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What shower gels are safe during pregnancy?

What shower gels are safe during pregnancy?

The skincare you use during pregnancy is most likely different from the skincare you once had. Anyone who’s been pregnant can say that the skin during pregnancy experiences a lot of different changes due to hormone fluctuation. From stretch marks to dry patches, itchiness, and increased sensitivity, there are many possible symptoms you can have.


With skin sensitivity like that, you don’t want to make it worse by using products that contain harmful ingredients. Especially if they can harm your baby too. A lot of beauty products might seem okay, but are not pregnancy-safe. Here we discuss shower gels and body washes and how to know if they’re safe during pregnancy.

How to choose shower gels that are safe during pregnancy?

If you are not sure if your shower gel is safe for pregnancy, it is best to assume it’s not. It is recommended to avoid toxic chemicals during pregnancy and, unfortunately, a lot of popular products contain them. When you are trying to read the ingredients and it looks like another language, you need to buy a proven pregnancy-safe shower gel.

You might wonder what body wash is safe for pregnancy and what to pay attention to when buying one, there are a few ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.

1. Salicylic Acid might not be good for the baby Salicylic Acid is also used in acne treatment and is shown to cause birth defects and bleeding in some cases. It is present in low amounts in beauty products, but still, it’s best to keep away from it.

 2. Tetracycline is a no-no It is an antibiotic prescribed in acne treatment and is linked to affect the skeletal growth of the baby.

 3. Avoid Retinoids Retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A and are linked to causing birth defects when taken during pregnancy.

4. Hydroquinone has a high absorption rate Hydroquinone is best to be avoided during the pregnancy even though it is not as harmful as others.

5. Benzoyl Peroxide causes skin inflammation A lot of beauty products contain Benzoyl Peroxide in smaller amounts, but it is best to keep from as many chemicals as you can during your pregnancy journey.

6. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate This chemical is present in a variety of beauty products. When absorbed in the skin, it is linked to endocrine disruption, developmental toxicity, and cellular changes.

7. Parabens Parabens are known to cause hormonal disruptions and it is best to stay away from them as possible. Always choose products that are paraben-free.

 8. Fragrance/perfume Any derivative of these words that you might find on your everyday products is a warning sign. When a label says “Fragrance” it might mean a plethora of actually harmful ingredients and some of them can act as hormone disruptors or cause skin irritation.

9. Heavy metals Heavy metals can be toxic to fetuses and act as endocrine disruptors. This means that, once they enter your system, they might imitate or block hormones. It is also dangerous because of their accumulation in your body.

These are the most known ingredients that might harm you and your baby during pregnancy. There are ingredients like Triclosan, Formaldehyde, Glycol ethers, Methylisothiazolinone, and the list goes on. Our advice for you would be: always choose natural and read the label. 

Unfortunately, the times have come where you need to have the habit of reading the labels on almost everything you buy. But hey, better safe than sorry, right? It might be time consuming, but it’s worth it when you know that everything you put in/on your body affects the body’s health and you are choosing healthy.

Skin changes during pregnancy

Due to all the hormonal changes you are going through, you will notice some changes in your skin while pregnant.

Stretch marks are a natural part of the pregnancy and are nothing to be ashamed of. Still, as your belly is growing, it is recommended to use natural oils to help your skin stretch without much breakage.

Your skin might darken, but also your birthmarks and moles. Nipples change their size and color and you might experience skin sensitivity.

Because of that, it is advised to use only natural products that contain no chemicals to avoid any skin issues that might occur.

Best pregnancy-safe body washes

When you know which products to avoid during pregnancy, let’s look at the best pregnancy-safe body washes.

When buying body washes, choose those made with natural ingredients, like our Shower & Bath Gel. It is forumlate with high-quality essential oils, aloe vera, frankincense, bergamot, lemon, and vanilla. It is paraben-free and safe to use during pregnancy.

Our special blend will leave your skin feeling refreshed and your mind soothed. We believe in nature’s healing power and want you to have the best possible pregnancy skincare.

cradle and tonics shower and bath gel

 
What body washes are safe for pregnancy acne?

It is important to use mild products if you are experiencing pregnancy acne. Soap, for instance, has a much higher pH than your skin, so it leaves your skin dry because it was stripped down from its natural oils.

