Every Pregnant Women's Safe Skincare Survival Kit for Healthy Skin

Pregnancy brings significant changes to a woman's body, including how her skin behaves and reacts to products. Many expectant mothers become more conscious about what skincare they apply to their skin in pregnancy, as certain ingredients can potentially be absorbed into the bloodstream and reach the developing baby. Natural skincare offers a gentler approach that can address pregnancy-related skin concerns while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Using Natural Skincare During Pregnancy

The concern about conventional skincare during pregnancy stems from compelling scientific evidence about skin absorption. Our skin is not simply a barrier but a permeable organ—studies show that certain chemicals in personal care products can enter the bloodstream through dermal absorption. During pregnancy, these substances may cross the placental barrier and reach the developing fetus whose detoxification systems are still immature.

Conventional skincare products often contain potentially problematic ingredients. This could include 

•  Parabens

• Phthalates

• chemical sunscreens. 

Some of these compounds have been identified as endocrine disruptors that may interfere with hormonal balance—particularly concerning during pregnancy when hormonal regulation is crucial for fetal development. For example, retinoids, commonly found in anti-aging products, have been linked to birth defects when used in oral form, raising caution about topical application as well.

During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can also often lead to skin changes such as increased sensitivity, dryness, or the infamous "pregnancy glow." Some women also experience melasma (darkening patches on the face), acne, or stretch marks. While these changes are normal, they prompt many to reassess their skincare routines. Adopting a clean and organic pregnancy skincare routine is crucial to be able to protect yourself during this time of your life. 

How Does Skin Change During Pregnancy? 

It’s not new news at all - pregnancy-related skin changes are vast and vary for every woman. Hormones, and fluctuations in your cardiovascular system, can cause skin changes.

Some people may have 9 months of flawless skin. Others can have unfavorable skin conditions during their pregnancy. 

Some of the most common skin changes to account for in any pregnancy survival kit include -

1. Melasma: Hormonal fluctuations can cause pigmentation or darkened patches, known as melasma. This "mask of pregnancy,” develops in 50% of pregnancies during the second trimester.
   
   
2. Acne: If you thought your teen years were bad, then pregnancy might take you by surprise. Increased oiliness due to the rise in progesterone can cause acne in the first trimester.  These breakouts do improve in the second trimester.
   
   
3. Spider Veins: The increase in blood volume can cause the appearance of spider veins on the lower legs of pregnant women. Spider veins often reverse postpartum. But, compression socks are a good addition to a pregnancy survival kit to prevent their occurrence. 
   
   
4. Stretch Marks: Expanding areas of the skin, such as the breasts and belly, can see stretch marks, regardless of oil application. 

Skincare Ingredients for Your Pregnancy Survival Kit 

A minimal and organic skincare routine for your skin that does not leave you worried is crucial. Any skincare tips and advice during pregnancy is bound to come in handy. 

Here are some ingredients that we view as must-haves in any pregnancy survival kit. 

1. Rosehip Seed Oil for Pregnancy : 

We often get this question - Is Rosehip Seed Oil safe for pregnancy? Rosehip seed oil offers numerous benefits for pregnancy-related skin concerns. Rosehip Seed Oil has a lot of carotenoids. This type of vitamin A derivative possesses anti-aging, skin-brightening, and skin-regenerating qualities. Rosehip Seed Oil is a pregnancy-safe multi-tasker that reduces fine lines and pigmentation during pregnancy. 

•  Rich in vitamins A, C, and E rosehip helps combat hyperpigmentation issues like melasma due to hormonal changes in pregnancy

• Significantly improved skin moisture and elasticity while reducing inflammation—particularly valuable for stretched skin during pregnancy 

• Helps maintain the skin barrier function that often becomes compromised during pregnancy

Rosehip Seed Oil for pregnancy is definitely a favorite due to its incredible benefits as well as its gentle effect on the skin. 

Empress Naturals offers 100% pure and high-quality Rosehip Seed Oil sourced from Chile, South America. 

2. Prickly Pear Seed Oil for Pregnancy : 

With nutrient-rich antioxidants, prickly pear seed oil for pregnancy is moisturizing, providing intense hydration to the skin. It can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots. 

• A powerful antioxidant with more than 150% levels of Vitamin E as compared to argan oil, prickly pear protects pregnant skin from environmental damage

• Prickly pear promotes wound healing and collagen synthesis, which is beneficial for preventing and minimizing stretch marks during pregnancy

The oil has soothing properties that can ease skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. It is particularly effective at providing relief to sensitive skin conditions during pregnancy. Despite its nourishing benefits, prickly pear seed oil is lightweight. It gets absorbed by the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and non-greasy. 

