Pregnancy Face Wash: What You Need To Know

Pregnancy changes everything; it affects your whole body, and your skin undergoes some changes too.

On normal occasions, you should check what you’re applying to your face. During pregnancy, you should double-check. Why?

Getting a safe pregnancy face wash means a product that’s safe enough for you and your baby.

What Happens to Your Skin During Pregnancy?

Let’s see first how your skin is affected during your pregnancy. Some women experience something known as pregnancy glow, lucky them, but for the rest of us; it’s not really a glow.

Most probably, you’ll get stretch marks since you’re gaining weight. Also, your veins can get affected as you might have Varicose veins or spider veins.

That’s not the only thing since your face will encounter some differences too.

Dark Spots

Another thing you’ll experience is the dark patches of skin known as chloasma. Your skin will get darker around your forehead and cheeks.

Some dark spots can be found around your nipples, in your inner thighs, and also in the form of a line from the navel to the pubic area, known as linea nigra.

There’s no need to worry though as usually the dark spots disappear after giving birth.

Acne

Last but not least, acne. If you already struggle with acne, then I’m sorry to tell you that pregnancy might worsen it.

The changes in the levels of hormones will cause your skin to produce more oil and sebum, and that’s the main reason for breakouts.

It’s not easy being pregnant, but it’s totally worth it.

How to Treat Acne During Pregnancy?

Acne is annoying but it can be treated, or at least reduced. Besides home remedies, there are some tips that you should know.

The most obvious tip is to avoid touching your face. Keep your hands or other objects away from your face. Keep your hair back too.

If the acne is around your hairline then I’d recommend you to shampoo more regularly. Also, it’s better to change your towels and pillow sheets more often.

I know you’d want to squeeze or pop those annoying blemishes, but please, do yourself a favor and leave them alone. Otherwise, it’ll leave scars.

Wash your face, but not too much. Overwashing will make your skin dry, and dry skin is a good environment for acne.

Keep your skin soft by moisturizing it regularly.

Most importantly, don’t use any medication for acne before checking with your doctor.

What to Look For in a Pregnancy Face Wash?

While reading the ingredients to a face wash, remember that: the more natural, the safer for you and your baby. These are natural ingredients that help in cleaning your skin and soothing your acne.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is known for fighting bacteria and reducing skin inflammation. That makes it a convenient option when fighting acne. It’s also known for moisturizing.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has many benefits for your skin. It also fights bacteria and moisturizes dry skin. Moreover, it’s rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants. It has vitamin E that can relieve your sunburns, heal wounds, and remove scars from acne.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has nutrients that can moisturize the skin and help in treating acne. It also soothes sunburns and it has an anti-inflammation effect.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is rich in vitamin E. It soothes your skin as well as being used for sunburns, stretch marks, or makeup removers.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is so gentle on your skin that it’s used for cuts and wounds. It’s also used as a pain reliever. In addition to that, it treats acne.

Green Tea

Green tea fights oxidants, microbes, and inflammation. It can soothe your skin and reduce acne.

Ingredients to Avoid in a Pregnancy Face Wash

Part of being extra careful is reading all the ingredients before purchasing any product. I’ll give you a list of some ingredients that you should avoid when you’re picking a pregnancy face wash.

While salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the main components in products that treat acne, some studies suggest they’re not safe for your unborn child.

Another ingredient you should avoid is hydroquinone, found in whitening creams. Even if your skin gets darker, it’ll recover after giving birth, so avoid this component now for your safety.

Stay away from retinol and retinoids since they might result in birth defects. Also, avoid tetracycline because it’s not safe for the teeth and bones of your baby.

Paraben is a chemical that you should avoid whether you’re pregnant or not because it’s linked to breast cancer.

How to Determine If Your Pregnancy Face Wash Is Safe?

The first thing you need to check is the ingredients, whether the product has chemicals or toxins. I’d opt for organic products without thinking twice.

Also, don’t buy products with soap or extra foam. Go for mild and gentle ones, since your skin will be extra sensitive and you don’t want to be harsh on it.

