Nerium Night Cream: Safe Skincare During Pregnancy?

When it comes to pregnancy, there are a lot of things to keep in mind, and skincare is no exception. While most over-the-counter products are safe, there are certain ingredients that are best avoided during this time.

Retinoids, for example, are a type of retinol found in many anti-ageing products and have been linked to an increased risk of birth defects. Salicylic acid, hydroquinone, phthalates and formaldehyde are other common skincare ingredients that are best avoided during pregnancy, as they can be harmful to the developing fetus.

So, what can you use? Well, there are still plenty of options available. Vitamin C is a great ingredient to look out for, as it is safe and effective at brightening dull skin. Azelaic acid is another good alternative, as it helps to clear redness and acne.

When it comes to specific products, here are some pregnancy-safe options:

- CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

- Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream

- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Night Cream

- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturiser

- Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Pregnancy-safe night creams to use

It's important to be cautious about the ingredients in your skincare products during pregnancy, as many can be harmful to your baby. Retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, oxybenzone, and phthalates are all ingredients that doctors recommend avoiding during pregnancy.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

CeraVe's Skin Renewing Night Cream is a great basic, pregnancy-safe night moisturiser. It's formulated without any questionable ingredients and is completely fragrance-free. It's also reasonably priced and easily available at drugstores, Ulta, and Target.

Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream

The Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream is an excellent pregnancy-safe moisturiser that can be used day or night. It has a fast-absorbing formula that is easy to apply and rub in, and it feels extremely hydrating and soothing on the skin. It also has a light scent.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Night Cream

La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Ultra Night Cream is a great option for those with sensitive and dry skin during pregnancy. It's formulated with prebiotic thermal water, neurosensine, and shea butter to intensely hydrate and help restore the protective skin barrier overnight. It's also free from parabens, preservatives, fragrances, and alcohol, making it safe for pregnant women.

Andalou Naturals Resveratrol Q10 Night Repair Cream

Andalou Naturals' Resveratrol Q10 Night Repair Cream is specially formulated for pregnancy skin that has become dry, flaky, and dull. It's made with goji berry, resveratrol, and aloe vera to support skin wellbeing, improve skin tone and texture, and provide a moisture barrier. All the ingredients are naturally derived, organic, non-GMO, vegan, sustainable, and cruelty-free.

Dr.Organic Snail Gel Healthy Aging Night Cream

Dr.Organic's Snail Gel Healthy Aging Night Cream is made with 70% organic and naturally sourced ingredients. It's formulated with snail gel, shea butter, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, which have antioxidant properties and can stimulate collagen production. It's free from parabens, phthalates, artificial colours, petroleum, glycols, and other potentially harmful ingredients, making it safe for use during pregnancy.

Pregnancy-safe night creams to avoid

It's important to be cautious about the ingredients in your skincare products during pregnancy, as they can be absorbed into your body and reach your baby. While most over-the-counter products are safe, some ingredients could be harmful to your little one.

Night creams to avoid during pregnancy:

• Retinoids: These are vitamin A derivatives that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. However, they have been linked to birth defects and are labelled as a category C drug by the FDA.
• Salicylic acid: While lower-dose topical products are generally considered safe, high-dose salicylic acid products like peels and oral medications should be avoided.
• Fragrance: Fragrances are usually made with harmful chemicals like phthalate, which have been linked to reproductive and developmental harm.
• Preservatives: Preservatives such as paraben, formaldehyde, benzyl benzoate, Idopropynyl butyl carbamate, and phenoxyethanol should be avoided as they can be harmful to your baby.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil can clog pores and worsen acne, so it's best avoided if you have oily skin during pregnancy.

Pregnancy-safe alternatives:

• Azelaic acid: This is a great alternative to retinoids and salicylic acid. It helps clear redness and acne, reduces pigment production, and improves skin texture.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an effective ingredient for treating dark spots and skin-tone issues.
• Glycolic acid: This is another safe alternative for treating acne and reducing fine lines.
• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is excellent for hydration and can be found in many moisturisers.
• Mineral-based sunscreens: For sun protection, opt for mineral-based sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which protect the skin by bouncing off UV rays.
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream: This night cream is formulated without harsh chemicals, fragrances, or additives. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and is suitable for all skin types.
• Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream: A rich face cream formulated with natural ingredients like sea buckthorn, calendula, and sunflower. It provides deep hydration and nourishment and has a slight earthy fragrance.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Night Cream: This night cream is ideal for sensitive and dry skin. It's formulated with prebiotic thermal water, neurosensine, and shea butter to hydrate and restore the skin's protective barrier.

