Caring for Your Skin and Baby’s: 7 Pregnancy-Friendly and Baby Skincare Tips
Everyone talks about “pregnancy glow” but this is not always the case. The same hormonal changes that make some women look radiant cause other women to break out in acne and dark spots. Following a regular skincare routine throughout your pregnancy will help to keep your skin protected and healthy. These skincare practices remain important after pregnancy and some of them also extend to your baby. After all, babies have delicate skin that is thinner and more sensitive, making it vulnerable to a variety of irritants. Knowing how to care for both your skin and your baby’s will ensure that you’re both protected.
Choose the Right Sunscreen
Both you and your little one need sunscreen to prevent damage from the sun’s harmful UV radiation. There are two main types of sunscreens – physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens form a barrier on the skin to protect it but chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin. Some of the chemicals in chemical sunscreens such as Oxybenzone and Octinoxate could negatively impact your baby’s development. This is why it is important that you only use pregnancy-safe physical sunscreens while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Once your baby is six months or older, you will need to invest in a baby-safe sunscreen for your little one. Comparing the top baby sunscreens that have been vetted by independent experts will help you choose the one that is best suited for your baby’s needs.
2. Moisturize Regularly
Your skin is prone to dryness and irritation when you’re pregnant so you will need to use moisturizer on a daily basis. It’s best to use moisturizer after you shower as the oils in your lotion will trap the moisture within your skin to improve your skin tone. When choosing your moisturizer, look for one that is labelled “paraben-free” and “phthalate-free”. Parabens are used to increase the shelf life of cosmetics while phthalates are used as a binding agent – some studies suggest that prenatal exposure to these chemicals could interfere with growth and development. On the other hand, your baby will not need moisturizer on a daily basis as they don’t require daily baths. Typically, pediatricians recommend three baths per week during the first year. When picking a baby moisturizer, look for one that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
3. Be Careful with Essential Oils
While some essential oils such as lavender and ylang-ylang are considered safe for topical use, there are others that you should not use while you are pregnant. For instance, research on the safety of various essential oils during pregnancy found that essential oils such as cinnamon bark oil and oregano essential oil posed embryotoxicity risks (harmful to a developing embryo) while carrot seed oil can interfere with gestation. If you are considering using essential oils during your pregnancy, consult an aromatherapist who has been certified by the NTCB (Natural Therapies Certification Board) as well as your obstetrician. Babies have very sensitive skin so you should avoid using essential oils around them for the first three months. Discuss any essential oils you intend to use around your child with their pediatrician and find out the ratio of essential oil to carrier oil that they recommend you use.
4. Introduce Baby Skincare Products Gradually
Your baby’s skin is extremely sensitive, especially in the first few months so you need to introduce one skincare product at a time. This will allow you to isolate any product that causes a rash or allergic reaction. You should also apply a small amount of the product to your baby’s skin about 48 hours before using the product as this patch test will minimize any irritation.
5. Avoid Talcum Powder
When we think of baby skincare, the first item that comes to mind is talcum powder. For several decades, talcum powder was considered an absolute necessity for keeping a baby’s skin dry and preventing diaper rash. However, modern research shows that talcum powder poses a serious health risk because the fine particles can be inhaled and lead to respiratory problems. Furthermore, talcum powder can contain asbestos fibers which has been linked to a host of respiratory conditions. According to guidelines provided by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), parents should avoid talcum powder completely and if necessary, they can use a baby powder made with cornstarch instead.
6. Skip Abrasive Exfoliants
Exfoliating your skin helps to remove the uppermost layer of dead skin cells which can give you a smoother complexion. However, when you are pregnant, your skin is more sensitive so harsh exfoliants can do more harm than good. Swap your regular face scrub for a gentle exfoliant that contains oatmeal and use it just once a week to prevent irritation. You can also make your own exfoliant by applying pineapple juice to your face with a cotton pad. Keep it on for twenty minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm or cold water. Pineapple juice contains natural fruit enzymes that help to break down dead skin which makes it a gentle but effective exfoliant.
7. Use a Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatment
Some acne treatments are known to cause birth defects and should be completely avoided. For instance, studies show that isotretinoin causes birth defects in approximately 35% of babies who have been exposed during pregnancy. Even if the medication has only been taken for a short amount of time, there is still a risk to the baby. According to the recommendations of the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology Association) for acne skin care during pregnancy, you can use benzoyl peroxide in limited amounts after consulting your dermatologist or obstetrician.
