Pregnancy Skin Care : Get Your Glow On!

Pregnancy is a great time to take charge of your skin care regimen. And if you don't have one, it's a great time to start one. If you're like me, you are a self diagnosed "product junkie". I just can't help myself. I prefer things that are natural and organic but I noticed there are a few things in my stash that I cannot use while pregnant. Before I get into what you can use, here are a list of common skin care chemicals that are not safe during pregnancy; make sure you always read the ingredient label before you use a new facial product.

Avoid these ingredients in any products while pregnant or breastfeeding:

*Adapelene

*BHA (beta hydroxy acid)

*Differin

*Renova

*Retin-A

*Retinoic acid

*Retinol

*Retinyl linoleate

*Retinyl palmitate

*Salicylic acid

*Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)

*Tretinoin

Considered safe in pregnancy:

*Glycolic acid

*AHA (alpha hydroxy acids)
*Lactic Acid

Setting Up Your Skin Care Routine:
1. First in your lineup should be a good cleanser. I checked the ingredients on Boots Original Beauty Formula Cleansing Milk. It runs about $8 at target and boots.com and comes in a gorgeous vintage-esque bottle. It made my skin feel super soft! If you're looking for a paraben free option, I would go with anything in the Yes To Carrots line. There's the Yes to Carrots for dry skin, Yes to Cucumbers for skin that needs soothing, Yes to Tomatoes for oily/acne prone skin, and Yes to Blueberries for anti-aging needs. This is a great line and can be purchased through their site, at target or your local drugstore. They are also reasonably priced!


2. Toner should be used afterwards to remove any residue left on your face after cleansing. Boots Original Beauty Formula line has one that works quite well and smells good, too. It's the Skin Tonic in Damask Rose; it also comes in that glam vintage bottle! One that I alternate with that's been a long known beauty secret is Witch Hazel. It's safe for topical use during pregnancy!


3. The Moisturizer is an important step. After you skin is completely cleansed, it needs the some of the oils/moisture put back in. If you're looking for something for aging skin [I am 26 and use it as a preventative] this can be tricky, because Retinol and it's derivatives are commonly found in those products. The Yes To Blueberries is a safe alternative. Even if you have oily skin, it is important to moisturize. If you try to combat oily skin by using products that make your skin too dry, it will actually end up making your skin MORE oily than before. Go with a lightweight moisturizer like one of these from Kiss My Face. I love the Honey & Calendula organic scented one.

4. Anything else you use, be sure to check the label. In my stash is also a facial scrub and mask. Those are also tricky ones, so here are some safe alternatives: Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub [the other ones have ingredients like Salicylic Acid]. Another way to exfoliate is to use your daily facial cleanser with a facial brush [they have these cheaply at Bath & Body Works.] You could also make your own scrub with honey & sugar. As far as facial masks go, I'm sticking with Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Mask. Also the Kiss My Face Pore Shrink Cleansing Mask.


There are many different products out there that could fit the bill. These are just the ones that I know from personal use that are safe and ones that I did "background checks" on the ingredients. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, or if you have a great product that is safe and works, leave it below!