Skincare products to avoid on pregnant clients

Not every pregnant client is blessed with radiant skin. Many expectant mums suffer with skin dryness, acne, extra sebum production and even melasma that can make their complexion look patchy and uneven. As a facialist it’s your job to assess their skin and create a skincare package that complements their needs. Part of this is knowing which products to avoid using on pregnant clients too.

Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is one skincare ingredient that should be avoided during pregnancy because it can cause harm to unborn babies. Known for boosting collagen production and plumping the skin, retinol is found in many cosmetic products and oral medicines used to treat skin conditions like severe acne. Although topical retinoids that are applied to the skin are less likely to cause harm than oral medicines you should still use retinol-free skincare options as a precaution.

Salicylic acid is another skincare ingredient that shouldn’t be used during pregnancy. This Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is found in many cleansers, spot treatments, masks and exfoliators. Oral forms of salicylic acid can cause pregnancy complications so topical forms are also off the table as a precautionary measure too.

You can still use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), like gylcolic acid, on pregnant clients as long as they’re in a low concentration. Other AHAs, like lactic acid, are safe to use too and are useful for clearing the pores as well as brightening and lifting a dull complexion because they act as mild chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin cells.

It may also be worth doing a patch test to determine how your pregnant client’s skin responds to your in-house skincare range. It may be that products you’ve successfully used on their skin before have an adverse effect on their complexion due to hormonal changes. When it comes to pregnancy, always err on the side of caution.