Using all-natural body wash is a much better option if you want to keep your skin hydrated and soft. As we are great supporters of natural remedies, we believe that pregnancy acne can be cured with natural ingredients (if they are not caused by some serious hormonal issue). Some of the ingredients that help treat acne are: citrus fruit, diluted apple cider vinegar (works like a mild toner, mix it with distilled water), honey, coconut oil, and, of course, a diet that is rich with micro and macronutrients.

With that in mind, if you think your acne problem is worse than it should be, consult with your doctor about the appropriate treatment.

Can I have baths while pregnant?

It is generally okay to have baths while you’re pregnant, as long as the water’s not too hot. It is a common misconception that pregnant women should avoid taking baths at any cost. On the contrary, a nice relaxing bath can just be the thing you need at the end of a long day, and that is totally fine.

When taking a bath while pregnant, make sure the water is not hotter than 39°C. Your baby is protected by the amniotic sack, so you don’t have to worry about the water coming inside your uterus and hurting your baby. Baths can be beneficial in pregnancy because they help soothe your muscles and relax, which is for the baby

bathing while pregnant

Other tips for skincare during pregnancy

During the pregnancy, the skin has increased photosensitivity (its reaction to the UV sun rays). Exposure to the sun can cause Melasma - patches or discoloration of the skin. It often fades after the pregnancy, but it is better not to risk anything and use a high SPF sun protection cream with broad-spectrum protection that works against both UVA and UVB rays whenever you are going out in the sun. When going to the beach, always wash away the salt and use natural body oils in addition to sunscreen. It will help your skin stay hydrated and glowing.

You might experience sore nipples, lips, cuticles, or dry skin. In that case, you can use our natural balm that will help your skin to heal and prevent any further damage.

Itchy skin, especially in the abdomen area, is also one of the common pregnancy symptoms and it often happens because the blood supply to the skin has increased. You can use aloe vera, almond oil, or coconut oil to help your skin stay hydrated. You can also try to place cooled slices of cucumber on the affected areas.

It is advised to gently exfoliate your skin two to three times a week. Doing this keeps surface debris from building up on the skin and causing breakouts. Not only that, it can reduce problems with dry skin which builds upon the surface of the skin, not allowing products to absorb properly.

During pregnancy, your body needs to stay hydrated inside and out. Don’t just rely on your beauty products, but make sure you drink a lot of water as well. A good daily intake of water will ensure sufficient amniotic fluid in your body, which is important for the comfort of your baby. This will also prevent your skin from drying out and will give you healthy, glowing skin.

Conclusion

All of these pregnancy skincare tips might seem overwhelming at first, but in the end, it all comes down to choosing all-natural products. Your skin is a sensitive organ and during pregnancy it becomes even more sensitive. Not only that; what you put on your skin is being absorbed into your body and might affect your baby.

That’s why it is important to choose natural products and minimize exposure to toxins in your diet, beauty products, and your surroundings. If you are interested in reading more about this topic, you might like our blog “Beauty product ingredients to avoid while pregnant”.

When defining pregnancy skincare, “gentle” is the word to remember. Be gentle to your skin with natural products, but also be gentle to your body and mind.

FAQ

Can I use shower gel every day during pregnancy?

Yes, you can use it every day, but make sure it is a natural product that won’t hurt your baby or your skin.

Why is skin sensitive in pregnancy?

As your body is going through some massive changes, your skin also takes its toll. It is being stretched and it might even get dry due to the rush of hormones. It is believed that the skin becomes more sensitive as a way of protecting the woman's body and her baby.

Why did my skin become oily during pregnancy?

When pregnant, your body is producing more progesterone to help line the uterus. This might result in your skin being more oily and even in acne breakouts. This is absolutely natural, but if you find it bothers you, you can always try using a clay or mud mask to gently clean the pores.

What shower gel or body wash is safe during pregnancy?

Every shower gel that contains no harmful ingredients is safe during pregnancy. To avoid having to look at the labels all the time, find some suppliers that create natural-only products and stick with them.

What is the difference between a shower gel and a body wash?

Shower gels are usually thinner and less hydrating than a body wash. Body washes usually contain ingredients to restore skin moisture and are a better choice during pregnancy.

Are Cradle & Tonic's products 100% natural?

Yes, Cradle & Tonic blends the very best essential oils and uses selected ingredients that have beneficial properties to support mums to be and new mums. Our products are completely natural and plant-based. No need to worry about harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or unknown fragrances.

Tags: skincare