Your guide to pregnancy safe skincare

Pregnancy Safe Skincare Guide from The INKEY List

From the second you find out you’re pregnant, your entire world changes. There are certain things you are likely aware you need to avoid, such as your favourite sashimi. However, did you know that when it comes to your skincare choices, some ingredients are considered a no-no too? The good news is that most of your current skincare is pregnancy safe skincare, but be prepared to give up some of your favourite serums for a while, especially if you are a retinol lover.

Even though we do not have anything in our range to necessarily save you from the inevitable fatigue you will experience once your little one is here (although stocking up on Caffeine Eye Cream is a must), we certainly have the answers to help you achieve healthy-looking and glowing skin throughout pregnancy and beyond with our maternity skincare products.

Let us take a closer look at WHY and HOW our skin may change during pregnancy, how best to treat this, and which ingredients we recommend avoiding in skin care for pregnant women.

Common skin changes during pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most special journeys that our body can go through. However, with this comes several physiological changes and these can include:

Dry Skin

Everyone has heard of the term ‘pregnancy glow’ right? But this is not always the case and for some instead of having a ‘glow’ from the increased blood flow, they are left with super dry skin. If this is you currently, just know that you are not alone.  

WHY does this happen? I am sure this will not come as a surprise, but your hormonal changes during pregnancy are likely to blame for your dry skin. Other causes of dry skin may include:

• Loss of skin elasticity: As your body gradually grows to prepare and support your baby, this stretching of the skin causes it to lose elasticity. Alongside the loss of elasticity is the loss of moisture, and in turn this causes dry (and sometimes) cracked skin.
• Dehydration: To support a growing baby, the body requires an increased volume of blood and water. Due to this higher demand for water as well as the kidneys needing to work harder (due to the increase of blood volume), this can cause moisture to be sucked from the skin and can lead to the skin becoming dehydrated. Additionally, the infamous ‘morning sickness’ is also believed to increase dehydration. 

HOW to support your skin: If you are wanting to achieve that head-to-toe, mum-to-be glow, then look no further. Luckily, we have many products in our range that work exceptionally well at boosting hydration levels and replenishing the skin’s barrier. Here are some INKEY products that help soothe dry skin and are suitable to use whilst pregnant:

• Oat Cleansing Balm - A non-stripping, non-drying formula that is suitable for everyone (and we mean it!) Your skin will feel instantly more hydrated and nourished. The combination of Oat Kernel Oil, together with Colloidal Oatmeal, both help to sooth and comfort dry skin. How to use: AM & PM routine. Squeeze a raspberry-sized amount onto your hand and gently massage onto dry skin. Then, add warm water to emulsify and continue to work into the skin - then rinse thoroughly. INKEY Top Tip: Can also be used as a nourishing face mask (it is clinically proven to increase moisture levels when worn for 10 minutes).

• Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser - Powered by Bio-Active Ceramides, this rich, velvety moisturiser delivers multi-level support to strengthen the skin’s barrier, provide 24-hr hydration, and accelerate visible skin renewal. How to use: AM & PM routine. After cleansing and hydrating with Hyaluronic Acid Serum, gently massage a blueberry sized amount onto the face, neck, and décolletage.

Pregnancy breakouts

Another common concern during pregnancy is breakouts. Let’s talk about exactly why pregnancy breakouts may occur, and which INKEY products are best to help bust these blemishes.
 
WHY does this happen? Unsurprisingly, the main cause of breakouts during your pregnancy is the increase in hormone levels. Anyone can experience breakouts during pregnancy, but those with naturally oilier skin, or those with a history of hormonal breakouts are more prone to experience this. These changing hormones can cause the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum, which can block your pores and lead to a bacteria build-up. Hormones are not all bad though, as these are vital in helping with the development of a foetus (e.g., sexual orientation and development of organs).

