PREGNANCY SAFE SKINCARE

Pregnancy brings many beautiful changes to the body, but one change that is often overlooked is how pregnancy can affect our skin. Excess oil production, sudden skin sensitivities and pigmentation or melasma are common skin changes that many expecting women experience as their body’s work through hormonal fluctuations throughout pregnancy.

Some of these skin conditions can be frustrating as the only real solution in some cases is to accept that it’s part of your changing body and symptoms will eventually subside after you’ve given birth. It may be tempting to reach for over the counter treatments with persistent conditions such as hormonal acne or pigmentation, but it’s important to be aware that some skincare ingredients and prescription treatments will no longer be safe to use whilst pregnant.

Pregnancy is often a time when women really start to think about the ingredients they are ingesting and applying topically, as this can directly impact the baby. While natural is usually the best option when it comes to what we are consuming and applying to our bodies in general, this becomes even more important throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. If there was ever a time to be intentional with the ingredients you are applying to your skin, it’s during pregnancy.

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY

Studies show that some ingredients applied to the skin have the potential to enter the bloodstream where they may hinder the health and development of your growing baby. 

Experts recommend that you avoid the following ingredients throughout pregnancy:

Retinol (Vitamin A)

Vitamin A is crucial to the development of a baby’s growth, however too much has been linked to serious birth defects and liver toxicity. Found in prescription medications and skincare, all the experts agree that all Vitamin A derivatives should be avoided during pregnancy.

A safer alternative: LAMAV Bakuchiol 4% Natural Retinol Alternative

This 100% plant derived retinol alternative is becoming well known as a natural and gentle alternative to Retinol. Used traditionally in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, bakuchiol’s rich antioxidant profile helps to brighten and rejuvenate the skin while stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation without any of the harsh side effects that come with retinol use.

Benzoyl Peroxide

A common acne treatment known to fight blemish-causing bacteria, this can increase health risks to a growing baby and is best avoided during pregnancy.

A safer alternative: LAMAV Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser & Probiotic Toner

LAMAV’s Award winning Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser will deeply purify and assist to balance excess oil and hormonal breakouts. Containing a potent yet gentle blend of Mountain Pepper Leaf, Lactic and Fruit Acids to breakdown dead skin while reducing inflammation, you’ll experience a deep and calming cleanse.

LAMAV’s Probiotic Toner is formulated with a unique blend of probiotics to help balance the skin’s microbiome while reducing inflammation to minimise the occurrence and appearance of blemishes.

Salicylic Acid

If you’ve experienced breakouts, you’ve most likely heard of or used products containing Salicylic Acid. An effective BHA known for its ability to exfoliate the skin while penetrating deeply into the pore, it is unfortunately another no-no during pregnancy when using in high doses.

A safer alternative: LAMAV AHA Face Exfoliant 

This powerful 2-in-1 exfoliator encourages cellular turnover while breaking down dead skin cells for a deep clean. Fine Bamboo particles and Diatomaceous Earth gently remove dead cells for a brighter and clearer complexion.

Hydroquinone

This powerful skin lightener may be tempting to use, particularly if you’re experiencing pigmentation changes or melasma during your pregnancy. However, hydroquinone can easily absorb through the skin and experts recommend this is an ingredient to steer clear from during pregnancy. 

Harsh, synthetic skin lightening products is one of the reasons why LAMAV was created! Our founder Tarj experienced first-hand how pregnancy can impact skin changes and contribute to pigmentation and sensitivities. This experience is what led her to finding safe and effective solutions for common skin concerns.

A safer alternative: LAMAV Daily Vitamin C Serum

Containing clinically proven, certified organic ingredients to brighten, protect and promote an even skin tone, this daily serum offers a safe alternative to irritating skin lightening products. The combination of Vitamin C, Kakadu Plum and Turmeric Extract deliver on antioxidant rich, skin brightening powers. Organic Brown Seaweed has also been included thanks to its impressive clinical results to brighten and inhibit the enzyme responsible for pigmentation (tyrosinase) by 97% in just 60 days!

Fragrance

Fragrance (aka parfum) are ingredients that create scents and are capable of sensitising skin in the short and long term. Dermatologists recommend that all skin types stay away from fragrance as they are so disruptive to our skin barrier, and as our skin is often more sensitive throughout pregnancy this ingredient is definitely one to avoid.

Essential Oils

At LAMAV, we work with experienced formulators to ensure any essential oils added to our products are purposeful and within safe levels. However, as essential oils are capable of penetrating the skin and triggering potential changes, we recommend anyone who is pregnant consult with your doctor and complete a thorough patch test prior to use.

PREGNANCY SAFE MAKEUP

If you’re experiencing increased sensitivity or breakouts thanks to pregnancy hormones it might be time to switch up your makeup routine. We recommend swapping to a mineral foundation as they contain fewer ingredients, are breathable and lightweight - making them ideal for sensitive and acne prone skin. LAMAV’s mineral makeup range contains 100% natural mineral pigment and is infused with Vitamin C and organic rosehip to nourish and protect the skin as you wear it.

PREGNANCY SAFE BODY CARE

Baby Bump Care

Stretch marks are often a concern as your belly makes room for your baby. Whilst there’s no way to avoid the skin stretching throughout the many stages of pregnancy, keeping the skin well hydrated is the best way to minimise the appearance of stretch marks. Reach for LAMAV’s Nourish Ayurvedic Body Oil to lock in moisture and soothe stretched skin.

Switch to Mineral Sunscreen

While there’s disputing studies regarding the risk of using chemical based sunscreen, there are some great mineral sunscreens now available on the market, so why not take the uncertainty and risk away altogether? And don’t forget to avoid fragrance on your SPF ingredient label!

Switch to Natural Nail Polish Alternatives

Formaldehyde is a chemical often found in nail polish that can cause severe skin irritation and at higher levels may lead to respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure has been linked to certain types of cancer and it is recommended that you stay far away from this ingredient during pregnancy. Thankfully, there are plenty of natural and lower-risk nail polishes available on the market that don’t include formaldehyde.

Finding the right skin care can be overwhelming at the best of times, and when you add in a growing baby it can become even more confusing! We recommend certified organic skincare products wherever possible to limit your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals - with so many amazing natural alternatives available, it’s easy to choose organic!

Skincare and pregnancy is not a one size fits all scenario, and it’s important to note that skin sensitivity and reactions to ingredients can happen at any time, however are more likely throughout pregnancy. To limit the risk of reactions, we recommend patch testing any new product prior to full use and consulting with your medical practitioner if you are unsure of any product or ingredient.