Safe cosmetics for pregnant women

Skin changes during pregnancy. Pimples and age spots may appear on the face, and stretch marks and swelling on the body. What to do? Stick to proper nutrition, spend more time in the fresh air, and make changes to your beauty routine. We'll tell you which ones.

1. Types of cosmetics for pregnant women
2. Choosing cosmetics for pregnant women
3. Cosmetics review
4. Application of cosmetics

Types of cosmetics for pregnant women

Don't think that pregnant women need any special beauty products. Your usual set of cosmetics will just change slightly. Here's what you'll need:

1. moisturizer with high SPF protection for the face;
2. nourishing hand cream;
3. body exfoliator;
4. thick body cream;
5. refreshing, anti-fatigue foot cream.

When pimples or pigmentation appear, as well as to prevent them, you will have to add a little more to your cosmetic arsenal.

For cleansing facial skin

There is a possibility that the usual gel for washing will no longer work. Due to hormonal changes, oily skin often approaches normal condition, and dry skin becomes even drier. When choosing a cleaning product, make sure it does not contain the following ingredients:

1. salicylic acid (in the composition it is listed as Salicylic acid, BHA, Beta hydroxy acid or BHA);
2. benzene;
3. phthalates (they are usually used as fragrances);
4. ethylene oxide, which has antimicrobial properties.

These substances are not recommended for pregnant women.

Against stretch marks (striae)

Use remedies for stretch marks from the 12th week of pregnancy, when the belly begins to grow and the skin begins to lose elasticity and stretch.

There is an opinion that you won’t get stretch marks unless you gain a lot of weight. This is not entirely true: stretch marks can appear even with low weight in response to hormonal changes. Harbingers of stretch marks are severe itching and flaking. Then purple-gray scars appear, which turn white over time.

The best choice for expectant mothers is a special milk, cream or gel for stretch marks. Just a cream with a thick texture or balm will do. It would be good if it included:

1. shea or jojoba butter: unlike rose, mint, chamomile, oregano, nutmeg and fennel oils, they are less likely to cause allergic reactions;
2. amino acids that accelerate cell renewal;
3. collagen to restore damaged tissue.

For legs

The load on the legs (and veins) increases every month, and remedies for heaviness in the legs and for the prevention of varicose veins can be a real salvation.

Nourishing foot cream and creams for calluses and corns will also come in handy. The more comfortable your feet are, the more enjoyable (and longer) walks in the fresh air will be, which are very beneficial.

For the chest

Often the breasts are the first to signal pregnancy - they swell and enlarge. And since the mammary glands do not have muscles in their structure, the ligaments begin to stretch. And if measures are not taken in time, the breasts may lose their shape and sag.

During pregnancy, the set of care products may differ from what you had before. © iStock

Choosing cosmetics for pregnant women

Many experts advise expectant mothers to use cosmetics with natural ingredients. But be careful: during pregnancy, the skin becomes more sensitive and reactive, irritation, redness, and itching may appear.

Compound

It is best to buy special cosmetics for pregnant women - they are the safest and most effective. But if for some reason you can’t choose a special product (for example, you don’t like the smell or consistency), focus on the following parameters:

1. a small list of ingredients: the fewer there are, the lower the likelihood of allergies;
2. absence of dangerous components: for example, a frequent companion of self-tanning - dihydroxyacetone, or bergamot, which can cause irritation;
3. short shelf life (optimally 6 months).

Cosmetics review

Lipid-restoring cleansing cream-gel for face and body of babies, children and adults Lipikar Syndet AP+, La Roche-Posay

Gently cleanses the skin, reduces dryness, strengthens the protective skin barrier thanks to shea butter and niacinamide in the composition.

Intensively moisturizing cream with ultraviolet protection Hydraphase UV Intense Riche, La Roche-Posay

Ingredients include solar filters, hyaluronic acid, and beeswax. Intensively moisturizes the skin, protects it from photoaging, and adds radiance.

Cleansing foam that adds radiance, Pureté Thermale, Vichy

Gently cleanses the skin of makeup and impurities without disrupting its natural protective properties. The formula is based on shea tree bark extract and Vichy thermal water.

Care for dry and rough skin Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer, Kiehl’s

Intensively restores the skin of the hands and feet, softening and moisturizing it due to the action of a complex of oils - avocado, shea, almond.

Nourishing and regenerating hand cream Nutrix Royal Mains, Lancôme

Nourishes and moisturizes the skin of the hands, protects from dryness. Contains shea butter, apricot, passionflower seeds, vitamin E.

