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Pregnancy involves a lot of changes. Whether it’s the vitamins you take, your exercise routine or what you eat, many things you used to do or consume before, during, and after pregnancy may not be suitable temporarily. When it comes to your skincare routine, we have good news: You can most likely keep the majority of the products you have stashed in your medicine cabinet. After all, a calming skincare routine is self care, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice something you look forward to on the daily. There are a few things to avoid, though, so we asked Dr. Ashley Magovern, The Dermstore’s Medical Director, about the ingredients you’ll want to stay away from during pregnancy and ones that your skin needs during this time of transition.
When you’re perusing the beauty aisles while pregnant, Magovern says that “Choosing products that contain the right ingredients absolutely matter during this time.” Some ingredients she says are safe to use include alpha hydroxy acids, which brighten the skin; glycolic acids, which accelerate cellular turnover; and vitamin C, which helps aid your body in repairing damaged cells. Now, for ingredients to avoid if you’re expecting. Magovern says the most common things she tells expecting patients to avoid is any ingredients that stem from vitamin A, such as retinol and tretinoin. She also says to avoid products that contain salicylic acid, which is a common acne-fighting ingredient in many products. While you may be tempted to use this ingredient because many pregnant women experience acne, she says you should leave this one on the shelf for now. That also goes for benzoyl peroxide as well, which may have potential negative effects on a fetus.
Magovern recommends cleansing twice a day and to use a vitamin C serum or a glycolic acid product to follow-up. If that’s too much for your skin, keep a close eye on your skin’s reaction and alternate if needed. “Increasing use as tolerated can help, and I usually recommend moisturizing after these products, so continuing to do that should help as well — and don’t forget the sunscreen in the morning,” says Magovern. Below, we’ve rounded up some of Magovern’s top safe-skincare picks, along with a few others we’re loving for dewy, hydrated skin. As always, before trying new products, consult your doctor first to make sure they are suitable for you.
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Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Image Credit: Farmacy Melt the day away with this cleansing balm. It feels like butter (in a good way) when you work it into a lather as it dissolves all of your makeup and traces of grime from your day. Not only does it give you a deep clean, but the formula leaves your skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth. It’s also fragrance-free and has gentle ingredients like sunflower seed oils and papaya enzymes to exfoliate.
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Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
Image Credit: Vintner's Daughter If you’re searching for an exceptional serum, consider this one from Vintner’s Daughter. It’s crafted from 22 “world’s most nutrient-rich botanicals for nourishing and restorative moisture.” The serum also helps control blemishes. Just use a few drops and massage them into your skin, and enjoy!
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Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
Image Credit: Youth To The People This superfood cleanser is to earn a spot on the favorites list. It has. green tea, spinach, and vitamins to help balance the skin’s pH balance and cleanse. There is also kale, which is packed with vitamins C and E to leave skin glowing.
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Versine Illuminate & Refine Serum for Sensitive Skin
Image Credit: Versine This serum for sensitive skin has OBGYN/pregnancy safe stamped right into the description, but if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. It’s the easiest way to keep up with your regular anti-aging skincare habit while you’re pregnant. Gentle yet effective ingredients like niacinamide work to reduce the apperance of fine lines and wrinkles and keep skin hydrated.
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Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Image Credit: Sunday Riley Rapidly brighten your skin with this vitamin C and glycolic acid brightening serum from cult-favorite brand Sunday Riley. Suitable for all skin types, this powerful formula helps enhance skin tone, and minimize the appearance of pores and plumps. To use, apply one to two pumps in the morning and night after cleansing.
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Glytone Rejuvenating Lotion
Image Credit: Glytone Best for normal to oily skin, this ultra-hydrating lotion exfoliates dead skin cells while moisturizing lackluster skin. Made with glycolic acid, this formula can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation that often results from pregnancy, as well as acne and fine lines. You’ll want to reach for this lightweight formula that will leave skin smoother without creating excess oil.
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Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
Image Credit: Summer Fridays Give skin a boost with this clean-beauty mask that will take you on a trip to happier, glowing skin. Soothe thirsty skin, improve uneven tone, and brighten dull skin with this vitamin E and C rich formula. Sodium hyaluronate increases skin’s natural moisture content, while arginine is an amino acid that is the building block of proteins.
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SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser
Image Credit: SkinCeuticals Safe enough to use daily, this powerful, yet gentle cleanser features glycolic acid, phytic acid, and aloe barbadensis leaf extract. The formula helps promote cell turnover and removes impurities and long-wearing makeup. It’s ideal if you have sun damage, fine lines or hyperpigmentation.
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SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex
Image Credit: SkinMedica This genius product gradually releases throughout the day, for long-term benefits. Vitamins C and E help promote collagen production and create a brighter, more luminous complexion. Apply after cleansing and toning for best results.
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Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
Image Credit: Sunday Riley When you need serious moisturizing backup, look to Sunday Riley. The clean beauty brand uses cutting-edge technology to create outstanding products that are safe, yet effective. This deep-hydrating cream is made with the highest standard of vitamin C, which is jar stable, powerful, and highly targeted. It’s also significantly less irritating than other types of vitamin C, provides anti-oxidant support, and fights damage caused by sun exposure. Consider this your partner in skincare crime.
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SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
Image Credit: SkinCeuticals Unlike other serums, this highly effective formula can last for up to 72 hours after application once it’s absorbed into the skin. While it’s on the pricier side, the ingredients and quality justify the dollar signs. Made with vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, this serum helps enhance antioxidant benefits, neutralizes free radicals and shields skin from oxidative stress.
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