Frequently Asked Questions; Navigating Skincare during Pregnancy

During the extraordinary process of creating and nurturing a new life, a women's body and skin may experience various effects of many endocrinological, immunological, metabolic, and vascular changes. Hormones play a particularly significant role in these transformations which are known to impact the skin's appearance and health. Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it can also bring about some concerns when it comes to taking care of your skin. From the safety of certain ingredients to the best products to use during this period of change, navigating the world of pregnancy and skincare can feel overwhelming. To help you maintain a healthy-looking and radiant glow, here are some answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.

The hormonal and physiological changes that come with pregnancy are unique. Expecting mothers experience dramatic increases in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone which can have various influences on the skin. One of the most common skin changes during pregnancy is an increase in oil production - excess oil may lead to breakouts and even acne if you're predisposed to the skin condition. Hormones may also trigger pigmentation changes, resulting in patches of skin discolouration, dark spots and melasma as well as increased sensitivity of the skin. Many pregnant women experience redness, irritation, and dryness.

When it comes to pregnancy skincare, it is vital to choose products that are safe for both you and your baby. As experts in professional skincare, Environ is frequently asked about the safety of applying skincare products containing vitamin A during pregnancy. Based on scientific facts, it is extremely unlikely that topical cosmetic vitamin A skincare products could pose a health risk or a risk to pregnancy because the active molecules are not absorbed into the bloodstream. This is not the same as taking vitamin A orally where absorption into the bloodstream is part of the natural biological process.

During December 2021, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety Commission in the EU concluded that vitamin A in cosmetics, at the specified regulated concentrations is safe. It is important to be mindful rather of vitamin A contributions from other sources such as food, food supplements, medicines etc.

In addition to these facts, it is important to know that cosmetic formulations are regulated around the world and Environ follows global cosmetic regulations. Every Environ product is evaluated by an independent regulatory body who issues a safety assessment. This is a requirement for products to ensure they are compliant with cosmetic regulations and safe for consumers. If for any reason, a product isn't safe for use during pregnancy, the product will carry a warning to inform the consumer of this.

Environ's essential skincare ranges; Ionzyme®, Original, and Body EssentiA® containing vitamin A are deemed safe to use during both pregnancy and lactation. However, during pregnancy, the skin's response to cosmetics may change due to the hormonal changes taking place in the body. It is recommended that you use lower levels of vitamin A or discontinue the use of vitamin A if the skin is too sensitive, especially during the first trimester. If you have paused your daily vitamin A moisturiser during pregnancy or for a period, it is recommended that you re-introduce vitamin A at a low concentration and step up gradually under the guidance of your Skincare Professional.

If you're an expecting mother and currently on medium to high levels of vitamin A, Environ recommends stepping down to lower levels of vitamin A, especially during the first trimester.

Read the full article on the safety of vitamin A in topical cosmetic skincare during pregnancy.

Sebaceous glands are known to go into overdrive during pregnancy due to hormonal changes which may cause increased sebum production resulting in congestion, bacterial growth, inflammation, breakouts and in some cases flare ups of acne. If you're experiencing any if these signs, it is essential to seek the advice of your Doctor and Skincare Professional to establish a gentle and consistent skincare routine. Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils and consider introducing products with intelligent ingredients to help control oiliness and reduce breakouts. It is crucial to avoid picking or squeezing pimples, as this can lead to scarring.

Environ's Focus Care Clarity+® Range is a simple 3-phase system that is designed to CLEAN, CONTROL AND CLEAR the appearance of breakouts.

Stretch marks are a common concern for many pregnant women. These marks are known to appear when the skin stretches rapidly, causing collagen and elastin damage. While it is challenging to prevent stretch marks entirely, there are steps you can take to minimise their appearance. Keeping the skin enriched with ingredients such as vitamin A (shown to promote NMF's (natural moisturising factors) as well as collagen + elastin synthesis), antioxidants, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and moisturising AHA's can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the severity of stretch marks. It is also essential to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support the skin's overall health.

Environ recommends using the Body EssentiA® Body Oil (Retinyl Palmitate, vitamin A, C & vitamin E) together with Derma-Lac® Lotion (Lactic Acid, Jojoba Seed Oil, Urea). You can also safely introduce Micro-Needling Technology with the Cosmetic Body Roll-CIT® or Cosmetic Roll-CIT® before applying the Body Oil to intensify the ingredient benefits. On the days when you're micro-needling, avoid using Derma-Lac Lotion. Consult with your Medical or Skincare Professional to discuss your options.

When it comes to improving the appearance of post pregnancy scars, Environ recommends introducing Micro-Needling before applying Body Oil once the scar has sufficiently healed. *Environ Micro-Needling Instruments are available in selected markets. Please enquire with your Skincare Professional for more information.

Estrogen, progesterone and particularly melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) are shown to increase during the third trimester of pregnancy which may result in, what women commonly experience as “the mask of pregnancy” or melasma. Besides hormones, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can stimulate melanocyte cells to produce pigment which is why keeping sun exposure to a minimum and applying a daily effective broad-spectrum low SPF sunscreen is essential. UV exposure is also the key contributor to the deficiency of essential skin nutrients such as vitamin A (skin normalising vitamin), C and E. These are essential free-radical fighting antioxidants.

