“Clean” vs. Safe Skincare in Pregnancy

I spend a great deal of time educating my pregnant patients on what is considered safe in pregnancy and nursing, as well as the skin changes that occur during this time- this is why skincare ingredients matter in pregnancy and nursing. 

Our body continually changes throughout pregnancy, with increases in blood flow, oil production, and fluctuating hormones. According to Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 90% of women will experience some form of skin change during pregnancy. Physiological changes include increased skin sensitivity, pigmentation, superficial vessels, and dryness as well as worsening of pre-existing skin conditions. Additionally, women who are trying to get pregnant through fertility treatment (IVF, IUI) or are in the role of a surrogate require additional hormone treatment which leads to increased skin sensitivity, as well.

Along with metabolic changes, pregnant women have a significant decrease in their skin surface lipids (fats) which protect us and maintain moisture. In a recent study from Scientific Reports, skin lipids were shown to decrease significantly in mid-pregnancy. These skin lipids are responsible for maintaining the protective skin barrier and relaying signals to keep the skin microflora healthy. This decrease in the secretion of skin surface lipids results in a weakened skin barrier with increased skin sensitivity since healthy skin relies on a strong lipid profile.

When women trying to get pregnant, pregnant, or nursing are looking for skincare that is safe for themselves and future baby, many gravitate towards the plant-based/organic skincare because Natural Personal Care Products (NPCP) are heavily marketed to this population, and we think as mothers to be, it is better to use products derived from nature. 

The concern with “clean beauty” is that there is no governing body or guidelines that companies must meet to appropriately offer “clean skincare”. The Food and Drug Administration has not defined “clean “or “natural”.  This has great implications for consumer health when NPCPs have no gold standard to be held to. A recent study from Stanford looked at all NPCPs from Whole Foods, Target, and Walgreens and found that 90% of these skincare products contained at least 1 or more contact allergen which can cause an allergic skin reaction. Only 5% of these products contained no allergens. These contact allergens were referenced within the American Contact Dermatitis Society Database (the Contact Allergen Management Program).  

It is best to choose the “safe synthetic” route when purchasing skincare during this time that is free of fragrance and dyes.  As dermatologists, we also recommend this type of skincare to patients who have skin sensitivity, chronic skin disease like eczema and psoriasis, as well as babies and children.   Skincare ingredients matter during pregnancy, so always choose wisely for you and your baby to be.