Pregnancy is associated with a lot of changes because mothers need to adjust their diet, lifestyle, and even their skincare routine. This is to ensure both mom and baby remain safe and healthy during pregnancy. As every pregnant mum’s skin changes in a different way, ingredients from skin products will be absorbed into the body, thus you need pregnancy-safe skincare to protect yourself and your child from any adverse product side effects. One of the items you need to have is a pregnancy-safe face moisturizer.
Why mums need pregnancy-safe moisturizer
It’s important to get pregnancy-safe skincare products to take care of your skin which will change during pregnancy. Pregnancy is associated with complex endocrinological, immunological, metabolic, and vascular changes. Your skin may become more sensitive, or even have changes in skin quality such as dryness, oiliness, or acne.
Many pregnant mothers may even get skin pigmentation disorders like melasma, which causes blotchy dark spots, and is also commonly known as “the mask of pregnancy." Harsh soaps, strong fragrance moisturizers, and other chemicals can make the skin itchy and dry. Hence, getting good pregnancy-safe skin products will help you navigate pesky skin changes and alleviate discomfort.
On top of ensuring that you have healthy skin while you’re pregnant, you may also want to maintain your personal aesthetics. Looking good and having healthy skin also helps boost a woman's self-esteem during pregnancy when there are a lot of changes happening in her body. Thus, it’s especially crucial to choose a good pregnancy-safe face moisturizer since your face is your image to the world.
How to choose a pregnancy-safe moisturizer
How do you choose the right pregnancy-safe face moisturizer for yourself? Here’s what to look for:
Choose a product that suits your skin type.
Dry skin: If you have dry skin and feel dehydrated and irritated, you need botanical extracts that are extremely moisturizing. Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter, and mango butter to help with moisture. The moisturizer may also aid in the removal of stretch marks in the body.
Oily skin: Avoid products with retinoids if you are prone to acne and regular outbreaks. They are not safe to use while pregnant. Try moderate glycolic acid, which exfoliates gently and sloughs off dead skin cells. A modest amount of azelaic acid is also safe because it helps minimize age indicators such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as skin pigmentation.
Sensitive skin: Due to hormonal changes, skin typically becomes sensitive during pregnancy. If you have sensitive skin, then you must take extra precautions to nourish it. Look for a moisturizer that contains only organic ingredients and no chemicals.
Look for bonus features like sunscreen.
Choose mineral sunscreens with hydrating ingredients so you can protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide should be included in the product because they are safe to use during pregnancy. They also protect against UVA and UVB radiation damage.
Select organic and non-comedogenic products which are safe for pregnancy skincare.
Look for non-comedogenic face moisturizers. This means that they do not cause any allergies and are allergen-free. Also ensure that the ingredients are all organic and natural, as you do not want to use products with preservatives or artificial ingredients that might be harmful to the baby. Also, try to look for products that are specified to be safe for pregnancy.
Ingredients to avoid when looking for a pregnancy-safe moisturizer
Meanwhile, here’s a list of ingredients which you should not use while pregnant:
Anti-wrinkle ingredients like retinoids
Most moisturizers contain retinoids, which help to decrease wrinkles and fine lines. Retinoids are generally not advised to be used during pregnancy. Certain vitamin A derivatives, such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and accutane (isotretinoin), have the potential to cause embryotoxicity. Studies have shown that topical tretinoin use causes congenital abnormalities.
Harsh chemicals
You should select a product that is free of allergens, preservatives, fragrances, or irritants. Parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, perfumes, and formaldehyde should not be present in the moisturizer. It is because these substances may increase the chances of miscarriage or cause the skin to become drier, causing adverse side effects.
Potent acne-fighting ingredients
Pregnant women should avoid skincare products with the following ingredients: Retinoids, High-dose salicylic acid, Hydroquinone, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Oxybenzone. Also, try to limit your use of benzoyl peroxide.
