What are the safest decorative cosmetics for pregnant women and how to choose high-quality creams, lipsticks or shadows

Skin during pregnancy needs special care. Moreover, it changes and becomes more sensitive to the components contained in conventional cosmetics. It may turn out that your usual and favorite face cream suddenly becomes hated. To maintain the beauty and tone of the skin, a pregnant woman needs to carefully consider the choice of product. Some components can be harmful because they penetrate into the blood and lead to cell mutation. What should you think about in advance and how to navigate the variety of choices? You can learn about this from the article below.

Reasons to use the cream

Signs that become harbingers of dry skin:

• Dehydration.
• Long stay in a room with artificial ventilation, air conditioning, heating.
• Living in environmentally unfavorable conditions.
• Spending a long time in the open sun.
• Change of season.

Without sufficient intake of water and vitamins, the new cell has no chance of transforming into a healthy one. It’s no longer a secret that you need to drink from one and a half to two liters of water a day. However, the situation cannot be solved only by replenishing the water balance. It is worth remembering that the water should be without gas and at room temperature. Externally, the skin should also be protected. Otherwise, it becomes flabby and you will have to urgently look for a special cream for pregnant women for the face.

Effect of drugs

Many women regularly undergo procedures and take medications based on hyaluronic acid, as it provides an excellent anti-aging effect due to:

• smoothing out small wrinkles;
• significant reduction in deep;
• refreshing complexion;
• smoothing skin texture;
• accelerating natural regeneration;
• increasing lip volume;
• restoration of clarity of the oval of the face;
• slowing down destructive age-related changes;
• eliminating sagging and dry skin;
• smoothing stretch marks and small scars.

Skin types

The skin does not change its type depending on how far along the pregnancy the woman is. In total, it is customary to distinguish three types of dermis:

• Normal.
• Fatty.
• Combined.

Depending on weather conditions, age, hormonal levels, including during pregnancy, the skin can sometimes be prone to dryness or increased sebum production and become sensitive. You can choose a cream for pregnant women (for the face in particular) by conducting a home test. After washing and toning the dermis, before using the cream, it is enough to take a dry cloth, preferably a colored one, so that you can notice traces of sebum. It should be used to blot the skin on the forehead, near the wings of the nose, and on the cheeks.

Normal skin type is characterized by a natural pinkish tint, pores are invisible, and the surface is smooth. On the contrary, the oily type is characterized by an oily sheen; a woman may notice that the pores are enlarged. Because of this, the face may appear uneven, lumpy, and prone to acne.

The third type is characterized by the presence of dry and oily patches in certain areas of the face. Visually, you can draw the letter “T”, the base of which will go down the entire length of the nose to the chin, and touch the forehead from above. The skin with a combination type has an uneven shade, and acne may appear in places.

When is additional skin hydration needed?

It is a mistake to believe that only those who are prone to dry skin should use facial moisturizer for pregnant women. In order to bring it to a normal type, it is necessary to comply with the drinking regime. Pure water is the main source for the supply of moisture to the skin cell, which must receive it in sufficient quantities even at the nascent stage. In addition, cosmetologists recommend using high-quality skin care cosmetics. These can be entire series, which should also include a special face cream for pregnant women.

A sharp change in hormonal levels and restructuring of the entire body are reflected in the appearance and, first of all, on the skin of the face. If a woman previously had no problems, then during pregnancy the dermis may become duller, prone to the formation of acne. And the problem may lie in the fact that the cells lack nutrients. You can compensate for the resulting deficiency by consuming vitamins and following a diet, sleep and rest, as well as choosing the right products for your facial skin.

Skin changes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body undergoes serious changes under the influence of hormones that affect appearance.

Moisturizing the skin during pregnancy is one of the important stages of care. © iStock

Dark spots

Of course, pigmentation can worry not only expectant mothers. But quite often it appears in the second trimester of pregnancy. The spots form something like a mask on the face, which is called the “mask of pregnant women.”

Doctors have another term for pigmentation, noticeable primarily on the face, neck and décolleté area - chloasma.

The reason is the increased level of hormones that prepare a woman for successful childbirth and breastfeeding. These same hormones provoke increased production of the pigment melanin (it is this pigment that, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, turns the skin dark). Due to hormonal changes, it is distributed unevenly in the skin.