HOW to support your skin: Managing breakouts when you are pregnant can be extremely tricky, but the key is adopting a gentle, yet effective skincare routine. The skincare world is inundated with breakout remedies, but remember that when you are pregnant, finding a routine that works for your skin is essential. Here are some INKEY products that help reduce the appearance of blemishes and are suitable to use whilst pregnant:

• Succinic Acid Treatment - Using 2% Succinic Acid to visibly reduce blemishes, this targeted treatment gently reduces blemish size and unblocks pores. Combined with 2% Sulfur and 1% Salicylic Acid, this helps to visibly shrink blemishes whilst remaining gentle on the skin. How to use: Can be applied to a blemish up to 3x per day. Place a small amount of Succinic Acid directly onto the blemish. 

• Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches - Clinically proven to visibly reduce breakouts in just 4 hours*, our NEW Pimple Patches are perfect for when a breakout pops up at the most inconvenient time. Formulated with 99% Hydrocolloid to help extract gunk and create a protective seal, 0.4% Salicylic Acid to unclog pores, 0.4% Succinic Acid to reduce redness and the hydration hero Ectoin (at 0.2%) to help lock in hydration and soothe. How to use: AM or PM. Prep your skin with a cleanser and then directly place patch onto cleansed, dry skin to cover breakout. Follow with skincare and/or makeup. Leave on for 4+ hours (or overnight).

Hyperpigmentation

During pregnancy, another concern which some may experience is melasma, often referred to as ‘the mask of pregnancy.’ Melasma is a condition that causes hyperpigmentation of the skin, and although not harmful, it can be an inconvenience.

WHY does this happen? Surprise, surprise, melasma also has strong links to the hormonal changes your body goes through during pregnancy. Some people (such as those with darker skin types) are more likely to develop melasma during their pregnancy, however, it can also affect those with a family history or those who do not effectively protect their skin from the sun. These pregnancy hormones can cause an excess of pigment producing cells (melanin).

HOW to support your skin: There are several different approaches when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation – this can be overall brightening treatments, targeted topicals or ensuring that every inch of your body is lathered in sunscreen. Whichever approach you take, just remember that during pregnancy, keeping your skin protected is priority. Here are some safe INKEY hyperpigmentation heroes to reveal more even and brighter skin:

• Fulvic Acid Cleanser - This gentle gel cleanser contains 0.5% Nordic Peat, naturally high in Fulvic Acid, that gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin to reveal a brighter, healthy-looking complexion. How to use: AM & PM. Gently massage a small raspberry sized amount onto dampened face and neck, then rinse thoroughly. 

• Glycolic Acid Toner - Containing 10% Glycolic Acid, this toner works to reduce the appearance of large pores and blackheads, as well as supporting smoother and brighter skin. How to use: PM routine 2-3 nights per week. We do not recommend using at the same time as other AHAs, BHAs, PHA Toner, Vitamin C or Retinols.

• Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 - Without a doubt THE most important step in your skincare routine. Our lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF 30 offers UVA & UVB protection. Loaded with skin-loving ingredients, the 8% Hydration Trio helps to lock in moisture and deliver an ultra-hydrating boost. How to use: Last step in your AM skincare routine. Apply liberally to your face and neck at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply frequently.

What skincare products and ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?

Many women are aware that they need to be extra cautious about what they put in their bodies during pregnancy, however, it is important to remember that what you put on your body matters too. Whilst most over the counter skincare products are more than safe to use when pregnant, there are some ingredients to take caution with. At The INKEY List, we advise to be careful using harsh exfoliating acids and Retinol, if pregnant or breastfeeding. This would include our:

• Mandelic Acid Treatment
• Retinol Serum
• Retinol Eye Cream
• Scar, Mark, and Wrinkle Solution 1% Retinol
• Acne Solution 5% Benzoyl Peroxide (US)
• Acne Clearing Moisturiser 2% NovoRetin (US)
• Blemish Clearing Moisturiser 2% NovoRetin

 At INKEY, we always recommend checking in with your doctor or healthcare provider before introducing anything new into your routine. Always patch test all new products first.

If you have any questions at all about your skin (or hair, scalp, and body), then please do reach out to incredible askINKEY team here.