2022 Best Beauty & Skincare For Pregnancy (& Postpartum)

Many of us have tried countless types of skincare for our faces and bodies over the years. Maybe you had a favorite facial moisturizer that worked for you in your late teens and early 20’s, but as your skin matured you needed something different. Now that you have a little one on the way, you may have started to search for specific lotion & moisturizer for pregnancy. With so many options on the market, you’ve most likely asked yourself “What is the best beauty & skincare for pregnancy and post-pregnancy Mamas?” or “Is retinol serum in pregnancy skincare safe to use? Not to fret, Mama. We’ve made an easy guide to choose the best products that are safe to use while pregnant and postpartum. So let’s dive right in!

What is the best lotion & moisturizer for pregnancy?

Stretch Mark Prevention

It is never too early to start using stretch mark preventing products. In fact, we recommend starting in the first trimester. This will help to prep your skin for the “big stretch” it will experience during the second and third trimesters. The best products for your growing baby bump to help prevent stretch marks are ones that will help lock in moisture and boost elasticity. We recommend using belly oil and belly butter daily. Some Mamas choose to use them together morning and night, others choose to alternate between the two. The important thing is maintaining your skin’s hydration to help lock in moisture to prevent itching and to strengthen your skin’s elasticity. 

📸:danni_gorg

Best Beauty & Skincare For Pregnancy

Many brands claim to have the best products for pregnant and postpartum Mamas, but what really makes them the best? Well, it’s actually quite simple. Look for brands that are made with ingredients that are toxin-free, organic, pregnancy-safe, and cruelty-free. For example, our favorite pregnancy-safe stretch mark cream is made with organic cocoa butter and organic tamanu oil. It’s never made with any animal products or toxic ingredients. Make sure to read your labels, Mama. Not all products are created equal. 

Retinol Serum in Pregnancy Skincare 

There's also a lot of confusing misinformation about the use of retinol (vitamin A) during pregnancy. The issues regarding vitamin A have to do with synthetic retinoids that are taken orally, such as Accutane. They have been shown to cause miscarriages and birth defects. Another concern is the safety of using rosehip oil during pregnancy because of the vitamin A content. There is a huge difference between transretinoic acid found in rosehip oil and the potent, synthetic versions that have inundated the anti-aging skincare market. It’s the same difference between taking Accutane and eating kale, broccoli, and spinach (all contain retinoids). The W.H.O. World Health Organization states that "In the USA, registries are maintained at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, and in California. These registries have recorded no increase in birth defects that could be attributed to excess intakes by pregnant women of preformed vitamin A, i.e. regular intakes of retinol or retinyl palmitate above 10 000 IU (3000 pg RE) from multivitamin and/or single vitamin A supplements."  Make sure to choose a pregnancy-safe acne serum that does not contain synthetic retinoids. Remember, it is always important to always consult with your doctor prior to using any product containing retinol while pregnant!

 Your Legs Need Love Too!

While you are pregnant (& even postpartum) you will most likely be focused on taking extra special care of the skin on your bump, but what about your tired feet and ankles? As you become more pregnant your body will be retaining more water in your legs and feet. This is called pregnancy edema. You can help soothe and prevent pregnancy edema by taking time to rest, wearing compression socks, and using a cooling aloe leg gel daily. Our favorite soothing leg gel is made with aloe vera that is rich in vitamins A and E, magnesium, and zinc. It also contains cucumber known to decrease water retention and reduce skin puffiness. And spirulina is loaded with gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps fight inflammation. So go on, give those cankles some love, Mama!.         

      📸: whitecottagefarmhouse      

That’s a Wrap

We hope this list has helped prepare you on how to choose the best lotion & moisturizer for pregnancy and other products that are safe for you and your babe from the first trimester to the fourth. Looking for more ways to spoil your bump with the best this year? Check out our Taking Care of Your Body While Pregnant: Pregnancy 2022 Skincare Resolutions Blog.

What do you think is the best beauty & skincare for pregnancy? Let us know in the comments!