The pigmentation process develops more actively with a lack of certain substances:

trace elements (copper, zinc, iron).

Prevention of stretch marks should begin from the first days of pregnancy. © iStock

Striae

This is nothing more than the well-known stretch marks. During pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone increases. On the one hand, this is good, since it has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles, preventing the uterus from contracting, and protects the body from miscarriage. On the other hand, the connective tissue of the dermis also becomes weaker. It is difficult for the skin to keep up with the rapidly growing volumes of the body, and then due to microtraumas of the subcutaneous tissue, rupture of collagen and elastin fibers, stretch marks appear at the site of overextension.

Most often, stretch marks are found on the chest, buttocks, thighs and abdomen.

Acne and increased sweating

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the ratio of hormones changes. This immediately affects the condition of the skin: in particular, the sebaceous and sweat glands begin to work more actively. The result is blackheads, pimples, excess shine, even for those who were previously unfamiliar with these problems.

The skin's reactivity and sensitivity to external irritants also increases.

Hair condition

During pregnancy, all processes in a woman’s body are aimed at creating optimal conditions for the growth and development of fetal cells. And all changes are associated with the construction of a new complex “mother-placenta-fetus” system, which is regulated at the hormonal level.

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Metabolic processes are accelerated.

The rate of division and life expectancy of cells, including skin cells, hair and nails, increases.

Due to the high level of female sex hormones, the cells of the hair follicles actively divide, which prevents hair loss and stimulates its growth.

The picture changes after childbirth, when the hormonal system returns to its previous mode of operation. The level of estrogen decreases, which means the rate of development of hair follicles slows down and increased hair loss may occur. This phenomenon is called postpartum alopecia, it lasts approximately 3-4 months after childbirth.

Important Components

There are a number of features in choosing cosmetics during the period when a woman is expecting a baby. It is worth listening to advice on choosing a face cream for pregnant women from experienced mothers and cosmetologists who do not recommend using products that contain hormones. This is why the composition of the product is very important.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body becomes vulnerable to various irritants; special attention should be paid to what components the cream is made from. Since it comes into direct contact with the skin, the risk of an allergic reaction should be minimized. Experienced mothers advise to study in advance the question of whether pregnant women can use face cream from a particular manufacturer. The buyer should pay attention to the packaging, which should contain detailed information about the manufacturer and composition of the product.

Application of cosmetics

What are the rules for using cosmetics during pregnancy?

• 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.
• Test each new product on a small area of ​​skin first.
• 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.

• Facial products (moisturizing or nourishing cream, cleansing products) can be used 2 times a day - morning and evening.
• Apply venotonics (medicines for heaviness in the legs and for the prevention of varicose veins) 1-2 times a day. If you are predisposed to varicose veins or spider veins, start using them from the 12th week of pregnancy. If not, in the third trimester, when you feel heaviness in your legs.
• If comedones and inflammatory elements appear, contact a cosmetologist so that a specialist can select an effective and safe product.

Unwanted Components

The pleasant smell of the product can distract and mislead even an experienced buyer. It happens that the baby’s usual cream during the waiting period will be blacklisted due to an unpleasant odor. Hormones and increased sweating are to blame, which leads to increased body odor. Therefore, when purchasing new cosmetics during pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid new fragrances. It is better if it has a neutral aroma, and the presence of alcohol-containing substances will be excluded among the other components. They have the unpleasant property of drying out the skin, which leads to flaking and dryness.

The presence of synthetic oils, fragrances with phthalates and parabens is also unacceptable in skin care cosmetics. However, this rule should be followed not only during the period when a woman is awaiting the birth of a baby, but also after childbirth. It is best to use hypoallergenic cosmetics or something from the medicinal series (if the woman had problems with her facial skin before pregnancy).

Protecting yourself from the sun

The choice of sunscreen cosmetics for pregnant women is important for everyone who is pregnant in the summer. The active sun is harmful, dries out the skin, provokes the appearance of age spots and irritation. It is important to choose creams with high SPF factors, at least 30+.

Waiting for a baby is a time of surprises that the body presents to us from time to time. In addition to constant changes in mood and culinary preferences, we notice unpleasant changes in the mirror. But any mother has the power to make the period enjoyable, without sacrificing beauty for the sake of the baby. A beautiful mother means a happy one, then the baby will be born healthy and happy.