Empress Naturals' 100% pure and high-quality Moroccan Gold Prickly Pear Seed Oil is just what your skin needs!

3. Argan Oil for Pregnancy: 

Argan oil, often referred to as "liquid gold," Argan Oil has been used for centuries by Berber women for its remarkable beauty and healing properties during pregnancy. Rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, argan oil has gained worldwide recognition in recent years as a versatile skincare ingredient in pregnancy. It offers multiple benefits for expectant mothers dealing with the unique challenges pregnancy poses to their skin.

• Increases skin elasticity—a critical benefit during pregnancy when the skin must stretch to accommodate a growing belly. I

• Rich content of vitamin E and ferulic acid provides antioxidant protection while helping to maintain hydration levels.

• Argan oil's efficacy in improving skin hydration and skin barrier function, addressing the dryness many women experience during pregnancy

 In fact Argan Oil is also known to be incredible for perimenopausal skin, solidifying its versatility. 

Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

First things first - your doctor is the best person to tell you what is good for you to use during pregnancy. Yet, there are some ingredients that are avoided due to their harmful effects. 

Cosmetic items must be "safe" based on their specific applications and labeling. But, the FDA does not mandate clearance before the sale of these products. 

This raises serious concerns about which cosmetics are safe to use during pregnancy. Most experts (and hence we) err along the side of caution.

1. Retinol

Vitamin A supports good skin, immunological, reproductive, and eye health. When you ingest it or absorb it via your skin, your body turns it into retinol.

Some anti-aging skin care products contain retinoids, a form of retinol. It has become a holy grail due to its ability to cure acne and diminish fine wrinkles. But, some studies have found retinoids to cause birth irregularities. Hence, doctors advise against their use during pregnancy. 

Read further to know pregnancy-safe ingredients to use instead for similar skin results. 

2. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone lightens pigmentation caused by melasma and chloasma during pregnancy. There remains no confirmed relationship between hydroquinone and serious birth abnormalities.

Yet, the body absorbs a large amount of hydroquinone (35% to 45%) compared to other ingredients. Hence, doctors are against its use during pregnancy. 

3. Phthalates

Phthalates are endocrine-disruptive chemicals present in many cosmetics and personal care items. Cosmetics are the most common cause of phthalate exposure.

Phthalate exposure has been related to major developmental problems in human studies. Phthalates, also abundant in plastic packaging, can seep into personal care products.

Pregnancy Skincare Routine At a Glance

Morning (AM Routine)

1. Gentle Cleanse: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser with natural ingredients like aloe or oat extract.

2. Treat: Use the AM Serum to help with pregnancy-related dark spots and dryness.

3. Protect: Apply mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (SPF 30+).

Evening (PM Routine)

1. Cleanse: Remove makeup with coconut oil if needed, then use a gentle cleanser.

2. Treat: Use the PM Serum to help with pregnancy-related dull skin, and hyperpigmentation, and to detoxify skin.

3. Belly Care: Massage cocoa butter or the Calming Massage Oil helps nourish the skin and prevent stretch marks.

Weekly

• Gentle exfoliation 1-2 times weekly with oatmeal or rice powder

• Hydrating mask with yogurt, honey, or avocado

Avoid

• Retinoids

• Hydroquinone

• High-dose salicylic acid

• Artificial fragrances

• Chemical sunscreens

Always patch test new products, as pregnancy can change skin sensitivity.

Build Your Pregnancy Thriving Kit with Empress Naturals 

At Empress Naturals, we believe in year-round wellness and skin nourishment, healing, and repair focused on perimenopause and menopause care. Our Rosehip oil-based skincare line is meticulously formulated by industry experts that cater to the specific needs of mature skin ensuring ageless radiance and luminous skin.

Our Best-selling products - Anti-aging Face Serum and Luxe Night Elixir Serum are all you need to cover the essentials when it comes to aging skin.

Our mission is to provide 100% pure and organic skincare products that make you feel incredible in your skin, regardless of what stage it is at. We carefully cultivate our ingredients from sustainable farms worldwide that harvest the highest quality without the use of hazardous preservatives or pesticides. Our products are non-toxic, clean, cruelty-free, and formulated with 100% Organic ingredients. 

Experience the power of clean skincare and wellness with Empress Naturals.

*Disclaimer: We highly recommend that you contact a trained health professional, before introducing any products into your routine especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.