Ingredients 101: What to Avoid During Pregnancy
Expectant mothers should be cautious about certain ingredients in skincare products. Some could pose risks to the developing baby or cause irritation to more sensitive skin. Key ingredients to avoid include:
- Salicylic Acid (BHA)
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Retin-A and Retinol
- Hydroquinone
- Tazorac and Accutane
- Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate
- Formaldehyde
- Dibutyl Phthalate
- Essential Oils
Our products are free from these substances, and thus pregnancy-safe.
Commitment to Safety: Excellent on YUKA
Our dedication to safety is evident in our ingredient choices. All our products score Excellent on the Yuka app, with most achieving a perfect 100/100. The Yuka app scans barcodes of food and personal care items, offering detailed insights into their health impact. Our formulations are backed by 35 years of research under the guidance of our Scientific Director Dr. Ferri, allowing us to blend science with nature to create products that are truly healthy for your skin.
Common Pregnancy Skin Concerns and Solutions
Hyperpigmentation
Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can increase melanin production, leading to increased brown spots or dark patches. To help reduce hyperpigmentation and keep it at bay, we recommend following this pregnancy-safe daily routine with our carefully selected products:
Step 1: Lavender Foam Cleanser
Cleanse with Lavender Foam Cleanser, enriched with brightening rosemary water. This lightweight formula improves skin tone while removing impurities. Massage onto damp skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 2: Lemon Toner
Apply Lemon Toner, which exfoliates and brightens with AHAs and Witch Hazel Water. Spritz on your face, neck and décolleté.
Step 3: Olive Eye Cream
Gently apply Olive Eye Cream around your eyes. Infused with Niacinamide B3 and Penta-Phyto Complex, it targets dark circles, uneven skin tone and puffiness while hydrating the delicate under-eye area.
Step 4: Lavender Face Cream
Finish with Lavender Face Cream, packed with Glutathione and Rosemary Water to support cell turnover and brighten your skin. Apply evenly to your face, neck and décolleté.
For enhanced results, use the Apricot Penta-Acid Polish or Lavender Tetra-Acid Mask 1-3 times per week. Most importantly, use sunscreen daily.
Breakouts
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can also increase oil production, resulting in increased breakouts. While many typically use Salicylic Acid (BHA) or Retinol for breakouts, these ingredients are not safe during pregnancy. Instead, we recommend following a similar daily routine to the above:
Step 1: Lavender Foam Cleanser
Gently cleanse your skin with our Lavender Foam Cleanser, which utilizes a Soy Protein Complex to effectively clean while Lavender and Rosemary Waters provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Tip: For a deeper cleanse, consider double cleansing by using the Almond Cleansing Milk first, followed by the Lavender Foam Cleanser.
Step 2: Lemon Toner
Purifies with AHAs and Witch Hazel Water.
Step 3: Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum
Even if your skin is breaking out, it’s important to keep it hydrated. Our lightweight triple Hyaluronic Serum does the trick.
Step 4: Lavender Face Cream
Promotes cell turnover and brightening with Glutathione and Rosemary Water.
To help further, use the Apricot Penta-Acid Polish or Lavender Tetra-Acid Mask 1-3 times per week.
Exhaustion and Lack of Sleep During Pregnancy
Sleep is crucial for overall well-being and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, youthful skin. During the night, your skin undergoes important processes that help repair and rejuvenate itself.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period often bring challenges such as exhaustion and sleep disturbances, which can significantly impact your skin’s appearance and health. During these times, it’s crucial to nourish, rejuvenate, and repair your skin overnight. Begin with cleansing and toning—consider using more nourishing products like Almond Cleansing Milk and Helichrysum Toner at night. Then follow with our nighttime science routine to support your skin's overnight repair processes.
Irene’s Nighttime Skincare Duo
Restore with Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum
Reduces wrinkles and improves elasticity with Alpine Plant Melatonin and Vitamin E. Apply 1-2 drops.
Nourish with Hibiscus Night Cream
Harnessing the power of our breakthrough anti-aging ingredient Myoxinol™, extracted from Hibiscus seeds, this transformative, multi-award-winning night cream delivers a significant youth boost in just 10 days. It supports collagen production and hydration, giving your skin a radiant, youthful glow overnight.
Increased Sensitivity
Sensitive skin is a common concern during pregnancy, amplified by hormonal changes. Our gentle formulations soothe and nurture, offering relief from irritation without compromising on efficiency. Understanding why skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy is essential. Hormonal changes can weaken the skin barrier, making it more prone to irritation and dryness.
To help manage this, it's important to use products that are gentle and soothing. All our formulations are dermatologically proven safe for sensitive skin, delivering both efficacy and kindness.
Stretch Marks and Swelling
Stretch marks are common during pregnancy, caused by rapid skin stretching. They often appear on areas like the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs.
Causes of Stretch Marks
- Rapid Skin Stretching: As your body grows, skin stretching can tear collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis.
- Hormonal Changes: Increased hormone levels, particularly cortisol, can affect skin elasticity.
- Skin Type and Hydration: Dry or less elastic skin is more susceptible. Hydration and maintaining elasticity can help reduce their appearance.
Strategies for Managing Stretch Marks and Swelling
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing stimulates blood flow, reduces swelling, and improves skin texture. Use a natural-bristle brush on dry skin with gentle circular motions before showering. Follow with our Pistachio Body Oil, enriched with Sicilian Pistachio Oil and Phytomelatonin. This oil boosts skin renewal and elasticity, combating the effects of ageing and enhancing skin texture.
Gentle Massage
Regularly massaging your skin with Pistachio Body Oil helps stimulate circulation, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce swelling. This evening body oil addresses signs of aging with the breakthrough ingredient Phytomelatonin, a plant version of human melatonin, shown to rejuvenate the skin by boosting its renewal process. Combined with Sicilian Pistachio Oil, known for its hydrating and replenishing properties, this formula nurtures visibly younger-looking, plumper, and more supple skin after four weeks of use. The powerful antioxidant properties of Phytomelatonin combat the aging effects of free radicals, while an omega-rich oil blend, including Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, and Calendula Flower, deeply nourishes and smooths the skin.
Apply post-shower or bath on damp skin. For optimal results, we developed a signature massage routine which you can view here or via the QR code on its box.
Safe Skincare That Works
Irene Forte Skincare combines nature and science to offer safe, effective solutions for pregnancy. Our formulations address specific skin concerns while being kind to your skin throughout your pregnancy journey.
