustments can affect the appearance of the skin. Therefore, it's important to address the specific needs of your skin during this time and choose the right skincare products.
The skin undergoes various changes during pregnancy that require customized care. The most common skin changes include:
Dry skin: Due to hormonal changes and a possible shift in moisture balance, skin may become drier during pregnancy.
Skin redness and sensitivity: Skin may become more sensitive and prone to redness and irritation.
Hyperpigmentation: Hormonal changes, particularly an increase in the hormone progesterone, can lead to increased melanin production, resulting in the so-called "pregnancy mask" (melasma) or dark spots on the skin.
Stretch marks: Especially in the last trimester, the skin can become more prone to stretch marks due to the growth of the baby and the stretching of the body, especially on the stomach, hips and thighs.
Acne: Some women experience an increase in blemishes and acne due to hormonal changes that can increase sebum production.
Despite the many changes, it's possible to maintain safe and effective skincare. Here are some recommended ingredients during pregnancy:
During pregnancy, the skin needs a lot of moisture to avoid dryness and tightness.
Hyaluronic acid: A powerful moisturizer that intensively hydrates the skin and strengthens the skin barrier.
Glycerin: Another excellent moisturizer that helps keep skin supple.
Grape seed oil: A light, non-greasy oil rich in antioxidants that moisturizes the skin. It helps strengthen the skin barrier and soothe skin irritations.
Since skin can be more sensitive during pregnancy, soothing ingredients are important:
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps reduce redness and inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves skin appearance.
Mallow: Known for its soothing properties, mallow helps regenerate the skin and relieve redness. It has anti-inflammatory properties and protects the skin from irritation.
Horse chestnut : It has anti-inflammatory and tonic properties that benefit the skin by promoting microcirculation and soothing skin irritations.
Hyperpigmentation is a common problem during pregnancy, especially in women with darker skin. The following ingredients are helpful in counteracting it:
Vitamin C : A powerful antioxidant that regulates melanin production and lightens the skin without irritating it.
Arbutin: A mild ingredient that helps reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
AHA acids (alpha hydroxy acids): AHA acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid promote gentle exfoliation and can help reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone. They stimulate cell renewal and improve skin texture.
Stretch marks often occur due to rapid stretching of the skin, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy. Skin care can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks:
Cocoa butter and shea butter: These rich ingredients help keep the skin elastic and strengthen the skin barrier.
Vitamin E: It supports skin regeneration and has a nourishing effect, which promotes the healing of stretch marks.
There are some ingredients that are not recommended during pregnancy because they may be potentially harmful to the mother or unborn child. These include:
Retinoids such as retinol, tretinoin, and isotretinoin are extremely effective against skin problems such as acne and wrinkles. However, high doses can be harmful to the unborn child and should therefore be avoided completely during pregnancy. Retinoids increase the risk of birth defects and developmental disorders.
Salicylic acid (as found in peels and acne treatments) belongs to the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) family. It's considered relatively safe in low concentrations, but high doses can increase the risk of complications. Especially in peels and treatments with high doses, it's best to play it safe and use milder alternatives.
This active ingredient is often used in skin lighteners to reduce dark spots. However, hydroquinone is controversial during pregnancy because it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it is recommended to use products without hydroquinone.
Phthalates and parabens are found in many cosmetics as preservatives or fragrances. Both ingredients can cause hormonal disruption and are therefore often avoided in pregnancy care products.
Benzoyl peroxide is often used in acne treatments, but it can irritate the skin and potentially harm the fetus, especially in higher concentrations. Although it's considered safe when used in small amounts, it's still advisable to exercise caution.
Gentle cleansing: Use a mild, pH-neutral cleanser to avoid further irritating the skin.
Moisturize your skin regularly: Use rich moisturizers to protect your skin from drying out. This also helps prevent stretch marks.
Sun protection: Since skin is more prone to pigmentation during pregnancy, it is important to use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) daily.
Avoid hot showers: Hot water temperatures can dry out your skin. Choose lukewarm water and avoid long, hot baths.
Healthy diet: Make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to support your skin from within.
During pregnancy, skin is exposed to special demands, and targeted care can help overcome these challenges. By using the right active ingredients and avoiding harmful ingredients, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant during this special time. Always be sure to consult your doctor or dermatologist if you have any concerns about skincare products.
