Being a medical professional, I was well-versed in the theoretical aspect of pregnancy. And I, like innumerable women before me, could not help but want the perfect, idealized pregnancy that we are sold on.
Well, this dream pregnancy does not always exist.
All one can do is hope for the best outcome and work towards it.
One thing to do is look into the ingredients in your skincare products.

Why?
Because we use a variety of cosmetics and skin care products daily. As I write this, I have personally counted 7 products I use on my face, and these are what I use daily!
Although most of the chemicals used in these products pose little risk, there is no denying that quite a few pose serious health concerns, particularly with long-term use, as seen in the case of infertility and pregnancy-related complications. These chemicals even impact the success rate of IVF treatments.

Picking out pregnancy-safe skincare and working out a skincare routine during pregnancy can seem complicated, and this blog on pregnancy skincare and beauty tries to simplify things for you.

Moreover, when it comes to pregnancy-safe skincare, there are so many don’ts, and so few do’s because:

Pregnancy skin care is different from regular skincare.

Your well-loved body lotion or the tried-and-tested acne cream might not only contain ingredients that are considered harmful to your baby but may also react badly to your skin, which has changed due to the flood of pregnancy hormones.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and soaks up whatever you put on it. While there is still no consensus and significant gaps in what we know about certain chemicals, it is indisputable that skincare during pregnancy is not the same as regular skincare. Also, skin care during pregnancy is much more restrictive than nursing skin care regarding the ingredients you can use.

Always consult your treating doctor and do your research before you deem any product safe.

New to Pregnancy Skincare? Begin Here!

These are two posts to read first as you start out on your journey of pregnancy-safe skincare during this special time of your life.

Bonus content:

Undergoing Ivf? Here Are a Few Tips

I have an IVF baby, and I was what is medically termed an Advanced Medical Age Pregnancy or Geriatric Pregnancy. Here is what I did to maximize my chances of a successful pregnancy.

Your skin will change during pregnancy.

And I don’t mean that pregnancy glow that everyone talks about, but not all experience.

I am talking about hormonal acne, melasma or pregnancy hyperpigmentation, increased skin sensitivity, and stretch marks.

Common Pregnancy Skin Concerns

Acne

Upto 42% of pregnant women get acne due to hormonal changes. It is distressing, but very much treatable.

Melasma

The best way to manage melasma (or pregnancy-induced hyperpigmentation) is not to develop it in the first place! Why? Although entirely harmless, this condition that affects 50% of pregnant women can be difficult to treat and cause stress, social anxiety, and self-consciousness.

Stretch Marks

Appearing in the late second or early third trimester, striae gravidarum, or pregnancy stretch marks, affect up to 90% of women. Though not medically alarming, many might find it disfiguring or aesthetically unpleasant, and it can lead to emotional distress.

Here is how you can try to prevent them:

You will encounter controversial ingredients, ingredients about which we need more information, and those with lower general public awareness.

Are These Skin & Body Treatments Safe?

One of the biggest changes when I was pregnant was wondering if my regular beauty treatment needs to be stopped, modified, or tweaked. The good news is that a large part of your beauty regimen can remain the same, with a few tweaks here and there.

Is This Skincare Ingredient Pregnancy Safe?

Advancements in skincare have given us a plethora of actives to choose from, but pregnancy changes things. Are your favorite ingredients safe for you and your baby? Here is a breakdown of activities in your cosmetics to help you navigate your beauty routine with confidence.

As you plan your pregnancy, you will want to make healthier life choices.

Curated Recommendations

Looking for pregnancy-safe skincare products? These posts have some of the favorites that I used during my pregnancy and even now.

And, of course, don’t forget to have a little bit of fun!

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Begin Here!Pregnancy Beauty

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AuthorDr. Devikaa ManghnaniPlastic surgeon

Devikaa, a plastic surgeon from Western India who has now relocated to Colorado, balances her professional life with her passions for clean living and writing. Her blog, a blend of medical insights and personal interests, aims to engage readers with topics ranging from skincare to random musings, all shared from her unique perspective.

Dr. Devikaa Manghnani