by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

7 Conscious Beauty Products For Moms-To-Be

Your skin goes through a lot of changes throughout your life, especially during pregnancy. Some are great (hello, pregnancy glow!) and some are less so (ahem, stretch marks). Depending on how your skin reacts to the hormone surge that occurs during pregnancy, you may wind up with dry skin, pigmentation, stretch marks, an itchy belly and more. Your beloved skincare products may suddenly become too harsh on your now super-sensitive skin too. To tackle this, it’s important to refresh your vanity table with products that not only care for your skin but don’t cause harm to your developing baby.

What to avoid

Some of the ingredients to avoid during pregnancy (and while you’re breastfeeding too) include:

• Retinoids. These vitamin-A derivatives, when taken orally (like Accutane or isotretinoin) are known to adversely affect developing babies, so it is best to steer well clear of them. Although it is unlikely that your skincare will end up in your body, because of the proven harm to babies of the ingredient itself, most doctors would advise against using them. It is just not worth the risk!

• Hydroquinone. A topical skin-whitening agent, it’s best to avoid this controversial ingredient during pregnancy, because of it being considered a carcinogenic ingredient.

• BHAs. While products containing up to 2% of BHAs (such as salicylic acid) are considered low-risk, it’s best to avoid using it, just in case.

Think of pregnancy as a time to refresh your routine with new and improved skincare products to pamper your changing skin. Here are some of our clean beauty favourites to get you started.

Sigi Skin Kaleanser

This bestseller vegan cleanser from Sigi Skin has superfood ingredients like kale and soy to gently remove makeup, dirt and oils while rebalancing your skin’s pH levels. Plus, we love its jelly-like texture; it makes cleansing feel like a dream.

Delicat Skincare Neroli Rose Water Toner

This gentle alcohol-free toner from Delicat Skincare contains powerful antioxidants derived from neroli water and organic moringa oil. The special blend protects your skin from pollution and fights against premature skin ageing.

SeaSun Society Youth Potion

A powerful daily multi-vitamin for your skin, Youth Potion is a blend of vitamins, antioxidant-rich fruit extracts and essential oils, to bring you everything your skin needs — reducing fine lines and wrinkles, providing all-day hydration, and improving your overall complexion. The naturally blue serum comes from blue chamomile essential oil, which has been used for centuries because of its healing properties and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Kansoskin Simply Better Barrier

Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, the Simply Better Barrier cream is a great moisturizer for moms-to-be. Formulated with key ingredients like PPA3 Balancing Complex™, Superstar Hydrators and Cellular Energiser, it supports the skin’s own natural functions, making it soft and supple.

Sigi Skin Morning Glow Physical Sunscreen

Sunscreen — an essential in any skincare routine. Formulated with superfood ingredients, this hydrating and lightweight sunscreen helps protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, as well as from environmental aggressors.

Rooki Beauty Green Pulp Paste Masque

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you don’t get me-time. Once or twice a week put on a face mask; masks can pack a punch by delivering a high concentration of ingredients to address different skincare issues, from acne to dryness.

This one from Rooki Beauty is made with the brand’s signature Green Pulp Paste™, to deeply hydrate your skin and leaving it with an instant glow.

A for Apothecary Anti Stretch Mark Oil

Of course, beauty doesn’t just extend to the face and neck. Many pregnant women struggle with stretch marks, as their bodies grow to accommodate the growing baby. This is where A For Apothecary’s Anti Strech Mark Oil comes in; it consists of 100% plant-based blend of jojoba, rosehip seed, oat lipids and sea buckthorn to help improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks during and after pregnancy.