Today, hyaluronic acid injections are super popular. It is used as a filler to fill deep wrinkles, as a means of effective rejuvenation and as a way to quickly tighten and improve skin condition. But is it possible to use it while being in an “interesting position”? How compatible are hyaluronic acid and pregnancy? Since these questions concern many, we asked experienced specialists to answer them.

Vitamins and sunscreen

The intake of vitamins and antioxidant complexes into the body should occur constantly. This is not to say that cosmetics containing them should be used only during certain periods. Body cells need them constantly. Therefore, even if a woman takes dietary supplements, this does not mean that attention should not be paid to their presence in face cream. As a rule, manufacturers separately indicate that the product contains some special oil or vitamins.

Antioxidants play an important role as they prevent premature skin aging. This is especially important during periods when there is a lot of sun, such as in summer. This is also true for those who live in southern countries. Long exposure to the sun provokes the formation of age spots. A sun filter will help protect your skin, and the higher its value, the more effective it is.

Properties of hyaluronic acid

The popularity of hyaluronic acid in cosmetology is due to its unique properties. Firstly, it is a completely natural drug, which is obtained by processing biomaterials. Hyaluronic acid is part of all tissues of the human body, so it is very easily perceived by it. It attracts and holds water molecules, providing soft tissues with long-lasting hydration and volume.

Preparations based on it are hypoallergenic; complications and side effects are extremely rare. Moreover, it is possible to compensate for its deficiency in the body, which forms with age, through its external use, oral administration or subcutaneous administration. Naturally, the injection technique gives the fastest and most significant results.

What should not be used?

Before you go shopping, you need to research which face creams can be used by pregnant women. Some components can be very harmful, for example, carcinogens. They allow the product to retain its properties, but at the same time, when entering the body, they negatively affect it. Known to many, parabens, which are classified as preservatives, tend to accumulate in the body. They cause the greatest harm to the reproductive system; in excess, they provoke the development of a cancerous tumor.

Also, do not confuse products with each other and apply to your face what is intended for the whole body. For example, many people know Avent products for pregnant women, but they do not have a separate face cream. But there are skin care products for stretch marks and breast skin care. Proper use of the product allows you to achieve the effect advertised by the manufacturer and not cause harm to your body.

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:

• moisturizer with high SPF protection for the face;
• nourishing hand cream;
• body exfoliator;
• thick body cream;
• refreshing, anti-fatigue foot cream.

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

Pigmentation

Pigmentation often occurs during pregnancy, and many women who are against this reaction of the body want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Creams with whitening and exfoliating effects are used. Unscrupulous manufacturers often add components such as glutathione or hydroquinone. These ingredients have a detrimental effect on the production of melanin enzymes. The list of undesirable ingredients also includes retinol, which during pregnancy can lead to mutation in cells. It easily penetrates the layers of the skin, entering the bloodstream.

Methods of application

As mentioned above, there are three ways to compensate for the lack of hyaluronic acid in the body: injection, taking tablets or capsules, using it in masks and creams. The features of each of them and its compatibility with pregnancy are worth considering in more detail.

Injections

The answer to the question whether it is possible to inject hyaluronic acid-based drugs into patients during pregnancy is clearly negative. And that's why:

• the risk of developing an allergic reaction increases;
• the sensitivity of the skin changes and injections become very painful;
• it is not possible to use even local anesthesia;
• in case of complications, it is possible to prescribe antibiotics, which are contraindicated for pregnant women;
• the risk of developing hyperpigmentation at puncture sites increases;
• Some drugs enter directly into the bloodstream and can affect the development of the fetus.

Moreover, the ban applies to all types of injection cosmetology: hyaluronic acid cannot be injected with a regular syringe, mesotherapy cannot be done with a dermaroller, and, moreover, a fractional laser cannot be used.

Tablets and capsules

Oral preparations with hyaluronic acid appeared relatively recently, but quickly became a new trend in the beauty industry. They allow you to rejuvenate not only the skin, but also the entire body from the inside, increasing the effectiveness of other cosmetic procedures. Moreover, they help to quickly cure a number of diseases and are useful for:

• Arthritis and arthrosis. Hyaluronic acid is able to restore damaged cartilage and joint tissue, relieve inflammation and pain, and increase mobility.
• Burns and wounds. Since it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Hyaluronic acid is often prescribed after laser peels.
• Recovery after plastic surgery. Since hyaluronic acid stimulates regeneration processes, sutures heal faster, and the risk of implant rejection is significantly reduced.
• Eye diseases. The largest amount of hyaluronic acid in the human body is in the vitreous body of the eyeball. Therefore, it is good for restoring vision.