Cream-gel against stretch marks Biovergetures, Biotherm

Prevents stretch marks, and makes those that exist less pronounced thanks to shea and soybean oils and vitamin E.

Serum for bust and décolleté area Super Bust Tense-In-Serum, Biotherm

The product with hyaluronic acid and Chrondrus Crispus algae extract significantly improves the shape of the breast, makes the skin more elastic and toned. Important: not recommended for use during feeding.

It is best to buy special cosmetics for pregnant women - they are the safest and most effective. © iStock

Application of cosmetics

What are the rules for using cosmetics during pregnancy?

1. Do not layer cosmetics. Firstly, the skin does not need extra stress, and secondly, if a reaction occurs, you will not understand what exactly it is.
2. Test each new product on a small area of ​​skin first.
3. Minimize your set of decorative cosmetics. If possible, use foundation less often (it is better to pay attention to care products with a tinting effect), powder, and eye shadow.

Hypoallergenic mascara, lipstick or lip gloss is your maximum program.

Use the remedy for stretch marks from the 12th week until the end of pregnancy. Apply it 2 times a day after a shower, gently rubbing into the skin. Do not stop using it, even if it seems that there will be no more new stretch marks.

You can learn how to take care of yourself during pregnancy. Also, what creams to use for the face, body and what to give preference when choosing decorative cosmetics.

Cosmetics for pregnant women - special skin care

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for every woman. During this period, the expectant mother tries to protect herself and the child as much as possible. She gives up bad habits, monitors her diet, becomes more picky about medications, and in some cases stops using cosmetics.

Any girl wants to be well-groomed and look great, regardless of whether she is pregnant or not. Should you give up cosmetics altogether if you see two lines on the test, or is there an alternative that will help pregnant women take care of themselves and remain beautiful?

Cosmetics for pregnant women: quality assessment criteria

Pregnancy care products should be selected individually for each skin type. You should always pay attention to the composition. The following components in cosmetics may cause irritation or allergies:

1. hormonal ingredients;
2. fruit acids;
3. mineral oils;
4. parabens;
5. zinc;
6. mercury;
7. essential oils with a high percentage;
8. retinol;
9. benzene.

During pregnancy, it is better to use natural cosmetics based on herbal ingredients. An ingredient of animal origin, the use of which is allowed for pregnant women, is shark oil. In some cases, you can take products based on whale fin extract. Other animal ingredients in cosmetics cause allergies.

List of decorative cosmetics that you should avoid during pregnancy

Women use decorative cosmetics every day, sometimes leaving it on their face for up to 10 hours a day. It is worth finding out which varieties are best not to use during pregnancy.

The use of thick foundation causes hormonal changes in appearance. This could be acne, irritation or allergies due to the fact that the pores of the face become severely clogged.

Nail polishes are not always classified as decorative cosmetics, but still, it is important to know that they contain toluene. This chemical is very harmful for pregnant women. It can negatively affect the development of the child if the expectant mother inhales its fumes.

During pregnancy, you should avoid using cheap lipsticks. They may contain aggressive chemical dyes, as well as some heavy metal components. It is better to use light-colored moisturizing balms or light lip glosses.

Shadows cause excessive sweating of the eyelid skin. Often during pregnancy, women already face this problem. If you want your skin to breathe, try to keep your eyeshadow use to a minimum.

The coloring components include nickel, iron oxide, and chromium. They can be very dangerous to the eyes. Black dyes are considered less toxic, while colored dyes can be very irritating to the mucous membranes of the eyes.

What is the best cosmetics for the delicate skin of a pregnant woman?

When pregnancy occurs, the skin of the expectant mother changes due to hormonal changes in the body. It may become oilier, drier, and prone to rashes or allergies. Therefore, all products must be selected for the skin type that a woman currently has. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the top skin care products for the face and body, as well as decorative cosmetics that should be used during pregnancy.

TOP skin care products for body and face

The presence of cellulite and stretch marks can be very frustrating for an expectant mother. Therefore, we offer for your information means to combat these “enemies of the figure.”

To keep your face smooth and soft, it also requires careful care. Every day it is exposed to the influence of sun, wind, frost and other weather conditions.

Facial skin care products:

1. Toleran gel foam from La Roche-Posay;
2. serum Mat-Chrono from Lierac;
3. cream BIO Rose Logona;
4. Aqualia Thermal gel from Vichy;
5. serum from LV;
6. Avalon Organics Ultimate Night Cream;
7. Black Pearl cream, free of fragrances and dyes.