If the face wash is free from the ingredients we mentioned earlier, then it should be safe.

Our Top Picks For the Best Pregnancy Face Wash

I found 5 face wash products that should be safe during pregnancy. They have different ingredients and cover most skin types.

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil is known for producing skincare products for sensitive skin and this is one of them. This face wash is soap-free and it’s made of mild ingredients that’ll be gentle on your skin.

Moreover, it can be used with or without water, and it can be used on your face, hands, or body. The bottle has a pump for easy usage, it weighs 16 oz and there are also smaller ones of 2 oz or even 4 oz, for when you want to carry it around.

People who have extremely sensitive skin, due to diseases like rosacea, recommend this face wash. That’s how gentle it is. Others say that Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser cleans their skin deeply while keeping it soft and moisturized.

Pros

• It’s suitable for all types of skin
• It’s fragrance-free
• It removes makeup
• It’s non-comedogenic

Cons

• It doesn’t lather
• It might contain a paraben form in its ingredients

2. Christina Moss Naturals Face Wash

Everything about this face wash says natural to the extent that the tube itself can be recycled.

It’s not the cheapest, however, it’s concentrated so getting a 4-oz tube would be like getting an 8-oz one.

It contains rosemary, olive fruit oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil. Those natural ingredients should clean and soothe your skin.

Some mothers say that it really helped with their acne, it made their skin less irritated too, while others mentioned that the face wash doesn’t work the best for oily skin.

Pros

• It’s eco-friendly
• It’s paraben-free
• It’s made of organic ingredients

Cons

• It’s expensive
• It has a strong odor that’s not pleasant to everyone

3. Bella B Foaming Face Wash

This one is made of tea tree oil. It doesn’t contain parabens, benzoyl peroxide, or even salicylic acid.

It has natural ingredients such as; cucumber, honey, aloe vera, and shea. These natural ingredients are known to keep the complexion smooth and moisturized.

Furthermore, it’s rich in antioxidants like pomegranate and acai berry, and antioxidants are used when fighting acne, as well as making the skin look younger.

Mothers say that it works just fine when it comes to treating their acne, yet some of them say that they experienced a bit of dryness after applying the face wash.

Pros

• It’s hypoallergenic
• It’s affordable and it lasts for a while
• It lathers

Cons

• It’s not suitable for dry skin

4. Belli Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub

This scrub is known for deep cleansing. It can exfoliate your body or face without using any toxic ingredients.

You shouldn’t excessively use your scrub since your skin will be extra sensitive, but this one is gentle. It can be used from 2 to 3 times a week.

It works on removing the blackheads and pimples and you can apply it to clear your skin before applying other products.

It has green tea, ginseng, peppermint, and olive oil. Mothers say that it’s really gentle on their skin and it cleans profoundly. They love that it’s odorless.

However, some of them believe that recently the ingredients of the product have changed, making it less effective.

Pros

• It’s fragrance-free
• It’s hypoallergenic
• It’s paraben-free

Cons

• Peppermint is not suitable for all types of skin

5. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Daily Facial Cleanser

This non-comedogenic facial cleanser should clean your pores and make your skin look healthier. It’s free of sulfates, petroleum-based ingredients, phthalates, and dyes.

It’s 90% natural, and it contains natural salicylic acid from in Willow bark. This product works on cleaning deeply without drying your skin. It has a creamy texture and it doesn’t lather.

Mothers say that this product is gentle on their skin, it cleans and moisturizes too. Moreover, they can use it as a makeup remover. They also say that it has a pleasant scent.

Pros

• It’s paraben-free
• It’s hypoallergenic
• It’s affordable

Cons

• The pump doesn’t work

Summing Up

I know that having a baby is a huge responsibility, and the fact that you need to be extra careful can tire you at times. That’s why I hope I spared you the trouble of looking for a suitable pregnancy face wash.

Out of all 5 products, I think I’d go for Christina Moss Naturals face wash. It’s all-natural and organic so I can make sure my baby will be safe with this option.

It might not be the cheapest, but your health and the baby’s matter the most, so stay safe.