Your guide to pregnancy-safe skincare

A considered approach to beauty for the modern mother

By: Woman's Day

Growing a baby comes with enough surprises without the added concern of whether your beauty products are safe to use. Dermatologists generally advise against the topical use of chemical sunscreens and ingredients such as retinoids, high-strength salicylic acid, and hydroquinone during pregnancy because of their potential for absorption and associated risks to fetal development. As a result, your well-acquainted skincare routine may require an overhaul.

At the same time, hormonal changes throughout pregnancy and postpartum can introduce a whole new set of concerns to treat, such as melasma, acne and increased sensitivity.

If there’s one pregnancy skincare product we swear by morning and night, it’s a deeply nourishing belly oil. Although it’s a genetic gamble whether a body oil can help prevent stretch marks from forming, a rich formulation will keep your tight, itchy skin supple and hydrated as it stretches over your growing bump.

Below, browse a curation of effective and pregnancy-safe skincare products from brands favoured by mothers in Aotearoa and worldwide, including brightening serums for pigmentation, natural retinol alternatives for treating fine lines, and C-section scar care.

The best breastfeeding and pregnancy-safe skincare brands in New Zealand

Tronque

Best for: Luxury bodycare for health-conscious individuals

Luxury New Zealand-made bodycare brand Tronque is free of ingredients commonly associated with endocrine disruptors, which may affect hormonal function.  This makes it a considered choice for those taking a closer look at their bodycare ingredients while trying to conceive.

We recommend:

• Scar Concentrate, $160, for reducing the appearance of scars.
• Firming Butter, $130, for deeply hydrating the skin.
• Natural Deodorant, $50, a natural alternative to conventional deodorants.

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