It took a lot of adjusting when I found out I was (surprise) pregnant at 9 weeks in April. I don't really have many friends with kids, nor have I done much research of the do's and don'ts of pregnancy besides the obvious ones of "don't drink, don't smoke, don't eat gas station sushi, always wash your fruits and vegetables, and eat clean and organic foods." What I didn't realize was that there are a bunch of rules and regulations when it comes to pregnant beauty.
Rule #1 - NO RETINOLS
Say goodbye to Retin-A, retinol, and retinyl palmitate, Tazorac, and Accutane. Some prescription treatments are associated with spinal and/or facial deformities in a growing fetus. Brutal. And even though most of these studies are only including Rx retinols - I like to play it safe. In retinols place, I've switched to a January Labs Retexturizing Night Cream (my new FAVORITE product!) which contains lactic acid, but use it sparingly since your skin gets more sensitive when you're preggo.
Rule #2 - Say Goodbye To Biologique Researche P50 1970
It's advised to stay away from the 1970 formula since it has an ingredient called Phenol.
"Medical researchers have found that exposure to certain common phenols during pregnancy, especially parabens and triclosan, may disrupt growth of boys during fetal growth and the first years of life. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and healthcare products and triclosan are an antibacterial agent and pesticide found in some toothpastes and soaps."
I am a bit heartbroken, but I've swapped to the Sonage Glow To Go Glycopolymer Peel Pads which contain AHA once per week.
Rule #3 - Check What's In Your Sunscreen
Obviously sunscreen is super important while you're pregnant, especially if you're prone to malasma, but it's important to avoid chemical filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which are known to be hormone disruptors.
I have started using MyChelle Sun Shield, which is only SPF 30, but it's packed with hyluronic acid and is as natural as they come. If you're looking for something lighter, DeVita also makes a great natural face sunscreen.
Rule #4 - See Ya, Hydroquinone (or any other kind of skin lightener)
Another big no no. It's extremely common for pregnant women to develop "pregnancy mask" aka malasma or brown skin spots, but you sort of have to ride it out until you are no longer breast feeding :(
Rule #5 - A little Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid goes a long way
Doctors advise that you stay away from large amounts of BP and Salicylic Acid, so occasionally I still reach for my Ayur-medic Anti-Bacterial Wash with Exfoliating Beads (which contains salicylic acid) for a deep clean every once in a while, but for the next few months I am steering clear of any strong RX products or products with high amounts of either ingredient.
My pregnancy friendly beauty products currently on rotation:
1. Ultra Aesthetics MSM Facial Wash - a die hard for this wash
2. Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil - for anti-redness and sensitive skin
3. Marie Veronique Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist - great for calming irritation and an instant refresh
4. Marie Veronique Vitamin C+E+Ferulic Serum - a great alternative to Retinol for women
5. January Labs Retexturizing Night Cream - this one is a WINNER!
6. Tata Harper Restorative Eye Créme
7. Sunday Riley Start Over Eye Cream
8. Uncle Harry's Sandalwood Face Mask - followed by Manuka Honey for hormonal break outs
9. Simply Divine Botanicals "Keeping Abreast Of It!" Deodorant - serious health benefits in this deodorant ie it encourages lymphatic drainage and circulation, and made with amazing natural ingredients
And the stuff I'm avoiding:
Artificial (Synthetic) Colors and Fragrances
Isopropyl Alcohol
Parabens (Methyl-, Propyl-, Butyl-, and Ethyl-)
Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl (Laureth) Sulfate
Ureas (Imidazolidinyl, Diazolidinyl, DMDM)
Diethanolamine (DEA)
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Monoethanolamine (MEA) and Formaldehyde
Whatever you put on your face or body goes into your blood stream. Would you put chemicals on a newborn baby? I'm gonna say, probably not. Just something to think about.
xo
Djuna