TOP list of natural-based decorative cosmetics without allergens

Unfortunately, not all brands of decorative cosmetics indicate that they are organic or hypoallergenic. Therefore, pay attention to the composition.

TOP 7 natural decorative cosmetics:

1. 1) lipstick Dr. Hauschka;
2. 2) Lavera mascara;
3. 3) Bell Cosmetics НYPOAllergenic Soft Сolour Moisturizing Lipstick;
4. 4) Living Nature eyeliner;
5. 5) Magic Eyes Color Me shadows;
6. 6) mascara Hypnôse Volume à Porter, Lancôme;
7. 7) eyeshadow COULEUR CARAMEL.

Can anti-wrinkle creams be used during pregnancy?

The years go by and, unfortunately, every woman’s skin does not get better. On the contrary, facial wrinkles appear, which only visually add extra years. Therefore, women often resort to using anti-wrinkle creams. But is it possible to use them while pregnant? Will they be harmful to both the mother and the unborn baby?

If there is an urgent need to use anti-aging creams, then it is better to give preference to the Vichy Liftactive anti-wrinkle product. It is considered the safest for pregnant women.

How often can you use hand cream during pregnancy if your skin is dry?

Dry hand skin is a common occurrence for pregnant women. The reason for this may be due to insufficient fluid intake, poor diet, and finally, due to changes in hormonal balance.

Before we talk about using hand creams, you need to start by cleansing and toning your skin. Use liquid cream soap that does not dry out the skin. From time to time you can make nourishing moisturizing hand masks.

In winter, do not forget about proper protection. An hour before going outside, use nourishing cream and always wear gloves when going outside.

Hand cream can become harmful to the woman and the fetus only if it contains substances prohibited for pregnant women. Choose environmentally friendly creams and use them as needed: some will need it twice a day, others more.

Safe body creams: list of popular ones

Not all pregnancy creams are safe. Some of them cause real harm to the mother and the unborn baby. When choosing a body cream, give preference to the following:

1. 1) Solutions body maximum makeover from Avon;
2. 2) Slim extreme serum from Eveline;
3. 3) Mamma Donna from Chicco;
4. 4) Cream with placenta Evinal;
5. 5) Mama Comfort for stretch marks;
6. 6) Indulgent body cream from Avent;
7. 7) Scrub, mask, gel cream from Green mama.

Important requirements for choosing cosmetics during pregnancy

As already mentioned, cosmetics for pregnant women must be natural, based on herbal ingredients. Pay attention to the presence of the following substances:

These ingredients can not only cause an allergic reaction in the mother, but also become dangerous for the unborn child.

Each pregnant woman must decide for herself whether to use skin care products and decorative cosmetics or not. At the same time, she must remember the harm these drugs can cause to her and her child. If there is an urgent need for their use, you should give preference to cosmetics based on natural ingredients.

Useful video

Representatives of the fair sex always want to remain feminine and attractive, especially when they are preparing to become mothers. However, during this period their body undergoes great changes. Due to hormonal imbalance, expectant mothers get tired faster, many of them complain of swelling, dry skin, and stretch marks. Due to a lack of vitamins, the skin becomes dull, a capillary network and a rash appear. This is why it is so important to provide your skin and hair with proper care.

Cosmetics for pregnant women should be safe and consist of natural ingredients. Buy products labeled “organic cosmetics for pregnant women.” Cosmetics for stretch marks are especially relevant during pregnancy. In addition, you should worry about caring for your face, hair, and feet.

Choosing cosmetics for pregnant women

The expectant mother can consult a gynecologist and cosmetologist about the choice of care products. The first specialist knows about the individual characteristics of the pregnant woman’s body, and the second will help you choose the appropriate means. The choice of cosmetics depends on the duration of pregnancy and the general condition of the woman.

If the expectant mother independently selects a “beauty arsenal,” then she must be guided by the following considerations:

• It is recommended to purchase products labeled “cosmetics for pregnant and nursing mothers.” During the development of these products, the changes that occur in a woman’s body are taken into account.

• Avoid decorative cosmetics (foundation, mascara, lipstick, etc.), which contain a large amount of chemicals. Give preference to products based on plant extracts, oils and vitamins.

• Due to hormonal imbalance, the skin condition of the expectant mother worsens. As a result, the likelihood of age spots, stretch marks, dryness, or, conversely, increased fat content increases. You need to prepare for such troubles in advance and purchase means to prevent them. For example, creams for stretch marks will help maintain skin elasticity even after childbirth.

