The beauty routine of a pregnant woman

This pigmentation is often symmetrical, predominantly affecting the forehead, upper lips, cheeks, nose, temples, and cheekbones. It is caused by an overproduction of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which increases melanin production by melanocytes and leads to the appearance of mask-like pigmented patches.

It can be exacerbated by cosmetics (photosensitizing), phototoxic drugs or anticonvulsants, and predominates in brunettes and some predisposed women.

As long as hormone levels are altered, i.e. during pregnancy and for a few weeks (sometimes a few months) after childbirth, the only treatment is to protect oneself from the sun (total sunblock, hat, etc.) because the combined action of UV rays and MSH leads to the appearance of more significant pigmentation.

The pregnancy mask fades within two to three months after birth, and a spot treatment protocol can significantly accelerate this natural process. Dermatological treatments can also be considered if the mask persists.

During pregnancy, acne often changes unpredictably. While some women benefit from the high estrogen levels (since their androgen/estrogen balance is usually estrogen-deficient), others experience a worsening of pre-existing acne or develop it for the first time. It can appear at any point during pregnancy, last a long time, or be fleeting. It's a bit like playing Russian roulette...

The high secretion of progesterone and estrogen causes hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands which produce an excess of sebum which tends to clog the pores of the skin, promoting the appearance of inflammatory pimples and blackheads.

Our customers consistently ask us if there are any ingredients to avoid in cosmetics during pregnancy. The answer is yes, and here is the list:

• Endocrine disruptors: parabens, triclosan, phthalates, formaldehyde (often found in hair dyes), phenoxyethanol, benzophenone, ethylhexyl, and methoxycinnamate (sunscreens) are chemical substances with the potential to affect the hormonal system. Some mimic the action of a hormone or block its receptor.
  
  👩🏻‍⚕️💡 If you need to apply sunscreen, pay attention to the filters used and for greater safety, opt for formulas composed of mineral filters (without nano particles)

• Essential oils: The teratogenic potential of essential oils has not been established for all essential oils, but neither has it been proven that they are safe. Therefore, a precautionary principle is applied by avoiding and eliminating them throughout pregnancy.

• Synthetic perfumes should be avoided because they sometimes contain CMR substances, which are widely used in perfume chemistry (rose oxide, for example, as documented on the European ECHA Europa website). Furthermore, this information is not included on the packaging.
  
  👩🏻‍⚕️💡 If you wish to retain some sensory pleasure during your pregnancy, you can use perfumed products (natural perfumes) but only if you rinse these products and therefore do not keep contact with the product long enough to risk transcutaneous absorption of the substances.

According to dermatologists, since we now know that the skin is not waterproof (chemical elements pass into the blood of the expectant mother and cross the placental barrier) and is much more fragile at this time of life, it is very important to prioritize the use of gentle products adapted to the expectant mother and safe for the baby, which will not irritate it or increase its sensitivity.

• Select beauty products that are composed of few ingredients and are non-comedogenic so as not to clog your pores and that will provide only the essentials for skin undergoing rapid change.

• Avoid skincare products formulated with alcohol, which is easily absorbed by the skin, is far too irritating, drying and aggressive, and minimizes the risk of allergies.

• Irritating ingredients: we always advise you to avoid them as much as possible, especially if you have sensitive skin, and during pregnancy, we can only reiterate this advice because the skin is more reactive.
  
  👩🏻‍⚕️💡 Here is the list of the main irritating ingredients in cosmetics: Volatile compounds, MIT, preservatives, sensitizers, cleansers and hair dyes.
  
  MYROXYLON PEREIRAE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE, METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE, BENZISOTHIAZOLINONE, OCTYLISOTHIAZOLINONE, FORMALDEHYDE, QUATERNIUM-15, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, DMDM ​​HYDANTOIN, BRONOPOL, TRICLOSAN, METHYLDIBROMO GLUTARONITRILE, IODOPROPYNYL, BUTYLCARBAMATE, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, AMMONIUM, LAURYL SULFATE, TOLUENE-2,5-DIAMINE, RESORCINOL, 4-CHLORORESORCINOL, 2-METHYLRESORCINOL, M-AMINOPHENOL, P-AMINOPHENOL, P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE, 4-AMINO-2-HYDROXYTOLUENE, 2-METHYL-5-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOPHENOL, LANOLIN, SALICYLIC ACID (other than for topical use), GLYCOLIC ACID, RETINOL, VITAMIN A, AHA, METALS (including nickel)

• Regarding caffeine, which can be a subject of debate: the CRAT, which is the reference center for teratogenic agents in France, indicates that below 3 cups of coffee per day, no risk to the fetus has been established.