Creams for pregnant and postpartum women

Maintaining beautiful skin during pregnancy and postpartum

Pregnancy is one of the happiest months in a woman's life. What could be more rewarding than seeing your baby's face for the first time? During this period, our main concern is caring for and protecting the embryo, but we mustn't forget that our bodies also undergo many hormonal changes, and that if we don't take proper care of them, the consequences after birth can be permanent.

To maintain a healthy body and firm skin during pregnancy and postpartum , we must combine a good diet, exercise, and the use of specific cosmetic treatments. Walking for an hour a day and following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will be necessary to avoid gaining those extra pounds, and if we also include the recommended body treatments in our beauty routine, there will be nothing to worry about.

Main skin lesions during pregnancy and postpartum

• During pregnancy, the main change the body undergoes is weight gain. Due to this rapid increase, the skin stretches considerably, and at that precise moment, stretch marks begin to form. Stretch marks are skin lesions that appear due to the loss of elasticity in the skin tissue and the subsequent rupture of collagen and elastin fibers. Their appearance is primarily triggered by rapid weight changes that lead to skin distension. Since this type of lesion is related to skin elasticity, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, during pregnancy, treatments that promote skin elasticity and prevent stretch marks should be used. However, in the postpartum period, it will also be necessary to continue treatment, as the weight loss experienced can also cause these conditions.

• Another major issue a woman's body can experience is breast sagging , especially after the months of breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the breasts swell for biological reasons, specifically to allow for breastfeeding. However, once breast milk is completely weaned (approximately one year after giving birth), the breasts lose considerable firmness. To prevent this sagging and maintain the natural elasticity of the breasts , there are several creams specifically designed for breast care. These treatments are certified for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Due to the sudden weight change and hormonal shifts, a woman's skin loses firmness and becomes more flaccid. At this point, it's very important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise daily, but it never hurts to enhance a balanced diet with a firming treatment . These products help improve and strengthen the elastin and collagen bonds in the dermis, thus maintaining a smooth, even, and supple appearance of the skin.

Cosmetic ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and postpartum

During pregnancy, it's necessary to avoid certain products you used in your natural beauty routine due to their ingredients. Our strongest recommendation is to consult your obstetrician about these ingredients, as they can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. However, below are some common cosmetic ingredients you should avoid once you know you're pregnant:

• Caffeine . High levels of caffeine consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight babies. Therefore, it is best to avoid this stimulant both through direct consumption and topical application.
• Hair dyes containing ammonia . Ammonia is a very harmful substance for the proper development of the fetus. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid any hair products containing this ingredient. But we shouldn't worry, because thanks to advances in cosmetics, there is now a wide variety of ammonia-free hair dyes , making them a completely safe option for pregnant women.
• Cosmetics with retinol . Retinol is a common active ingredient in various anti-aging treatments to combat wrinkles and age spots. However, excessive amounts of retinol can cause birth defects, so during pregnancy, it's best to opt for more natural or organic anti-aging treatments .
• Salicylic acid . This acid is primarily used in acne treatments, treatments for psoriasis, and treatments for lightening age spots. If you need to treat any of these conditions, you should consult a dermatologist beforehand, as salicylic acid is absorbed systemically. Therefore, it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as its safety has not been established.