When should I start moisturising my pregnant belly?

You can start as early as the first trimester. Moisturising helps support the belly with hydration and avoid stretch marks caused by the growing belly.

Which oil is best for glowing skin during pregnancy?

Consult your doctor on which oil you should use. Generally, oils are heavy and contribute nothing to acne-prone skin. If you still want to use oil, you can try coconut oil or sweet almond oil.

Dermatologist-Approved Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Guide for Expectant Mothers

More than 90% of women find their skin changing during pregnancy(1). The body stretches to make room for the baby, and hormone levels increase to support growth and labour. This leads to prominent changes in the skin and body. Due to increased blood circulation, some women experience pregnancy glow, while some deal with acne, dark patches, and itchy skin.

How Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings endocrinological, immunological, metabolic, and vascular changes to the body, which directly affect your skin. Pregnancy skin conditions fall into three categories:

Hormone-related Changes
Increased hormonal levels and fluctuations lead to changes such as:

Hyperpigmentation
Melasma
Stretch marks
Pregnancy Glow (vascular changes)
Acne or dryness

Pre-existing Conditions
If you have eczema or psoriasis, the severity of these conditions may worsen. It's important to speak with your doctor about any skin concerns, as hormonal changes make it worse for sensitive skin.

Pregnancy-specific Disorder
These include pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) and atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP). Symptoms may involve eczema, itchy, patchy skin, and red bumps. These are often rare and specific to pregnancy. Report to your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms.

Key Skincare Concerns During Pregnancy

The increased activity of the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, as well as the production of proteins and hormones, can cause dermatological changes in pregnant women. Here are common skin problems that expectant mothers might face:

Hyperpigmentation: Higher levels of MSH, estrogen, and progesterone, along with UV exposure, increase melanin production and darken specific areas.
Acne: Sebum production increases due to surging levels of hormones, which leads to clogged pores, acne, and redness.
Dryness: Dehydration, hormonal fluctuation, and skin stretching can make skin dry, flaky, and chapped.
Stretch Marks: Mother’s abdomen and breasts enlarge to support the foetal growth. This adds pressure and breaks the skin’s elastic fibre, resulting in red or purple stretch marks.
Itching and Rashes: Itching is the result of skin stretching, especially under the belly, thighs, and breasts. Conditions like PUPPP and AEP can also cause itching and rashes.

What to Avoid and What to Include

The placenta is semi-permeable. Not just the mother’s nutrition, hydration, and oxygen pass through the placenta; even toxic molecules can enter and affect foetal development. Here are a few ingredients that dermatologists agree to include and avoid in your pregnancy skincare regimen.

Ingredients to Avoid

Retinoids: These include Retin-A, Retinol, and Isotretinoin. These are derivatives of Vitamin A known for their anti-ageing properties. Even topical absorption of retinol can lead to birth defects.
Hydroquinone: Used for lightening, these are very harmful during pregnancy as it has a high systemic absorption rate and can induce oxidative stress and mutagenic effects.
Benzol Peroxide and Salicylic Acid: Higher concentrations of these two acids can mix into the bloodstream, which is not good news during pregnancy.
Chemical Sunscreens: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octocrylene, when absorbed into the blood, have endocrine-disrupting effects.
Tetracycline: It is used to treat various skin diseases, but is very dangerous for pregnant moms and foetuses. Usage of tetracycline can cause permanent tooth discolouration and affect foetal bone growth.

Ingredients to Include

Niacinamide: This is a derivative of Vitamin B3, which helps regulate sebum production, strengthens the skin barrier, and treats pigmentation.
Hyaluronic acid: Very good during all the trimesters and helps with dryness and tightness caused by hormonal fluctuations. It is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream and provides moisture to the skin.
Azelaic acid: As it is minimally absorbed and does not get into the bloodstream, it is also a perfect ingredient for treating acne and hyperpigmentation.
Ceramides: These are barrier-supporting molecules which help with skin sensitivity. The body naturally produces ceramides to help with biological function and lactation.
Mineral Sunscreen: Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide don't enter the bloodstream and protect the skin against UV rays and melasma.

Pregnancy Safe Skincare Routine

Cleanse: Wash your face with a mild, fragrance-free, and non-foaming face wash that doesn't strip natural oil.
Serum: On a damp skin, apply a layer of hyaluronic or niacinamide serum to balance oil production and protect the skin barrier.
Moisturiser: Follow it up with a ceramide-based, lightweight, and non-comedogenic moisturiser for that suppleness and calmness.
Sunscreen: Apply (and reapply every 2 to 3 hours) SPF 30+ broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen.
Lip Care: Apply shea butter or cocoa butter-based lip balm
Night: At night, skip the sunscreen and add a night gel if needed.

Lifestyle Habits to Boost Skin Health During Pregnancy

Topical treatments alone won't work for healthy and happy skin. Mothers should focus on other aspects of their lives as well.

Prioritises 7-8 hours of relaxed sleep to support collagen repair
Practice meditation, breathing techniques, and yoga to improve skin clarity
A balanced nutrition with folate, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin E, and other prenatal nutrients for overall health
Drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water for healthy skin elasticity
Avoid smoking, as it can reduce oxygen supply

During the first trimester, stick to the basic 3-step skin care routine. If you notice stretch marks, you can start moisturising and massaging the area. Start introducing serums in the second trimester, as melasma, pigmentation may peak during this time. During the third trimester, continue using the same routine, but add a creamy moisturiser to the areas that are stretching.

Pregnancy-safe skincare doesn't put limitations on the process, but products. The ingredients should be safe and promote the baby's growth. If you notice acne flaring up or pigmentation, only stick to above mentioned pregnancy-safe ingredients. Don’t use toxic chemicals for faster results. Understand that these are natural reactions happening as a result of the baby's growth.

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FAQs on Dermatologist-Approved Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Guide For Expectant Mothers

When should I start moisturising my pregnant belly?
You can start as early as the first trimester. Moisturising helps support the belly with hydration and avoid stretch marks caused by the growing belly.
Which oil is best for glowing skin during pregnancy?
Consult your doctor on which oil you should use. Generally, oils are heavy and contribute nothing to acne-prone skin. If you still want to use oil, you can try coconut oil or sweet almond oil.