5 Steps To A Pregnancy Skincare Routine For Summer

As summer begins and the sun is shining (sigh, how good does that feel?) it’s essential to adapt your skincare routine to keep your skin nourished and hydrated. If you’re pregnant, then summer skincare can bring another set of challenges, as you look for pregnancy-safe products too. Today, we’re sharing a five step skincare routine that’s pregnancy-safe and perfect for summer.

Pregnancy skincare routine: what to know before you get started

Pregnancy comes with many changes to your body inside and out – and that includes your skin! During pregnancy, your hormones may make your skin more sensitive than usual, so  you may want to look for products that are free from parabens and phthalates, as these can irritate sensitive skin. 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause your skin to lose elasticity, resulting in dry skin. Though your skin may be more dry, it also secretes more oil, which could cause acne breakouts, especially during the first trimester. These hormones can also cause melasma, a skin condition common during pregnancy where dark patches of hyperpigmentation appear on your skin. 

5-step pregnancy skincare routine:

Step 1: Cleanse

Start by gently cleansing your skin from makeup, sunscreen, and buildup from sweat and dirt. During the summer, when you sweat more and may have more oil buildup than usual, double-cleansing can help clear the buildup in your pores. The double-cleanse method uses oil and water-based cleansers to clean your skin at different levels. 

First, apply an oil-based cleanser on dry skin and rinse with water to cleanse your skin of makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. Then, use a water-based cleanser for a deeper clean into your pores to prevent buildup that can cause breakouts. 

Here are some cleansers our community loves:

1. Oil-based cleanser: Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

2. Water-based cleanser: Vanicream Facial Cleanser

Step 2: Exfoliate

After cleansing, the next step is exfoliation to remove the layer of dead skin cells on your skin’s surface and clear out excess oils. Exfoliation is especially beneficial during the summer when your skin produces more oil due to the increased heat and humidity. However, be careful not to exfoliate too much because your sensitive skin may be more susceptible to overdrying and irritation during pregnancy. You should aim to exfoliate once or twice a week, but if your skin becomes irritated, skip exfoliation and give your skin a break.

There are two types of exfoliants: 

Physical exfoliants

Physical exfoliants are facial scrubs that use small particles to remove dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Physical exfoliants are best for oily skin types that can handle rougher exfoliation. During pregnancy, avoid harsh scrubs with large particles that could be abrasive and irritate your skin. Instead, choose scrubs with fine granules that are more gentle.

A physical exfoliant that our community loves: Procoal Face Scrub

Chemical exfoliants 

Chemical exfoliants are acids that loosen dead skin cells without physical scrubbing. These exfoliants are better for sensitive and dry skin types that need more gentle exfoliation. Topical exfoliants with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are safe for pregnancy when used in low doses (NHS), and the ingredients are often found in spot treatments. However, it’s not recommended to take oral medications with these ingredients as some scientists have found they can be dangerous during pregnancy. 

You can also opt for glycolic acid or lactic acid exfoliants that are more gentle and generally considered safe for pregnancy when in a concentration of less than 10%. This ingredient can speed the turnover of skin cells that might otherwise make your skin look dry and dull.

Although research is limited on the use of glycolic acid during pregnancy, studies that are available suggest that women probably won’t experience any adverse reactions to glycolic acid during pregnancy, but remember your skin changes, so it is possible. 

If you think you’re having an adverse reaction to a product during pregnancy, seek attention as soon as possible. 

A chemical exfoliant that our community loves: The Inkey List Glycolic Acid

Step 3: Apply serums

Next, apply pregnancy-safe serums to address your main skin concerns, from dryness and acne to redness and hyperpigmentation. 

Pregnancy-safe serums

Use serums with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C that have been found to be safe for pregnancy to treat your skin concerns. 

• Hyaluronic acid: A hyaluronic acid serum will hydrate your skin and help it to retain moisture. Our community loves: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid

• Niacinamide: Niacinamide serums can help treat acne, hyperpigmentation, and redness, and they produce ceramides that help the skin retain moisture. Our community loves: The Inkey List Niacinamide

  Vitamin C: Vitamin C serums brighten your skin, reducing redness and dark under-eye circles. It also boosts collagen production, which is beneficial for you and your baby’s development. Our community loves: CeraVe Vitamin C Serum.

Serums to avoid during pregnancy

• Retinol: Retinol serums, used for anti-aging and acne treatment, are a product you should not use during pregnancy. Retinol is a form of vitamin A, a vitamin that is important for your baby’s development, but could lead to birth defects if used in excess amounts when pregnant. The recommended amount of vitamin A for pregnant women is 770 micrograms of vitamin A per day, which can be achieved through eating a healthy diet and taking prenatal vitamins. Since retinol has a high amount of vitamin A, skip your retinol serums when pregnant and use a safe serum instead.

• Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is often used to treat hyperpigmentation and melasma. However, you should not use it when pregnant or breastfeeding because it has a high absorption rate into the bloodstream and could be harmful. 

Step 4: Moisturize

Moisturizer helps to replace the moisture lost from the heat to soothe and hydrate your skin, preventing dry patches and creating a dewy glow. Keeping your skin hydrated will also help with dryness caused by pregnancy. Choose a simple hydrating moisturizer free from fragrance to replenish your skin without irritating it. To protect your skin barrier, look for ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that maintain elasticity and seal in moisture.

A moisturizer that our community loves: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

Step 5: Apply sunscreen

The most important step in your skincare routine during the summer – and all year round! –  is sunscreen, especially when pregnancy leaves your skin more susceptible to the sun. You should use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and broad-spectrum protection on your face daily to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Sun protection can also help prevent melasma, patches of discoloration that can develop during pregnancy. Studies have found that mineral sunscreens are better for pregnancy than chemical sunscreens because they block UV rays from penetrating the surface of your skin without seeping into it. 

A Zinc oxide sunscreen that our community loves : Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Sunscreen.

During pregnancy, avoid chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone or avobenzone that could be harmful when pregnant. 

The takeaway

Taking care of your skin during pregnancy is essential, especially during the summer when your skin is more susceptible to damage. With these five steps, you can create an effective and safe pregnancy skincare routine to maintain healthy skin and your pregnancy glow throughout the season. From using sunscreen to avoiding harsh chemicals, there are many simple ways to care for your skin while staying safe during pregnancy. Always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before introducing new products into your routine. With a safe pregnancy skincare routine, you can enjoy the summer sun while keeping your skin healthy and radiant during this exciting time. 

Psst… You can purchase all the products you need for your pregnancy skincare routine here!

Do you have any other tips for a summer pregnancy skincare routine? Let us know in the comments!

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