As a beauty expert, finding products that work for various phases of your life is one of the reasons I love what I do. Discovering products and learning why they are great is even better. Pregnancy is one of those phases in our lives, where we are encouraged to be extra careful in most areas. From swollen feet to stretch marks, women endure a lot over the nine months. Being pregnant is a joy, but it also means giving up on things we love. Pregnant women also have to be careful about their skincare, particularly because there are several ingredients that disrupt the skin barrier — effective acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid or fine-line diminishers like retinoids are exactly the things doctors urge patients to avoid. Over the years, so many clients have asked what products are safe to use during pregnancy. Here is a list of some of those products from my little book of tried and tested products for pregnancy and beyond.
Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend
A Soft floral and deeply soothing, this dry oil from Elemis is a real treat. As it is a dry oil it can be used morning and evening. This oil Nourishes and protects from head to toe and can be used on hair, scalp, skin and nails. Enriched with Camellia and Sweet Almond Oils, the£38.50
Burt's Bees Mama Bee Leg And Foot Creme
Swollen feet and legs are all too common in the later stages of pregnancy, This rich creamy formula is made with refreshing peppermint oil and rosemary extract, to soothe and condition. The cooling effects of this 100% natural treatment is a real treat for the legs. It contains no phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS so you can use this foot cream with peace of mind.£12.99
Clarins Tonic Body Treatment
Most of the products from the Clarins range are safe to use during pregnancy, including their face oils, which is a huge plus as essential oils are usually not recommended when pregnant. I first discovered this 25 years ago, (wow did I just say that?!) when I started my career with them and have to say, I have used this for well over two decades and still love as much now as I did then.£40
La Roche-Posay Baby Lipikar Gentle Cleansing Oil
A deeply nourishing formulation that protects the skin from drying out, and although this is designed for the sensitive skin on a baby, it is an absolute treat on pregnancy skin too. Make this one an essential part of both yours and your baby’s bath time routine. Also, worth noting it is soap-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free.£10
Bloom And Blossom Nip & Lip Soothing Balm
When you’re breastfeeding countless times a day, your nipples are inevitably going to get sore. Bloom and Blossom’s all natural, chemical-free balm helps heal and protect overworked nipples.£16
Manuka Doctor Restoring Night Cream
Manuka Doctor’s plumping night cream is infused with honey that’s known to boost your natural collagen production which helps your skin look fresh and rested.£24.99
Mama Mio Pregnancy Boob Tube
Jessica Alba is a huge fan and used this through both of her pregnancies. A pregnant mother’s best friend, this SOS lotion is rich in natural omega oils to promote hydration and elasticity, this cream protects the bust through changes in cup size, ensuring that delicate skin is thoroughly cared for.£29.50
Elizabeth Arden Retexturising Pads
During pregnancy some exfoliating agents, like salicylic acid, can be damaging, however, glycolic acid (which can be found in these retexturising pads) is a totally safe AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). Use two to three times a week to slough off dead skin and hyper-pigmentation that can occur when you’re pregnant.£45
Neal's Yard Mothers Bath Oil
A nourishing bath oil that brings a sense of tranquillity. With its fragrant essential oils and skin boosting ingredients, it is packed full of goodness. With uplifting, organic bergamot and ylang-ylang essential oils, this aromatic skin-nourishing bath oil encourages a sense of wellbeing. All that is left, is for you to run the bath.£15
Mederma AG Facial Cleanser
Provides exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid in a gentle, pH balanced facial cleanser that is suitable for all skin types. Acne is one of the most common skin issues that crops up during pregnancy. Many common spot treatments pose a potential risk of birth defects, opting for glycolic acid, is a safe and effective acne treatment during pregnancy. This breakout-helper is hypoallergenic, soap-free, non-comedogenic and contains zero added fragrances.£10