Glowing through pregnancy and breastfeeding: Tweaking your skincare routine

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can also bring unexpected changes to your skin. The good news? You can still maintain a radiant complexion with a few tweaks to your skincare routine. Here's what you need to know about adjusting your beauty regimen for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Why the Change?
Pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc on your skin, causing dryness, breakouts, or hyperpigmentation.Certain ingredients in skincare products may also be absorbed and potentially reach your baby. While research is ongoing, it's best to err on the side of caution.
Ingredients to Avoid:
● Retinoids and Retinol: These are powerful anti-aging ingredients, but they can cause birth defects.
● Salicylic Acid (High Doses): While safe in low concentrations, high doses used in acne treatments might be best avoided.
● Hydroquinone: This ingredient lightens dark spots but is best left out during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pregnancy-Safe Powerhouses:

Fortunately, there are plenty of safe and effective options:
● Gentle Cleansers: Choose fragrance-free cleansers to remove makeup and daily impurities without stripping your skin.
● Moisturizers: Hydrating with fragrance-free moisturizers is key to combat pregnancy dryness.
● Vitamin C Serums: Look for brightening serums with vitamin C to even skin tone. Opt for gentler forms like ascorbyl glucoside.
● Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial throughout pregnancy. Use a broad-spectrum, mineral sunscreen.
Breastfeeding Considerations:
While most pregnancy-safe ingredients are okay for breastfeeding, it's still a good idea to avoid applying products directly around the nipples to prevent accidental ingestion by your baby.
Remember:
● Consult your doctor before starting any new skincare regimen, especially if you have pre-existing skin conditions.
● Patch testing is recommended for any new product to avoid allergic reactions.
● Don't be afraid to simplify! Focus on gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection for a healthy glow.
By making informed choices and opting for pregnancy-safe ingredients, you can keep your skin happy and radiant throughout motherhood.
(Dr. Sravya C. Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist & Trichologist at Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore)