Your Guide to Pregnancy-Safe Korean Skin Care

Being pregnant does not mean that you have to miss out on amazing skin and amazing skin care!

Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but it can also be scary with all of the (mis)information floating around about what you can and cannot safely use on your skin. However, one of the biggest pregnancy myth out there is that all (or most) products are dangerous! While there are several ingredients to avoid, there are also a ton of products and natural/ organic brands like Aromatica and Whamisa that are absolutely safe.

Check out the truth behind some of these frequently asked ingredients:

1. Retinol (Absolute NO): Commonly found in anti-ageing skin care, pregnant women should avoid vitamin A products, including retinol, retinoic acid (Retin A), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac), as they can disturb the development of an embryo or fetus.
2. Salicylic Acid: This one is a bit tricky. Acne treatments like salicylic acid are normally avoided during pregnancy, but some doctors argue that small percentages used in skin care (2% or lower) are OK. If you’re still doubtful, consult with a doctor, or opt for the pregnancy-safe COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch to treat breakouts instead!

1. Benzoyl Peroxide: Similarly, BP is also another debatable ingredient, but is considered safe to use during pregnancy as long as it’s in low concentrations (5% or less).
2. Hydroquinone (Absolute NO): This common ingredient in brightening skin care may be associated with birth defects, so it’s best avoid it. If you’re struggling with dull skin or hyperpigmentation during pregnancy, try exfoliating more regularly with a gentle exfoliator such as the Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon.
3. Vitamin C: Vitamin C serums like the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop are great additions to your skin care regimen, as they can treat dark spots while keeping your skin plump and wrinkle-free during pregnancy.
4. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids: Another safe alternative to treat pigmentation issues during pregnancy are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA). A great AHA cream you can try is the COSRX Oil Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion, which is also made with 70% birch sap to soothe and hydrate dry or sensitive skin.

1. Anti-ageing skin care with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy — there’s no research proving they’re a problem for topical use.
2. Avodenzone and oxybenzone: Commonly found in chemical sunscreens, these ingredients are normally not recommended in pregnancy. Most of the reasoning behind ingredients to stay away from is not because it is dangerous per se, but because of the lack of testing on women who are pregnant.

As you can see, there are plenty of products out there that will keep your skin glowing (without harming your mini me!) — just be sure to double check with your dermatologist or OB if you’re uncertain about starting a new product. In the same way that every person’s skin is different, so is every woman’s pregnancy!

What are your best pregnancy skin care tips or products? Share your favourites in the comments!

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Originally published at nudieglow.com.