Environ's Focus Care Radiance+® Range is based on the revolutionary 3-Step Mela-Smart System™ which includes 4 innovative products that help to inhibit the 6 complex steps involved in the formation of hyperpigmentation. For optimal results, you should combine the Radiance+ Range with your daily Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM® routine.

Mela-Prep Lotion contains a combination of highly specialised ingredients for a brighter, more even-toned complexion.

Mela-Fade Serum System works together with a potent blend of vitamins and botanicals to help target the root causes of skin discolouration and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots.

Mela-Even Cream is a technologically advanced vitamin C infused cream that helps reveal a brighter, more evenly radiant and healthier-looking skin.

It's not uncommon to experience a higher levels of skin sensitivity and redness during pregnancy. To manage these effects, it is recommended to apply topical skincare products with calming, soothing, barrier supporting, and immunity boosting ingredients that can help calm the signs of redness and reduce an inflamed appearance. Avoid using products like harsh exfoliants that can further irritate the skin.

Skincare Professional's top product recommendations:

1. Colostrum Gel is a lightweight, fast absorbing serum that contains a high concentration of colostrum, combined with various antioxidants like green tea, vitamin C and vitamin E. Overall it has highly beneficial effects on improving the skin's resilience, reducing the appearance of inflammation, and enhancing skin barrier function.
2. Antioxidant Gel contains high concentrations of vitamin C, E and Beta Carotene to help cool, calm and protect while restoring hydration levels and rebuilding your skin barrier.
3. Seriénce™ Night Serum is the first of its kind overnight peptide serum booster that is scientifically shown to reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation.
4. Anti-Pollution Spritz is a daily lightweight, invisible, breathable shield that helps rebalance the natural skin microbiota (barrier resilience), strengthens the skin's resistance to external stressors and improves moisture benefits of well-functioning skin barrier.

Hormonal changes can rob the skin of essential oils and hydration. Dry skin during pregnancy can be uncomfortable and sometimes itchy but taking a comprehensive approach to skincare and overall lifestyle habits during this transformational period can help keep the skin looking nourished and feeling comfortable.

1. Consider switching to or introducing products that balance and promote moisture components in the skin.
   
   

   Skin Preparation:

   Harsh cleansers, astringents and over exfoliating the skin are known to strip out necessary oils and moisture. Environ's professional skincare cleansers and toners intelligently combine barrier-loving humectants, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that help to maintain the skin's natural pH for optimal functioning, preserve the natural acid mantle, support the protective water-proofing barrier, and promote natural moisturising factors (NMF) to leave skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

   Replenish the skin daily with vitamin A and antioxidant enriched moisture

   Skin that is sufficiently replenished with vitamin A is shown to have a more compact and smoother outer protective barrier and therefore an enhanced skin barrier function. Transepidermal water loss is a direct reflection of the integrity of the epidermal skin barrier which functions to protect your skin from environmental damage and help retain vital moisture in your skin.

   Read more about the Original and Ionzyme® Ranges.

   Give your skin a boosted dose of moisture

   

   Environ's Focus Care Moisture+® Range includes various intelligent skin boosters which can be added to your skincare routine to give your skin more of what it needs.

   • Super Moisturiser is a luxurious cream booster with a dynamic blend of various moisturisers that assist to boost hydration and improve skin barrier function.
   • Hydrating Oil Capsules deliver a concentrated burst of vitamin-enriched hydration to the skin as well as protection against the damaging effects of free radicals.
   • Hydrating Serum contains a high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid to help boost the skin's essential humectant component of skin moisture.
   • Night Cream assists to improve rough skin texture associated with dehydration.

   
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps to hydrate the skin from within and supports overall skin health.
3. Incorporating foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados and nuts into your diet can help nourish and moisturise the skin from the inside out.

While it is important for expectant mothers to take extra precautions when it comes to their skincare routine, there is no reason not to continue enjoying the powerful benefits of facials, provided that your Medical Professional and Skincare Professional have cleared them as safe during pregnancy. DF Technology and Cool Peel Treatments are not recommended during pregnancy, but these can be safely resumed post the birth of your baby.

Environ's Essential Vitamin Touch Facials are considered safe options during pregnancy. These are luxurious and relaxing treatments that combine the caring therapeutic hands of your Skincare Professional with the delivery of essential vitamins and skin boosting ingredients to help revitalise your skin resilience and healthy-looking radiant glow. For enhanced ingredient benefits, Environ's Cosmetic Micro-Needling Technology is deemed safe to introduce into your Vitamin Touch Facial.

Skincare Professionals have the knowledge and expertise to understand the unique needs of skin during pregnancy. They can provide guidance on safe and effective skincare products and routines that are suitable for use during pregnancy to address personalised skin concerns.

Additionally, seeking professional skincare advice during pregnancy can help moms-to-be navigate the overwhelming amount of information available online. With so many conflicting opinions and anecdotal advice, it can be challenging to determine what is reliable and safe for skin.

Environ always recommends using professionally recommended products under the guidance of a Medical Professional during pregnancy to ensure the safety and health of both mother and baby. Remember to consult with your Doctor or Skincare Professional for personalised advice and recommendations.