Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: Common Skin Concerns and Recommended Products

Pregnancy is a beautiful and exciting journey, which demands a lot from the body. With the many hormonal changes and unknowns that come with this season, we are here as skincare guides, so you can arm your clients with the best tools to help them through their pregnancy.

Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: Common Skin Concerns 

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause a range of skin concerns, including melasma, dehydration, dry skin, stretch marks, and acne. Knowing how to address these concerns, both in the treatment room and at home, so your clients can achieve a healthy, glowing complexion is key to enjoying the journey. 

Disclaimer: Always make sure your client’s consult a physician/healthcare professional when choosing the best skincare products during pregnancy. 

Melasma

Melasma, also commonly known as "the mask of pregnancy," is a temporary pigmentation concern that shows up as brown to dark brown patches on the face, specifically the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and chin. It is triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy. To address this concern consider retailing and recommending pigment brightening moisturizers like our SkinBrite Cream, which contains natural skin lightening and brightening melanin suppressants that are safe to use during pregnancy.  In the treatment room, the Summer Papaya is a gentle exfoliating mask that is safe and effective to use on pregnant and lactating clients facing pigmentation concerns. Of course, make sure they check with their physician first.

Dehydration, Dry Skin and Stretch Marks 

Even though some women experience glowing skin, rosy cheeks and ultra-shiny hair during pregnancy, the skin tends to lose elasticity and moisture as it stretches and tightens to accommodate a growing belly. This can lead to dry, flaky, itchy skin, with stretch marks. To address these concerns, we recommend hydrating and nourishing products like our Advanced Essential B5 Hydrating Serum, Advanced Stem Cell Rebuilding Complex, a nourishing body cream like the Stem Cell 3D Body Crème and Radiant Skin Facial Oil for additional moisture.  Further, when treating pregnant clients with a service, our Hydrating Gel Mask will offer a calming and soothing solution for parched skin. You can also offer an additional service of a body massage with our Therapeutic Massage Cream to relax and hydrate your client all around.

Acne 

In the first trimester of pregnancy, increased hormone levels can stimulate the skin's production of natural oils leading to breakouts and acne. Not to worry, we have your back with products rich in anti-inflammatories and enzymes such as the Essential Daily Cleanser, B5 Moisture Matte, Delicate Soothing Serum, and Delicate Daily Moisturizer all formulated with soothing and nourishing enzymes, plant stem cells, botanical extracts, and green tea for antioxidant fortification.  In the treatment room, with physician approval, our Firming Enzyme Treatment is a perfect gentle treatment and great to pair with steam for extractions.

Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy 

While recommending skincare products to use during pregnancy or lactation, it is important to avoid certain ingredients that could be harmful to your client or their baby. Retinoids (Vitamin A), Alpha Hydroxy Acids such glycolic, lactic, mandelic acids, Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Hydroquinone, etc. must be avoided. In addition to avoiding the mentioned ingredients, swap out chemical sunscreen with a physical SPF.  A physical sunscreen will contain minerals such as Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, and Iron Oxide.

Not only do we use micronized zinc oxide in our physical sunscreen formulations, which is by far safer than nanoparticles, but we also take it a step further by incorporating InfraGuard to protect the skin against UV radiation, infrared light, blue light, and pollution. Our SheerZinc SPF 30 is a fantastic choice, which also comes in tinted shades.

Conclusion 

Taking the time to help your clients with finding the right skincare products with safe ingredients is key to having and maintaining healthy, glowing skin during pregnancy. Further, just because someone is expecting, does not mean they aren’t allowed in the treatment room for a relaxing and effective facial treatment. To explore our full offering of pregnancy-safe skincare products and treatments, head to our Pregnancy-Safe Collection!