17 best pregnancy-safe skincare buys: Tried and tested moisturisers, body oils and stretch mark creams
Hormones are pregnancy’s little helpers, but can also be cunning culprits for a crowd of side effects. Some of these side effects can show up as changes to the skin, and when it comes to addressing these changes, there are myriad products that can be used for parents-to-be that will also be suitable for use during pregnancy.
That elusive “pregnancy glow” might seem a cruel joke when extra-sensitive skin is prone to texture changes, hyperpigmentation, breakouts and redness flare-ups. “In addition to hormone changes, nutrients are being drawn from you to the baby,” explains Joanne Evans, skincare specialist and director of wellness clinic Skin Matters. “Skin can become more oily, more dry or sensitive to your normal routine.”
While this doesn’t mean you need to rebuild your entire skincare collection from scratch, you will want to find gentler formulas to replace those with harsh ingredients. “The main ingredient to stop is vitamin A or retinol, while some essential oils can irritate the skin,” Joanne advises. “Glycolic, mandlic and salicylic acids should also be avoided. It’s all about soothing and calming, so a lot of active ingredients have to be removed.”
If in doubt, go au naturel – this is the time to ditch synthetic fragrances and preservatives in favour of products that care for sensitive skin and won’t cause harm to the growing baby. If you aren’t using one already, add a daily SPF to your routine given there’s an increased sensitivity to sunlight and hormone surges that can trigger melasma (dark spots and patches).
Other staples are simple cleansers, stretch mark oils and a hydrating emollient for skin conditions that can worsen in pregnancy like and . Joanne also recommends “body brushing at home and using good oils or creams to keep supple, helping to reduce stretch marks and stay hydrated. Include a lot of antioxidants, plus masks – my favourite all-rounder is
