By Lauren Wellbank, Mom.me
There are many restrictions for moms while they’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Most of them are well-known, like saying goodbye to wine and roller coasters for nine months. But some of them may come as a surprise. Did you know that some breastfeeding moms may have to limit their diets due to their baby’s intolerance of certain foods?
Many ingredients that are commonly found in beauty products can also be dangerous when used by pregnant women. Ammonia, formaldehyde and parabens should all be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Fortunately, there are plenty of good alternatives out there. Just like you can find a good substitute for your favorite spicy tuna roll, you can find a good alternative for your regular beauty routine if it contains any of the ingredients you should be avoiding. (Whether or not they will be able to hide the fact that you haven’t slept in two months remains to be seen.)
There are many restrictions for moms while they’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Most of them are well-known, like saying goodbye to wine and roller coasters for nine months. But some of them may come as a surprise. Did you know that some breastfeeding moms may have to limit their diets due to their baby’s intolerance of certain foods?
Many ingredients that are commonly found in beauty products can also be dangerous when used by pregnant women. Ammonia, formaldehyde and parabens should all be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Fortunately, there are plenty of good alternatives out there. Just like you can find a good substitute for your favorite spicy tuna roll, you can find a good alternative for your regular beauty routine if it contains any of the ingredients you should be avoiding. (Whether or not they will be able to hide the fact that you haven’t slept in two months remains to be seen.)
Which products are safe
Dr. Fiona Rahbar, a board-certified dermatologist and host of the podcast the Spot Session, says that there are plenty of products that are safe for new moms. “Bland moisturizers like petrolatum, coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E oil are safe to use.” She also recommends using a gentle cleanser that is “non-comedogenic,” which just means that it won’t clog your pores.
One of America’s favorite moms, Chrissy Teigen, has talked about her love for Cetaphil’s cleanser on more than one occasion. The face soap is both creamy and mild, which is perfect for pregnant moms looking for something without a strong scent, and nursing moms who may be more prone to dry skin.
If it’s safe to eat, then it’s safe to use.
One of America’s favorite moms, Chrissy Teigen, has talked about her love for Cetaphil’s cleanser on more than one occasion. The face soap is both creamy and mild, which is perfect for pregnant moms looking for something without a strong scent, and nursing moms who may be more prone to dry skin.
If it’s safe to eat, then it’s safe to use.
Fix sun damage by avoiding it
The easiest way to fight wrinkles is to avoid one of the leading causes of them. UV damage can be prevented by using skincare products with an SPF. Dr. Rahber reminds moms that it’s important to carefully apply sunscreen when you’re pregnant. “Mothers-to-be can develop a darkening of the skin called melasma while pregnant, and sun exposure will make this worse. Choose a mineral-based sunscreen, with zinc and/or titanium as the active ingredient.” If you’re wondering where you’ve heard of melasma before, it’s also known as the “mask of pregnancy.”
Fine lines and wrinkles
We usually associate sun damage with fine lines and wrinkles, but most ingredients that claim to reduce wrinkles aren’t safe for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. All retinol products (like vitamin A, retinoic acid, and tretinoin) have been deemed unsafe for use, but there are some other options. Vitamin C is considered a safe alternative and can be found as the base ingredient in many over-the-counter serums and oils.
Of course, if you’re taking acne medications you’ll want to speak with your dermatologist before trying to conceive or as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant. Many acne medications should be avoided in pregnancy.
Of course, if you’re taking acne medications you’ll want to speak with your dermatologist before trying to conceive or as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant. Many acne medications should be avoided in pregnancy.
The all-natural approach
If you’d rather avoid the risk (and extra work) by facing your fine lines and dark circles head on, Kathy Fray author of "Oh Baby," "Birth-Babies-Motherhood," "Midwife" and international private maternity consultant has a simple rule of thumb for you: “If it’s safe to eat, then it’s safe to use.” Although, she says to remember that safe doesn’t equal tasty, so don’t go trying to satisfy any pregnancy cravings with your skin cream.
The truth is that there are few things that are as good for your complexion as a good night’s sleep and a low-stress lifestyle. Both of which are in short supply when you’re at the end of your pregnancy or if you’ve just brought home your new baby. Eventually, you will be able to return to your regular skincare routine. But, in the meantime, we hope some of these alternatives will help.
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The truth is that there are few things that are as good for your complexion as a good night’s sleep and a low-stress lifestyle. Both of which are in short supply when you’re at the end of your pregnancy or if you’ve just brought home your new baby. Eventually, you will be able to return to your regular skincare routine. But, in the meantime, we hope some of these alternatives will help.
