SKINCARE & PREGNANCY

September 2021

From your sleep habits, to adjusting your diet - it can take some time to get your head around everything. Skincare, in particular, can often be an area of caution for expectant mothers. Exploring skincare that is both safe and effective during pregnancy can be difficult due to the vast amount of information out there.

We would strongly advise speaking with your GP or Midwife so that they can give you an accurate recommendation.

The full ingredients list for each of our products can be found on the product pages.

WHAT TO AVOID IN SKINCARE

x VITAMIN A

(any type of retinoid)

While topical vitamin A is the ‘gold-standard’ in anti-ageing for your skin with a long history of safe use, oral vitamin A (retinoids) has been shown to interfere with fetal development. Therefore, as a precaution we always recommend avoiding the use of vitamin A during this time, including:

- Retinol - Retinaldehyde aka retinal - Adapalene -Tazarotene - Retinyl palmitate

x SALICYLIC ACID

Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid is a staple of many skincare routines. However, we have to sadly recommend to take a step back from using leave-on BHAs while pregnant. Research has shown that oral salicylic acid is not safe during pregnancy, therefore doctors often recommend avoiding high strength use of even topical products containing BHAs (beta hydroxy acids)

However, it isn’t all bad news for the acid-lovers of you out there - there still are ways to achieve flawless-looking skin even while you are pregnant. Leave-on AHAs* and PHAs, wash-off exfoliating cleansers or manual exfoliation may be the go-to method for the removal of dead skin cells during pregnancy.

x ANYTHING STRONG

Skin is so temperamental and unpredictable during this time. So we would advise against anything you get the fun 'tingly feeling' from.

Although completely safe and will not cause any harm, sleep glycolic should be paused until you feel your skin returns to normal and once breastfeeding has finished.

WHAT TO EXPECT (WITH YOUR SKIN) WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING

Pigmentation

Unfortunately for some, pregnancy can be a time when old melasma and pigmentation comes to the surface. Even after months or years of treatments that removed and brightened the pigment, your pregnancy hormones can bring it all back! You are also no longer using active ingredients that would have been keeping it under control.

Breakouts

Many women experience acne during pregnancy. It's most common during the first and second trimesters. An increase in hormones called androgens can cause the glands in your skin to grow and produce more sebum

Sensitivity

If you already had sensitive skin or skin problems before pregnancy, it may get worse. Sensitive skin can strike during pregnancy - even in someone who’s never had sensitive skin in the past. You might notice that your skin suddenly looks or feels irritated or uncomfortable when you use products that never caused a problem before you were pregnant.

Glow

For some, the increased amounts of hormones released during pregnancy can make your skin look flushed, giving you the tell-tale glowing look. Such hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. We recommend to go with the glow - and keep things really simple! A simple cleanser, daily cream with SPF, one serum and a nourishing night cream is a perfect line up to keep it glowing.

WHAT TO ADD INTO YOUR SKINCARE

BAKUCHIOL

Targets pigmentation, fine lines and acne.

BAKUCHIOL PEPTIDES

Medik8’s Bakuchiol Peptides harnesses the powers of 1.25% pure bakuchiol and is enhanced with brightening peptide precursors and calming cica. Many competitor products don’t come close with either low-strength bakuchiol ‘extracts’ or water-based serums that lack serious punch. Bakuchiol Peptides can be applied both day and night - perfect for times when your daily routine can be a bit all over the place (even at 3am!)

Bakuchiol Peptides can help to brighten and even-out the tone of your skin. The serum has ingredients to reduce visible signs of inflammation and redness.

VITAMIN C

Targets pigmentation, fine lines and acne scarring

C - TETRA

The lightweight, uplifting formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as visibly brightening the complexion and balancing skin tone. Great for first time users of vitamin c.

SUPER C

Medik8's most powerful Vitamin C serum, for those concerned with severe pigmentation. Only use this product if you have used and tolerate vitamin C.

DAILY RADIANCE

2-in-1 day cream Daily Radiance Vitamin C to complete your morning regime, to infuse the skin with a stabilised, gentle form of vitamin C tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate as well as SPF 30 broad spectrum sun protection, to shield the skin ready for the day ahead.

AHA'S

Targets breakouts, fine lines and pigmentation

There are a number of safe exfoliating AHAs to help renew and clear the skin

CLARITY SPOT TREATMENT

All-natural formula without salicylic acid that beats blemishes with clinically proven natural ingredients.

PRESS & GLOW

It helps to gently lift the appearance of hyperpigmentation and can brighten the skin surface. The complexion is left visibly glowing, soothed and toned. The overall health of the skin is visibly maximised.