In rare cases, internal administration of hyaluronic acid is allowed during pregnancy for medicinal purposes. But its dosage is strictly calculated by the doctor, and treatment is carried out under medical supervision. Pregnant women should not buy or take such pills on their own.

Masks and creams

Masks and creams with hyaluronic acid can be used during pregnancy if there is no allergy to it. At the same time, the integrity of the skin is not compromised, and without the use of injections or electrical procedures, the molecules cannot penetrate the hydrolipidic barrier and remain on the surface of the skin, well moisturizing and smoothing it.

The only negative is that many women often experience swelling around the middle of the second trimester. The use of hyaluronic acid can significantly enhance it, as it attracts water and retains it. Therefore, such means are not recommended:

• apply under the eyes;
• use at night;
• apply in a dry place.

Natural creams and homemade masks prepared according to folk recipes can be a worthy alternative to hyaluronic acid. Compositions based on oatmeal, lactic acid products, honey, and natural oils are harmless and very effective for smoothing the skin.

"Our mother". Products

A wide range of products for pregnant women from the Our Mom brand allows you to choose a product not only for a newborn, but also for his mother. Many women advise using cosmetics that are suitable for children's skin. However, it is worth considering that it is denser and oilier. Such products are more suitable for those with dry skin types, since the cream contains fat. But if a pregnant woman’s skin is more prone to oily skin, then you should refrain from such a purchase. In order not to clog the pores even more and prevent increased sebum production, cosmetologists advise choosing a light lotion. For combination skin, a cream lotion is suitable. The softer and more delicate texture is quickly absorbed and does not leave behind a greasy sheen.

We have several products that can be used by both the mother during pregnancy and the newborn. For example, if irritation appears on the face or body, which especially often bothers sensitive skin, a special baby cream will allow you to easily and quickly eliminate it. The composition includes vitamins A and E, as well as extracts of calendula, chamomile and string.

Weleda

One of the popular products for pregnant women is Weleda face cream based on almond and plum kernel oils. Do not be alarmed by the presence of alcohol in the composition; it is intended to combat irritations. After using the product, even minor rashes go away, and, judging by the reviews of experienced mothers, it effectively combats skin changes during pregnancy. Thanks to almond oil, the skin softens and acquires a uniform appearance. It is advisable to use it on a daily basis in the morning and after evening toilet.

In addition, you can find cream with calendula on sale, which nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The product is well absorbed and does not leave a greasy sheen. Moms recommend using it on a daily basis. The composition of the cream is so safe that it can be applied to the baby’s skin while walking.

Sensibio by Bioderma

Cosmetologists also recommend using the French cream “Sensibio AR”, which turns out to be very effective during pregnancy. It is intended for the care of sensitive skin, as well as for frequent irritation and peeling. The light texture of the cream is very pleasant and comfortable to apply. If a woman has problems with pigmentation, then cosmetologists advise applying this skin whitening product. After application, the effect of radiance and hydration remains. The composition includes extracts of algae, soybean, camellia, ginkgo biloba and canola oil.

Pregnant women are recommended to use the cream on a daily basis, as well as for use under makeup. To achieve the greatest effect, you can combine the cream with another from the same series - Sensibio Forte.

The best choice for pregnant women – what does the expectant mother’s skin need?

The requirements for the production of creams for expectant mothers are quite high, but on the shelves you can see many brands of expensive and affordable ones. Russian and foreign companies are vying with each other to offer facial products for use during pregnancy. We offer a list of cosmetic brands that have earned the best recommendations.

Buyer ratings are topped by:

• Avent
• Weleda
• Mustela
• Our mother.
• Mom Comfort.
• Chicco.
• Helan Linea Mamma.

These creams have different purposes: some protect from UV rays, others nourish, and others moisturize. The composition is different everywhere, but completely safe and approved by dermatologists. There is no universal cream for all occasions. For nutrition and hydration, day and night care, you need fundamentally different products.

How to properly care for your facial skin during pregnancy: