With the exciting news of pregnancy comes an influx of information that focuses on what you can and cannot eat, supplements to take and beauty products to avoid. Choosing pregnancy safe skincare need not be complicated or restrictive however it is definitely something that is important to be mindful of when trying to conceive and also during pregnancy.

As a naturopath, I created the Edible Beauty skincare range specifically for my clients who were pregnant, planning pregnancy, and for females in general who were seeking a product range that was therapeutic and luxurious yet did not contain endocrine disrupting toxins. In summary, a range of skincare that was so natural that it does not interfere with the precious hormone balance. All of our pregnancy safe skincare products can be found here.

Why do you need to make changes to your beauty regime when pregnant?

There are a few reasons why I recommend making changes to your skincare and beauty regime when you are pregnant.

Firstly, the placenta is not the solid barrier we once thought. In fact, over 287 chemicals have been found in the umbilical cords of babies, associated with chemicals being used by mum either in her personal care or household cleaning products. Women can use an average of 168 chemicals including reproductive and developmental toxins – they are found in the average of 12 personal care products women use daily.

Toxins found in beauty products have been linked to pre-term birth, low birth weight, developmental delays and altered gene expression. This is just what we know of – many of the toxins have not been necessarily been tested on pregnant women (for good reason). With an increased rate of autism, allergies and asthma in newborns and children it makes sense to start looking more closely at what we are putting on an in our bodies.

Secondly, hormones ramp up during pregnancy, which can lead to skin pigmentation in about 3 in 4 women and can also exacerbate acne. Having a natural skincare routine and pregnancy friendly beauty products is key in helping to prevent this by not creating further cause for hormone disruption, whilst nourishing the skin with effective botanicals to support an even, clear and luminous complexion.

Thirdly, the skin is being stretched during pregnancy, so collagen fibres may break of tear to allow for larger cells which can often result in stretch marks or cellulite. This means it is especially important to maintain the integrity of the skin with pure, plant-based oils and ingredients in your skincare so that it is more resilient to the physical changes that the body undergoes during pregnancy. 

"When it comes to the ultimate beauty regime during pregnancy, think about how you would “feed” your body. Keep products as simple and pure as possible and emphasise firming and hydrating products which maintain the skin firmness and elasticity."

~ Anna Mitsios, Naturopath and Edible Beauty Founder

Key cosmetic ingredients and products to avoid during pregnancy:

PARABENS

Preservatives found in many skincare products and an estimated 75-90% of cosmetics. They have been linked to reduced fertility, endocrine disruption and breast cancer. Look for paraben free skincare and makeup. A great way to get started on a paraben and EDC-free skincare regime is with the Edible Beauty Core Four - all you need to get started on a pure yet luxurious, pregnancy safe skincare regime. Including a cleaner, toner, serum and lotion with "edible purity" and science backing, you need not let your skincare regime "slip" during pregnancy. 

PERFUMES

Avoid all synthetic fragrances which can contain chemical compounds, often including phthalates (used to make products more flexible and to increased effectiveness of other chemicals in a formula), BHT and musks. Phthalates are ingredients which are used to make fragrances adhere to the skin for longer. Phthalates have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system, interfering with normal hormone production. Studies show exposure to phthalates could cause reproductive abnormalities, premature delivery and endometriosis in women.  BHTs are used to preserve fragrances. Evidence that suggests BHT mimics oestrogen and can throw off hormone balance.  Musks also used in fragrances have been linked to abnormal foetal development. In embryonic cells, musks have been shown to alter activity in nearly 3,000 genes, some of which are directly involved in development. All Edible Beauty Skincare is free of perfumes and EDCs.

RETINOIDS / RETINOL

Avoid skincare and makeup containing retinol or retinoids which have been linked to an increased risk of birth defects in developing foetuses. They can also make the skin more sensitive to UV light, which is a greater risk when hormones are fluctuating so are definitely best avoided. Retinoids are commonly listed as: retinol, tretinoin (retionic acid, retin-A), istotretinoin and alitretinoin. Being pregnant does not mean you need to give up on youth boosting actives like retinol. Bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol is the ideal alternative, working as effectively as retinol to combat fine lines and pigmentation. Try it in our: Beauty Reset Drops.

SALICYLIC ACID & BHAs

Look for skincare with less than 2% salicylic acid and avoid synthetic peels which may contain BHAs which leave the skin sensitive to UV exposure, in particular during pregnancy. Salicylic used in high doses have been shown to cause birth defects and pregnancy complications. The Edible Beauty No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk contains less than 0.5% salicylic acid to ensure pores are being refined but skin is not being left barrier compromised.

SYNTHETIC COLOURANTS

Mostly found in lipsticks and eye shadows are often are a source of lead. Over 60% of lipsticks contain lead which has been linked to miscarriage, reduced fertility. Lead has also been found in cosmetics such as foundation and toothpaste.

TOULENE

Found in nail polishes along with phthalates and formaldehyde. Together they are called the toxic trio and are a potent combination of toxins that you want to avoid at all times, especially during pregnancy.

Other ingredients to avoid include aluminium found in lipsticks and deodorants; ammonia, found in hair dyes and hair removal creams and DHA  found in tanning lotions which is a known irritant to the lungs and skin.

A few common questions I get asked about beauty regimes during pregnancy are below:

What essential oils can you use during pregnancy?

Some essential oils are highly concentrated and do not make the best alternative to fragrances. Avoid oils such as tea tree, rosemary, jasmine, clary sage. Essential oils such as sweet orange, ginger, grapefruit and spearmint are perfectly safe when used diluted externally. 

Are all Edible Beauty products safe during pregnancy?

Yes! All of our Edible Beauty Australia skincare range is suitable for pregnant women. As a naturopath working at a fertility clinic I created the range wanting to offer my clients a toxin-free, fertility, pregnancy and hormone-friendly skincare range that was also luxurious and highly effective. You can find the skincare range here. 

What is the best pregnancy safe skincare regime? 

The best place to start with your pregnancy and fertility-friendly skincare regime is our Core Four Skincare Set. 

Suitable for all skin types and for both day and night use, this set is the quickest way to naturally youthful and radiant skin. 

Your Four Step Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Regime

Step 1 - Cleanse and purify whilst preserving your acid mantle with No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk.

Contains hydrating Camellia Seed, brightening Natural AHAs and elasticity enhancing Australian-Wattleseed. 

Shop No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk here.

Step 2  – Enhance active absorption and hydrate with No.2 Citrus Rhapsody Toner Mist.

Contains clinically proven Australian Wild Plum Harvest to improve skin hydration by 60% in just 30 minutes, whilst Niacinamide minimised pores and evens skin tone. 

Shop No.2 Citrus Rhapsody Toner Mist here.

Step 3 – Plump, brighten and protect with No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum. 

Your essential Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Antioxidant serum, formulated to plump, brighten and protect your skin. Contain clinically proven Kakadu Plum Extract to boost collagen production and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles in 30 days. 

Shop No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum here.

Step 4 – Lock in hydration and smooth the skin with No.4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Mist. 

Contains a nourishing blend of Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Camellia Seed Oil for a burst of grease-free hydration, along with Australian Davidson Plum to improve skin elasticity and the appearance of fine lines.

Shop No.4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion here.

Shop the Core Four Regime here.