Best Pregnancy-Safe Moisturizers in Singapore
We have curated a list of best pregnancy-safe face moisturizers in Singapore to help all mummies make a better choice when buying their skincare products.
Best Face Moisturizer for Daily Protection
Why it’s great:
While there are plenty of options for a pregnancy-safe moisturizer in the market, most of them are filled with whitening agents that are harmful to the skin. Mama’s Choice Daily Protection Face Moisturizer is the first face moisturizer designed for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Free from alcohol and fragrance, it’s absolutely safe to use by moms.
This lightweight moisturizer doesn’t leave a greasy residue on your face as it provides instant hydration while battling dryness and dullness. It also contains safe and natural ingredients such as rice extract and hyaluronic acid, which together help to restore elasticity and prevent early signs of ageing.
And if you enjoy some time in the sun, you’ll be pleased to know that Mama’s Choice Daily Protection Face Moisturizer also offers a sun protection factor of 20 in the form of mineral sunscreen. This provides a physical barrier to shield your skin from UV rays unlike chemical sunscreens which usually contain ingredients like oxybenzone that isn’t just harmful to the skin but to one’s overall health, too! All these and more make it an ideal addition to any pregnant or breastfeeding mom’s skincare regimen.
Why we love it:
- Durable daily protection and hydration.
- Made from safe and natural ingredients.
- Lab-tested in Singapore.
Most Innovative Face Moisturizer
Why It’s Great
This is an innovative face moisturizer containing new generation superfoods like kale, lingonberries, and chia seeds, giving you firmer, younger, and visibly improved skin. Aside from these superfoods, it also has squalane, hyaluronic acid, and CoQ10 which help to lock in moisture and reverse skin damage.
Why We Love It:
- Contains a blend of nutritious and innovative superfoods and acids
- Retains hydration for up to 24 hours
- Aromatic scent of exotic fruits and florals
Best Face Moisturizer for Asian Skin
Why It’s Great
This is a luxuriously light yet highly moisturizing cream that is adapted to Asian skin, and leaves the skin looking fresh and matte while protecting it from pollutants and environmental stress. It increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture because it is infused with organic leaf of life extract. It is suitable for both normal and dry skin, and may be used even after pregnancy.
Why We Love It:
- Moisture-boosting properties
- Cooling effect on Asian skin
- Adapted to Asian skin
Best Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Why It’s Great
Florame Soothing Moisturizing Cream is perfect for pregnant mothers who are suffering from rosacea, eczema, or sensitivity. It’s light, non-oily, and fragrance-free. It is also infused with 7 active vegetable extracts known for combating irritation and redness: Rosemary, camomile, tea, liquorice, skullcap, Centella Asiatica, Knotweed.
Why We Love It:
- Great for sensitive skin
- Contains natural and organic ingredients
- Cosmebio and ECOCERT certified
Best Multi-Purpose Face Moisturizer
Why It’s Great
This is a terrific multi-purpose moisturizing oil for pregnant mothers. It can be used alone, in combination with another moisturizer, or simply to prevent stretch marks. This product penetrates the skin to provide instant moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, as well as fight signs of aging. It also combines fair trade avocado and lavender for a dewy finish.
Why We Love It:
- Can be used alone or combined with another moisturizer
- Therapeutic scent
Best Hydrating Face Moisturizer
Why It’s Great
This is a 100% alcohol-free moisturizer that instantly hydrates dry skin. It contains hyaluronic acid which locks in moisture to keep the skin smooth and supple. Because it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, it is less greasy than the usual moisturizers. This refreshing gel formula can be used both day and night, and lightweight enough to be worn under makeup as a primer.
Why We Love It:
- Intense hydration lasts up to 48 hours
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
Price Comparison
ALSO READ:
Pregnancy-safe Makeup And Skincare: Choosing The Products That Is Good For Your Skin During Your Pregnancy
Pre and Post-Pregnancy Skincare – Tips for Your Best Skin Yet
