Your Guide to Pregnancy Skin

Beauty can be a minefield – with endless products and treatments all promising to be that essential elixir – and pregnancy takes your options to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing skin treatment, skincare to rebalance hormones, or are not sure what products are safe to use (even some natural ingredients are off limits), Skin Nerd takes you through your maternity skincare options

GET TO KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

There’s no denying that Pregnancy is a mixed bag. There’s pure happiness and joy, then there’s dealing with raging hormones and emotions, not to mention the bodily changes you go through that can be both good, bad and simply uncomfortable! The body goes through many changes during pregnancy and the skin is no exception.

Skin changes occur in almost all pregnant women in one form or another; while some women have ‘that pregnancy glow’, pigmentation, acne and sensitivity are some of the most common skin concerns that flare up during pregnancy. Mums-to-be need to know what products, ingredients and technologies are safe to use while expecting to keep their skin in optimum condition and help alleviate some of the conditions they might experience.

There are many opinions between doctors and different studies with varying information, so it’s imperative that you consult with your GP or an experienced practitioner prior to the use of skin care products and receiving treatments. Here are three of the most common questions related to skincare during pregnancy.

1. Can I use Salicylic Acid?

This Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is an excellent exfoliant and can be used to treat acne and resurface skin. In high concentrations it is considered a risk during pregnancy and should be avoided, especially in professional resurfacing and peels. Small percentages used in skin care (for example less than 2% in a wash off Cleanser) are considered safe.

2. Can I have technology used when I have a skin treatment?

In the treatment room there are lots of options your therapist has to deliver great results. Some of the more advanced tools (known as electrical modalities in the industry) is not recommended, these may be referred to by your therapist as Galvanic, High Frequency, Microcurrent, Ultrasonic, Laser and Active Skin Peels.

WHAT CAN I HAVE?

Microdermabrasion and Low Grade Laser such as LED Healite are the perfect option for an expecting mum. The nurturing warmth helps to heal, support and re-energise the skin cells ensuring optimal results. If you are after no technology a luxury facial is a must.

3. Is Vitamin A (Retinol) safe to use? 

Many doctors recommend pregnant women should avoid or screen all products containing Vitamin A (retinol) and its derivatives such as Isotretinoin, Retinoic Acid and Oral Retinoids. High doses of Vitamin A can, in extreme cases, be a possible cause of birth defects so as a general rule it’s best to avoid these products unless advised otherwise by your GP.

The good news is Medik8 have launched a new skincare product

Bakuchiol is a clinically proven alternative to retinol; while molecularly it has no structural resemblance to retinoids, a recent study by the British Journal of Dermatology has found that bakuchiol is able to regulate similar genes to retinol. Comparable in anti-ageing effects on the skin and better tolerated than retinol, it is the perfect alternative for those who cannot use vitamin A. It is able to help prevent and restore premature ageing, by helping to plump the complexion. Bakuchiol’s ability to minimise melanin results in a visibly calmed and even skin tone.

Lipid-soluble brightening peptide precursors penetrate the skin with ease, helping prevent production of pigment in the skin, resulting in a visibly brighter, more even complexion with less hyperpigmentation.

Centella asiatica is perfect for visibly soothing and calming inflamed, sensitive skin.

Inka omega oil is rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9, and is able to slip into the gaps in the stratum corneum to help restore the skin’s natural barrier and block moisture loss.

While bakuchiol naturally has short-term photostability, meaning it can be used day and night, the formula has also been optimised for true long-term photostability - contained in a UV-protected glass bottle and infused with photo-stabiliser krameria triandra root extract within the formula.

This is a game changer is pregnant and sensitive skins. If you are looking for further advice come and see Michelle, this Skin Nerd can tailor a treatment and Skin Care routine that achieves results