With pregnancy comes that natural glow, but there’s absolutely no harm in amping it up now & again! Whether you’re a makeup diva or a less-is-more evangelist, the beauty game changes once you’re pregnant.

During this special time, your hormones dictate how your skin & body feels and reacts, much more than any other time of your life. Sure, that much-talked-about glow is present, but often it’s accompanied by adult acne, increased sensitivity & pigmentation.

Wondering how to choose products that will allay these concerns and still be good for mommy & baby?

Step 1 would always be to research the ingredients - not just a handy tool in your post-partum stage, but absolutely vital here. Before you start on any products or ingredients though, please consult your gynaecologist & dermatologist!

There are certain ingredients that you must avoid, though;

• Retinol - Some studies have linked retinol-based products to child defects so they must be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding
• Phthalates / formaldehyde / toluene - These common ingredients in nail polishes are considered as being unhealthy. Look for varnishes that are formulated to be “12 Chemical Free”
• Ammonia - Regarded as a must-have ingredient in hair dyes, ammonia is now said to have carcinogenic properties - something that should be avoided year-round!
• Salicylic Acid - Often used in anti-acne products, a bit of salicylic acid is considered to be low-risk but we’d suggest skipping this one out altogether.

Now that you’ve got a rough idea of what to avoid, here are some Do’s that should help you narrow down on the products for your skin-type!

• Sunscreen is your absolute best friend. Opt for a mineral sunscreen with high SPF - a must-do during any time of your life, really, but essential during pregnancy
• Keep things natural - the simpler your routine, the more effective it will be in the long run, with the added benefit of not affecting your pregnancy journey adversely!
• Concerned about pigmentation? Explore using topical Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic Acid is naturally made by the body and aids in moisturization
• Parabens - there is a big controversy regarding the use of these but it has been concluded that they are not harmful.
• Plant extracts help in solving skincare issues and are all-natural at the same time. Win-win, right?! Mostly, yes, but you should avoid Neem extract altogether as currently studies are being undertaken to find out its efficiency and it’s inconclusive.

When it comes to pregnancy makeup, a lot of millennial mothers prefer to go makeup-free as there is a lot of undocumented research on what ingredient is good and what’s not. A simple way to figure out your pregnancy look would be to break down the products

• Lipstick - Avoid lipsticks with lead content in case it is ingested while eating. Look for lipsticks made from natural ingredients, instead
• Nail Polish - There are quite a few ingredients in nail polishes that are considered problematic. Opt for ‘12 Chemical Free’ polishes instead
• Foundation - certain formulations have ingredients such as retinoids and beta hydroxy acids : avoid these! Go through the ingredients list thoroughly and choose a formulation accordingly
• Concealers tend to be drying for the skin - look for a formulation that adds a bit of moisture
• Eyeliner - once again, natural eyeliners containing castor oil go a long way in maintaining pregnancy health

At the end of the day, your pregnancy look is a way for you to express yourself. Just consult your specialists and we’re sure the rest will be a breeze!