• Always check the expiration date before purchasing cosmetics. Do not under any circumstances buy a product if it is expired, as this can lead to not only allergies, but also a deterioration in your general condition. By the way, organic cosmetics always have a short shelf life.

• Study reviews about the cosmetic product you are interested in; if there are a lot of negative responses, then discard this product.

• Decorative cosmetics for pregnant women should be hypoallergenic. Otherwise, the likelihood of an allergic reaction increases. This happens because the expectant mother’s body becomes very sensitive and reacts poorly even to the products she used previously.

It is strongly recommended to entrust the selection of cosmetics to qualified specialists.

Application of cosmetics

The body of each pregnant woman is individual and unique, and therefore the reaction to any cosmetic products (even natural ones) can be unpredictable. Therefore, before using any product, you should consult a gynecologist. Otherwise, the likelihood of negative phenomena that worsen the woman’s condition increases and disrupts the development of the fetus. Even those products that have been approved by a doctor should be used very carefully, and if adverse reactions occur, stop using them.

To avoid negative consequences, follow these rules:

• Remedies for stretch marks are recommended to be used from the beginning of the 2nd trimester twice a day (after a shower). The cream is applied to problem areas (stomach, chest, thighs) and gently rubbed in.

• To ensure that facial cosmetics (creams, tonics, milks, scrubs and gels) for pregnant women do not cause side effects, use them once a day. It is recommended to use them before going to bed, and then in a minimal amount.

• For makeup, use hypoallergenic mascara and lipstick. Tinting the face with cream or powder is allowed only in rare cases in the presence of pronounced defects, for example, pigmentation. Avoid contour pencils and shadows. If care products are needed to eliminate dermatological problems, then decorative cosmetics only disguise them, and therefore its use should be kept to a minimum.

• To prevent severe hair loss after childbirth, regularly use burdock oil until then. Give preference to organic shampoos and other safe hair products.

• It is not recommended to expose hair to chemicals during pregnancy. If you really want to change your hair color, consult your doctor before the procedure.

Natural cosmetics for pregnant women can preserve the beauty of the expectant mother and prevent many negative consequences of childbirth.

Care products during pregnancy

Pregnancy does not have the best effect on the condition of facial skin:

• Skin type changes. Due to an increase in estrogen concentration, the production of oil in the skin glands decreases. That is, oily skin becomes normal, and dry skin becomes even drier.
• Skin sensitivity increases, irritation, redness, and allergic reactions occur.
• Spider veins appear due to vasodilation.
• Pigment spots appear.
• Due to disruption of the sebaceous glands, acne occurs.

Dry skin needs a moisturizing cream, while oily skin needs a nourishing one.

The best cosmetics for pregnant women to cleanse the skin of the face: Natura Siberica, Dr.Hauschka, Weleda, Santaverde, etc.

In addition, do not forget about UV protection for your face; for gentle care, choose products with a high SPF level.

The most popular facial cosmetics:

• Moisturizing and refreshing Weleda cream based on iris and jojoba oil restores and smoothes the skin.
• Green mama with pine nuts and sea buckthorn oil is suitable for aging, dry skin.
• Sebium cleansing gel carefully removes impurities without causing allergies.
• Bioscreen sun cream with SPF-50 protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Conquer stretch marks on the stomach, hips, buttocks and chest Effective and safe body cosmetics will help:

• Topfer oil based on olive, argan oil, ginger extract provides gentle care and increases skin elasticity.
• Creams and oils from Mama Comfort with grapefruit oil provide comprehensive care for the skin of the body.
• Weleda oil with arnica extract, jojoba and almond oil prevents stretch marks and cellulite.
• 9 Months cream nourishes, soothes, prevents stretch marks.
• Scrub La Recolte des Plantes No. 2 relieves swelling, eliminates tired legs, cleanses the skin, etc.

Hand cosmetics must also be organic, that is, as in previous cases, it must not contain chemicals. If you cannot imagine yourself without a manicure, then give preference to home treatments and varnishes without toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde. Nail polish remover should not contain acetone.

For the treatment of fragility and hair loss or to prevent this condition, appropriate natural shampoos should be used. Hair cosmetics for pregnant women should contain mild cleansing ingredients.

For coloring or strengthening It is recommended to use henna and basma. Twice a week, make hair masks based on vegetable oils. In addition, it is recommended to massage the scalp with a soft brush to activate blood flow and stimulate hair growth.

