Skincare Swaps To Make While Pregnant
At my very first doctors visit we chatted about skincare. Specifically what products in my skincare routine were safe to use and what I needed to avoid. So for today’s posts, I’m sharing that knowledge with you!
Before I get down to the nitty gritty, let me tell you a little about my skin. I have dry skin and hormonal acne - which went crazy in my first trimester, it was honestly the worst my skin had ever been. A few other skincare concerns of mine would be dullness and wrinkle prevention. So if we have similar skincare concerns, please read on for skincare products to avoid during pregnancy and safe swaps to use instead!
Swap out retinoids for bakuchiol
Pre-pregnancy I used retinol in my evening skincare routine as an anti-aging product. These days, I’ve swapped it out for this bakuchoil serum which is derived from plants. It’s also much gentler (no redness or irritation) and non drying, so I have been using it every night.
Swap out chemical exfoliants for a face cloth
Now I wasn’t able to get a definitive answer from the internet about whether or not AHAs and BHAs are safe during pregnancy. But after chatting with my doctor I decided to avoid them altogether because it’s not like I medically need them to survive!
Instead I’ve been using a polishing face cloth made from microfiber or silk daily. It’s a very gentle way to exfoliate dead skin. I’ve notice my face feels so soft afterwards and my serums sink in deeper to my skin as well. BONUS, it’s a great low waste product too!
Swap out salicylic acid for a topical antibiotic
If you’re experiencing hormonal acne during your pregnancy, ask your doctor to prescribe something for you! My doctor gave me a topical antibiotic, which I use nightly as a lotion. Honestly, it’s been so helpful in reducing my acne. This one bottle has lasted me through my 2nd trimester and will probably get me through my 3rd as well.
A few other skincare changes
I’ve made during my pregnancy
One last thing I’m avoiding during my pregnancy is any product that contains CBD. I feel like the skincare industry is huge on CBD right now, I’ve seen it added to serums, moisturizers, and masks. I’m not sure what benefits it has on the skin, so I don’t have a swap to recommend. Since becoming pregnant, I’ve really paired down my skincare routine and have been trying less new products. My acne flare ups made my skin irritable and sensitive, so I thought the less I do the better. My current skincare routine in its entirety is: cleanse, tone, serum 1 (hyaluronic acid), serum 2 (vitamin c for day and bakuchoil for night), and moisturize. I’m also drinking plenty of water, which is an important skincare step too!
