One of our all-time-favourite Green Kiss Educators is expecting her first bébé this summer (cue tears), so naturally pregnancy-safe products have been top of mind. It also happens to be one of the most common questions we get here at the shop. Is this pregnancy and breastfeeding safe? Often asked by long-time we-won't-say-the-name customers looking to lessen their chemical body burden and switch to clean skincare. To answer this question, we first try to identify the nature of their pregnancy skin woes. Is it a preexisting skin condition made worse during pregnancy or hormone-related and pregnancy-specific? Not sure? Let's dig in.

How does pregnancy affect your skin?

Oh, the joys of pregnancy ... 

Along with the many changes your body endures while pregnant, the colossal spike in hormones can wreak havoc on your skin. While most pregnancy-related skin issues tend to disappear following childbirth, there are ways to effectively and safely treat them during pregnancy. Here are the Top Four pregnancy-related skincare issues we are frequently asked about:  

Pregnancy Acne

If the stars align, your body will shift the production of certain hormones (namely progesterone), resulting in an uptick of oil (sebum) production, giving you that glowy pregnancy goodness and complexion perfection. If you're like the rest of us, your hormones will go into overdrive, tip the scales, and the overproduction of oil will result in pregnancy acne. FUN! Fortunately, you know where to find us! Because pregnancy acne isn't a unique form of acne, we recommend following a gentle pregnancy skincare routine like this one:

• Wash problem areas with a mild cleanser for at least 30 seconds, twice daily.
• Use a gentle plant-based and non-abrasive exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
• Spritz a balancing facial toner with tea tree to promote skin regeneration and eliminate excess bacteria.
• Apply an antibacterial acne spot serum to reduce breakouts.
• Plump and moisturize delicate under-eye skin with an undereye oil.
• Quench skin with a light and fluffy acne-fighting moisturizer that doesn't clog pores.
• Protect with an SPF enriched with botanicals to leave skin feeling hydrated.
• Shampoo daily if you see acne around the hairline.

Stretch Marks 

Stretch marks, or, more affectionately, Tiger Stripes, are *earned* when your body stretches and grows to house a tiny human! Tissue that had to expand tore. While stretch marks aren't harmful or considered a medical problem, some women find them more noticeable than others. So we recommend trying 100% Pure's Skin Support Stretch Mark Butter. This butter was designed to prevent stretch marks and lighten and tone ones that have already appeared, thanks to its nourishing blend of vitamins and antioxidants.

Dry Skin

Legend has it that the sex of your baby will determine whether or not you are blessed with that sparkly pregnancy glow. Truth is, it's just the luck of the draw. In theory, the increase in blood flow and oil production should brighten up the skin tone. Glow up MIA? - That's ok! We're here to help you get the glowy skin you deserve! Satisfy dry pregnancy skin with CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture, a lightweight facial moisturizer with profound hydration benefits and a magical ability to quench and soothe skin. Take it up a notch with their award-winning Restorative Skin Balm to help heal the most chapped and irritated skin. Still dry? Include a sheet mask treatment into your pregnancy skincare routine a few times a week for visibly hydrated, softer, and smoother skin. Of course, staying hydrated by drinking enough water will also help with dry skin during pregnancy. 

Melasma

Here's another fun one for you. Many, if not most expectant women will experience skin discolouration somewhere on their body during pregnancy. Melasma is a hormone-related skin condition that presents as gray-brown patches on the skin. While it can show up on the arms, neck, or torso, melasma often appears right smack on the upper lip, giving it the charming nickname, Melasma Mustache. Just what you want, right!?

Like stretch marks, these spots are not harmful but can significantly impact appearance, making some feel self-conscious. GK to the rescue! Before applying your clean, high-performance foundation, you can lighten these dark spots with an all-natural dark spot remover serum or a brightening vitamin C serum. Because sun exposure is one of melasma's catalysts, daily SPF is essential for prevention. And because we're talking about the upper lip here, an area on the face prone to sweating, remember to frequently reapply your UV protection. Another tool for your Melasma Mustache toolkit is the Kaia Naturals Takesumi Bright Kojic Acid Brightening Body Bar which works to minimize dark spot pigmentation with the use of kojic acid and licorice root extract. Both are safe and effective brightening actives. Use this brightening bar daily in the shower on any body area where hyperpigmentation is occurring. 

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid While Pregnant

That wraps up the 4 most common pregnancy skincare concerns we see at The Green Kiss. When it comes to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or any preexisting medical condition, our GK policy is to always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider should you have any questions regarding product absorption. Almost all of the goodies found at GK are safe for pregnancy! However, certain ingredients can be absorbed into your body and should be avoided while pregnant or nursing. For example, we recommend our pregnant clients steer clear of vitamin A, retinol, and highly concentrated essential oils. In addition, it is recommended to avoid chemical sunscreens, but not to worry, all of our sunblocks are chemical-free and mineral-based. Another ingredient to avoid is aluminum chloride which is found in most antiperspirant deodorants. Fortunately, none of the deodorants we carry contain aluminum chloride.

We know it can be hard to give up a beloved skincare regimen, but you can make the switch to clean skincare with confidence. Ask a Green Kiss Educator for a custom high-performance pregnancy-safe skincare routine and glow with confidence knowing you're making a healthy choice for both you and your baby.  

Wishing you a happy, glowing pregnancy,

Liz Butterfield,
Copywriter, The Green Kiss

Ps. When baby is here, check out Glow Jar's silky Soothing Diaper Balm. It's petroleum-free, fragrance-free and formulated with un-processed plant butters and oils. Works like a charm✨

All copy found on the Green Kiss website is written for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.