Ingredients to look out for in night creams during pregnancy

When choosing a night cream to use during pregnancy, it's important to be vigilant about the ingredients it contains. Many creams contain ingredients that are harmful to pregnant women and their babies. Here are some ingredients to look out for and avoid:

• Retinoids and Retinol: These are vitamin A derivatives used in night creams to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots. However, they have been linked to causing birth defects and are labelled as a category C drug by the FDA.
• Salicylic Acid: While lower-dose topical over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid are considered safe, it's best to avoid products that deliver a high dose, such as peels and oral medications.
• Fragrance: Fragrances are generally made from harmful chemicals like phthalate, which have been linked to reproductive and developmental harm.
• Preservatives: Any cream that contains water will have preservatives to prevent bacterial and mould growth. Preservatives such as paraben, formaldehyde, benzyl benzoate, Idopropynyl butyl carbamate, and phenoxyethanol should be avoided during pregnancy.

It's also important to note that while coconut oil can be a good moisturiser for dry and chafed skin, it can clog pores and worsen acne during pregnancy.

Ingredients to avoid in night creams during pregnancy

When you're pregnant, it's not only the things you eat but also the products you use on your skin that matter. This is because some of the ingredients in cosmetic and skincare products can be absorbed into your bloodstream and, as a result, reach your baby.

• Retinoids and Vitamin A derivatives: These are known to cause birth defects and are classified as a category C drug by the FDA. This includes Retin-A, Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Accutane, and Tazorac.
• Salicylic acid: While lower-dose topical products are considered safe, high-dose salicylic acid should be avoided during pregnancy.
• Hydroquinone: This skin-lightening ingredient has a high absorption rate, and although it is not proven to cause congenital defects, it is best to limit exposure.
• Phthalates: These are endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in many beauty products. They have been linked to serious reproductive and developmental dysfunction in animal and human studies.
• Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that has been linked to an increased risk of infertility and miscarriage. While it is rarely used in beauty products, there are other chemicals that release formaldehyde, such as bronopol and hydroxymethylglycinate.
• Oxybenzone: This is the most commonly used ultraviolet (UV) filter in sunscreens. It has been associated with negative health effects, including endocrine disruption, and can cause permanent damage to both mother and child.
• Benzoyl peroxide: While it is generally used to treat acne, it is best to avoid this ingredient during pregnancy as it may negatively impact the fetus if consumed orally in large amounts.
• Essential oils: Although these are considered a natural alternative, they are not regulated by the FDA and can cause major health concerns if used during pregnancy. For example, jasmine and clary sage are thought to cause contractions, while rosemary can elevate blood pressure.
• Aluminium chloride: This ingredient, commonly found in deodorants and antiperspirants, is generally considered safe in lower concentrations. However, products with high concentrations of aluminium chloride should be avoided.
• Parabens: These are easily absorbed into the bloodstream and can disrupt hormones. They have been linked to poor fetal growth, low birth weight, miscarriage, and behavioural disorders.
• Tetracycline: This common antibiotic and its derivatives (doxycycline and minocycline) should be avoided during pregnancy as they have been shown to have negative effects on both mothers and babies.
• Dihydroxyacetone: Found in spray self-tanners, this chemical can be inhaled during application, which is harmful to both the mother and the baby.
• Thioglycolic acid: Found in hair-removal lotions and treatments, this ingredient has not been proven to be harmful to developing babies. However, medical authorities recommend that pregnant women reduce their exposure to it.
• Botox and fillers: Classified as a category C chemical, botox and fillers are not recommended for aesthetic purposes during pregnancy due to a lack of research on their effects.
• Toluene: Found in nail polish and hair dyes, toluene exposure can cause temporary symptoms such as headaches and dizziness, as well as more severe consequences like respiratory difficulties and reproductive damage.

Benefits of using night creams during pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring about many changes to your skin, and it's important to take care of it. Hormonal changes, mood swings, and the progression of your pregnancy can all take a toll on your skin, causing pimples, fine lines, and dark circles. A good night cream can help lessen the appearance of these issues and make your skin glow.

Night creams are thicker than day creams and are often enriched with emollients to nourish your skin and give it a natural glow. They are great for nighttime skin repair and brightening, and they help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as UV rays, pollutants, cold, and dryness.

However, not all night creams are safe for pregnant women. Many brands use harmful ingredients such as retinol, retinoids, and salicylic acid, which can be toxic to a developing fetus and cause birth defects. It is important to carefully choose a night cream that is free from these harmful ingredients and safe for use during pregnancy.

• Soothing and hydrating your skin: Night creams can help to soothe and hydrate your skin after a long day, providing essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• Repairing skin: Night creams can help repair your skin by amplifying cell turnover and boosting collagen production. This can be especially helpful if hormonal changes during pregnancy have affected your skin tone or color.
• Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Night creams with anti-aging properties can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance.
• Providing deep penetration and lightweight moisture: Pregnancy-safe night creams are often lightweight and provide deep penetration of moisture, without leaving the skin feeling greasy or oily.
• Safe for sensitive skin: Some night creams are specifically designed for sensitive skin and are free from fragrances, synthetic dyes, and other irritants.
• Brightening skin: Night creams can help to brighten your skin and reduce enhanced skin pigmentation, giving you a radiant complexion.

Frequently asked questions