Fun fact: there’s actually a lot more skincare that you can use when you’re pregnant than you can’t.
However, pregnancy is still a time where we want to be using and doing the best we can to look after ourselves. And sadly often that means leaving behind our topical use of vitamin A products.
Now, predominantly it is the oral and prescription use of vitamin A that are contraindicated, although as a blanket medical recommendation most doctors will advise to avoid vitamin A completely.
(Side note: This mothersafe fact sheet issued by NSW Health with regards to pregnancy and beauty is very handy.)
Even as a Dermal Therapist I always double check my skincare with my doctor and always advise my clients to do the same.
Everyone’s situation is different and it’s always best to follow your doctor’s advice during pregnancy.
So what serums are safe during pregnancy?
There are still plenty of serums that you can continue to use through pregnancy because if you feel like you’re stranded on a deserted island without your beloved vitamin A… lemme tell you that while there may not be a product that will technically replace your vitamin A - there are many ingredients that can continue to help you on your skin health journey and keep your skin looking glowy and youthful.
So grab some snacks (because: pregnancy) - and let’s discuss some ingredients and products that might be beneficial to add into your routine while you’re growing a teeny, tiny human.
The Best Pregnancy Safe Serums and Ingredients.
Peptides.
While vitamin A was off the table, I personally noticed more benefit from including peptide based serums in my routine instead.
Bonus: you can use these serums twice a day and sans irritation.
You see, peptides signal the skin to produce more collagen so they are great from an age management perspective, however they also work to rebuild and repair the barrier so when your skin is feeling sensitive through pregnancy they can help with that too.
Try: Société Intense Firming Complex 30ml - Formulated with a collagen boosting peptide complex it tingles on the skin but the delivery system ensures it works to plump and brighten alongside a bunch of antioxidants.
Bonus: it can also be used alongside your chemical exfoliants and while she’s pricey she should last you the majority of the pregnancy.
Try: Medik8 Copper PCA Peptides 30ml - This is also a great serum and much better for brightening the skin. It’s also chock full of antioxidants and a great option for any sensitive or acne prone skins. I’d replace your vitamin C with this if you can’t tolerate that ingredient.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B).
I’ve always said every pregnant woman should be given a vitamin B serum at her 12 week appointment.
It's a great ingredient to calm the skin, improve uneven skin and can help control oil production - so great when dealing with acne.
Try: Aspect Extreme B 17 - This is a great option if you are more of an oily/combo skin as it works hard at controlling oil production while brightening.
Try: Medik8 Clarity Peptides - This niacinamide formula is better for a drier, sensitive skin or anyone dealing with hormonal breakouts. It’s very soothing, hydrating and also full of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid alongside natural zinc PCA which can keep the skin balanced and prevent breakouts.
Tyrosinase Inhibitors (And Vitamin C!).
Pigmentation can be a huge concern for many skins during pregnancy as hormonal fluctuations can cause it to get worse (hello melasma!).
However, there are pregnancy-safe tyrosinase inhibitors that can be used on the skin during this time which can help act like a little door stop on your melanocytes (pigment producing cells) that can help keep your pigmentation at bay.
Vitamin C is also a tyrosinase inhibitor although I wouldn’t rely on it for pigment alone but definitely worth combining with other skin brightening ingredients and exfoliating acids for best results.
Try: Cosmedix Simply Brilliant 24/7 Brightening Serum - This was recently re-formulated without salicylic and arbutin officially making it pregnancy safe yaaaaay. So if you are dealing with acne, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or any type of pigment this can help brighten it for you safely - while you are pregnant.
Try: Viviology Vitamin C Serum 30mL - If your skin is fine with ascorbic acid formulas this is seriously one of the best vitamin Cs on the market for the price point. It is not only very brightening, but vitamin C also boosts collagen production in the skin so an antioxidant like this will provide major age management benefits.
Products With Exfoliating Acids.
Most OTC (over the counter) exfoliating acids are fine during pregnancy.
Lactic acids, glycolic, mandelic, - they are all safe! Salicylic acid is the only contentious one in the bunch.
If you are using a product with less than 2% salicylic acid it is safe to use, although some women prefer to avoid altogether - please discuss your personal circumstances regarding this ingredient with your doctor.
I personally have used it throughout all my four pregnancies and have always followed my doctor’s advice.
Exfoliating acids can help with skin cell turnover and help to brighten the skin and/or treat skin concerns like acne and pigmentation.
As per always I would be careful with overuse, especially if they are in your cleansers, however the products below can also help.
Try: Alpha-H Liquid Gold - This is great for a more combo/oily skin. Glycolic acid is safe during pregnancy and a great ingredient to use if you’re not super sensitive. It will brighten the skin, help tackle pigmentation and help treat age management concerns.
Try: Viviology Liquid Exfoliant 200mL - This is a better option for a more dry/sensitive skin. It’s full of lactic acid which lightly resurfaces alongside polyhydroxy-acids which are very gentle AHA’s.