Cosmetics for intimate hygiene pregnant women should have a pH level of 5.5. Hypoallergenic products delicately cleanse the genitals and do not dry out the delicate mucous membranes. This is explained by the fact that they do not contain aromatic additives or fragrances.

Hazardous components

Before purchasing cosmetics, check them for the presence of the following components:

• Retinol (vitamin A) in large doses interferes with fetal development and is found in anti-aging products.
• Fragrances with phthalates damage the liver and kidneys and are often found in perfumes, lotions and deodorants.
• Skin lightening cosmetics that contain hydrochonine or glutathione act on the enzymes that produce melanin. Any disruption of the natural processes of skin formation negatively affects the fetus.
• Self-tanning with dihydroxyacetone provokes cancer, reproductive disorders and mutagenic effects.
• 1.4-dioxane is a carcinogen that enters the body through the skin.

• Parabens contribute to the development of breast cancer and disrupt the reproductive system.
• Ethylene oxide softens very hard components and disinfects. Acts on the body as a carcinogen and mutagen.
• Cosmetics with hormones provoke an imbalance and negatively affect the development of the unborn child.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate, after penetration into the body, provokes intoxication, provided that its content in the product exceeds 2%.
• Benzene is a toxic substance that affects internal organs and bone tissue.

Safe cosmetics for pregnant women should not contain the substances described above.

Rating of cosmetics for expectant mothers

The modern market offers specially developed cosmetics for pregnant women, which are made from safe ingredients. Such products are hypoallergenic and undergo strict quality checks.

Recommended brands of cosmetics for pregnant women:

1. Mustela – these are high-quality and safe cosmetics with elasto-regulatory components, which provoke the production of elastin and collagen, restore the tone of the skin and subcutaneous muscles:

• Skin tightening gel increases elasticity, eliminates itching, a feeling of tightness, and accelerates the synthesis of epidermal fats.
• Stretch mark cream improves skin elasticity, used every day.
• Oil prevents stretch marks and makes the skin more elastic. Contains no parabens, phthalates or other chemicals.
• The serum strengthens the skin of the breast, making it more elastic.
• Foot cream strengthens blood vessels, softens, moisturizes the skin, and gives a feeling of coolness throughout the day.

2. Weleda is a line of natural cosmetics that prepares a woman’s body for childbirth:

• Oil to prevent ruptures during childbirth makes the perineal muscles softer and more elastic, used from 34 weeks of pregnancy.
• Oil prevents stretch marks on the chest, abdomen, hips, buttocks. Reduces even existing stretch marks.

• Venadoron is a tonic gel for legs that quickly eliminates heaviness, discomfort, and increases blood flow through the veins and lymphatic vessels.
• Weleda's almond facial series contains no essential oils, and as a result they do not cause allergies.
• Massage oil with arnica is used for the prevention and treatment of bruises, sprains, and cramps. The product improves blood circulation, warms muscles and strengthens tissue.

3. Cream for stretch marks Avent based on seaweed, papaya oil and Shea tree fruits, it increases skin elasticity, nourishes, moisturizes, and accelerates its regeneration. This effective product based on natural ingredients fights stretch marks and is suitable for use before and after childbirth.

4. Maternea – these are Bulgarian cosmetics for expectant mothers based on natural oils, vitamins, active biocomplexes:

• Stretch mark cream minimizes the risk of streaks appearing on the skin.
• Oil for increasing elasticity, with regular use, tightens the skin and reduces stretch marks.
• Breast firming cream maintains the shape of the mammary glands.
• Foot gel cools, soothes, eliminates all unpleasant symptoms associated with overload.

5. Baby Teva is an Israeli premium cosmetics for pregnant women. Gynecologists, obstetricians, dermatologists, etc. participated in the development of high-quality and safe products. Cosmetics based on herbal ingredients do not contain chemical additives or preservatives. Vegetable oils and extracts guarantee gentle care, preserving the youth and beauty of the expectant mother. The mandatory set of cosmetics for pregnant women includes:

• Oil to prevent ruptures.
• Oil to prevent varicose veins.
• Pain relieving oil used during childbirth.
• Plant extracts to strengthen hair.
• Natural cream and oil for stretch marks.

Thus, organic cosmetics for pregnant women will help maintain beauty and youth after childbirth. Entrust the choice of products to specialists who will select the most suitable products depending on the stage of pregnancy and the general condition of the body. If you select cosmetics yourself, then before purchasing, be sure to study the composition and pay attention to the expiration date.