Skincare Dos & Don'ts During Pregnancy

Prioritize Safer Skincare During Pregnancy

Managing the running list of dos and don’ts of pregnancy can be overwhelming at times, especially when confronted by under-researched issues like safe skincare. Since the medical community avoids risk running tests on pregnant women, the “rules” of safe skincare during pregnancy aren’t as cut and dry as some other areas like nutrition, exercise, rest, and smoking cessation.  

However, there is enough information available to help you err on the side of the safest skincare products possible during your pregnancy. Specifically, you should do your best to avoid certain ingredients, specifically the following three, and opt instead for natural skincare solutions. 

Skip these 3 Skincare Ingredients During Pregnancy

In order to ensure the safest skincare routine possible during pregnancy, it’s a smart idea to skip the following three skincare ingredients, altogether.

• Botulinum toxin (Botox)

Most pregnant women will find themselves battling fatigue at one point or other during their pregnancy. While some women struggle during the first trimester, others feel especially tired as they wrap up the third and approach their due date. The temptation to not look as tired as we feel might inspire some women to consider botulinum toxin, more commonly known as botox. 

Although there isn’t any formal research regarding the effects of botox on a developing baby, it’s important to recognize that botox fights wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles around them. This process is intended to minimize the appearance of wrinkles over time. Rather than reach for botox, reconsider and research some natural alternatives to ensure that your skincare choices are as safe as possible. 

Banning botox during pregnancy is wise, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept a fatigued-looking face. Pamper yourself with a multitasking skincare product like the Blue Monarch Mask, formulated with all natural ingredients like chocolate, clay, charcoal, and herbs, designed to detoxify, rejuvenate, and re-energize your skin. 

• Hydroquinone

Of course, not all women will experience melasma or “pregnancy mask,” which are patches of dark skin that appear on the face, but it is a common symptom associated with pregnancy. Hydroquinone is a lightening agent that is often found in skincare brightening products designed to minimize or fade these types of dark spots. Similar to botox, we don’t know the exact effects that hydroquinone could have on a fetus; however, a significant amount of hydroquinone absorbs directly into the bloodstream after being applied topically, posing an unknown, yet unnecessary risk for the fetus. 

• Retinol/retinoids 

Unlike botulinum toxin and hydroquinone, we do, in fact, know the effects of retinol and retinoids on a developing fetus. Retinol and retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are ingredients commonly found in prescription-strength anti-acne and anti-aging skincare solutions. Researchers have established a correlation between retinoids and the increase likelihood of a fetus developing birth defects during gestation. 

Try natural alternatives like Blue Monarch’s anti-aging face oil, a blend based in hydrating organic extra virgin olive oil and an anti-aging selection of seed and nut oils, or the anti-aging face cream, infused with aloe vera gel, mango butter, and vitamin C, to name just a few key, all-natural ingredients. 

Stick to the Side of Alternative, All-Natural Skincare

As a general rule, whenever possible and especially during pregnancy, women should opt for alternative skincare treatments and therapies to treat the common symptoms and side effects associated with pregnancy; for example, stretch marks. 

Similar to most pregnancy symptoms, not all women will notice stripe-like stretch marks on their skin. But, stretch marks often result from the rapid growth required to accommodate the growing baby. The skin essentially stretches quickly, causing itchy skin and, in some cases, stretch marks. 

But, the appearance of stretch marks can be avoided or minimized by relying on natural skincare alternatives like Blue Monarch’s Lavender Rose Body Oil. Super hydrating, featuring the intoxicating scents of French lavender and Persian rose, the organic olive and coconut oils deliver the fatty acids necessary to keep your skin hydrated and soothed, preventing the development of stretch marks. 

Check out the entire line of all-natural Blue Monarch skincare products and start managing a healthier, smarter skincare routine for your most beautiful self, inside and out -- always.