Skincare During Pregnancy
Being pregnant is one of the most thrilling things to find out. Pregnancy news can trigger nesting, emotional rollercoasters, and the inevitable physical changes that come with this season. Initially, most women start their research on what to expect, and the delivery planning begins. One thing many women overlook when they find out they are pregnant is that their skin is likely going to change during the next nine months. Local dermatologist Dr. Sherrie Straughn wants to educate pregnant women about skincare during pregnancy and what can be modified to ensure skincare products are safe for moms and babies. A general rule is that products that sit on the skin will be absorbed, which means the baby gets some. Many products are safe, but some need to be modified or skipped during pregnancy and others during nursing.
Pregnancy Safe Skincare
The good news is that it is normal for the skin to change during pregnancy and may even change more than once in the 9-month window. Some women may experience acne, dark circles, pregnancy masks (melasma), and other things due to growing a baby in the belly! To keep that baby safe, watch for ingredients that have not been proven safe during pregnancy. Some beauty product ingredients have been tied to birth defects, so it is critical to do your research. Licensed dermatologists know which ingredients should be avoided, so make an appointment and review some of the expectations, changes, and safe products to use throughout pregnancy and nursing. Some resources have ingredients to avoid when pregnant, so be mindful of what you use.
Skip Self-Tanners, Not Sunscreen
It may be tempting to get your belly in the sun during pregnancy. Always use sunscreen on your belly and body! Pregnant women need to be careful not to get heat stroke or become dehydrated, so monitor the time of the day and the length of time in the sun. When it comes to self-tanners, most doctors and dermatologists won’t say they are safe to use during pregnancy. The ingredients in self-tanners are absorbed into the skin, which means your baby is getting some. Makeup bronzers may be a safer alternative in a pinch, but embracing the natural glow from pregnancy is a look you can’t get otherwise!
Perfumes and Nail Polish
Even when pregnant, women want to look their best. Applying nail polish is safe because the nails won’t absorb chemicals from the polish, but using nail products in well-ventilated areas is recommended. As far as perfumes, many have salicylates, which are unsafe during pregnancy. A workaround for this is to spray perfumes and body spray on the clothes to ensure the skin doesn’t absorb anything potentially harmful.
Hair Changes During Pregnancy
Dermatology is not just about skin but hair and nails. Many dermatologists work with pregnant women because their hair texture may change during pregnancy, and during post-partum, it may begin to fall out, which often creates alarm. During pregnancy and nursing, hair products used on the scalp should be researched or discussed with a professional so that the chemicals don’t transfer to the baby. Products that go on the ends of the hair are not of much concern because they won’t absorb through the hair, only the skin on the scalp.
Makeup Choices During Pregnancy
Lotions, creams, and other liquids are products that pregnant women may want to examine more carefully. Mascaras and powders don’t absorb into the skin enough to be of concern, but many serums, lotions, and liquid skincare products do so make sure they don’t contain ingredients that could harm the baby.
The overall rule of skincare during pregnancy and nursing is that anything sitting on your skin is worth checking the ingredients against a list of those to avoid. Reputable dermatologists can provide insight into these ingredients and products and offer safe treatments and topicals during pregnancy. Taking caution during pregnancy is more restricted because there are key stages of development where it is not worth the risk to use the same products and ingredients always used.
Every woman has a unique experience during pregnancy with their skin, hair, and nails. Some experience acne and melasma for the first time, while others will find it goes away or intensifies. Expecting moms who want to address skincare concerns during pregnancy and nursing can reach out to a local dermatologist for an appointment. If you live in Atlanta, Buckhead Dermatology listens to clients and provides unmatched service and treatment options for pregnant and nursing women. Women deserve to feel and look their best during this exciting time. It is perfectly acceptable to want to address skincare concerns during pregnancy and nursing, and we have options that work and are safe!