1. Easy on the essentials — oils, that is. Essential oils are known for their soothing and calming benefits. Some oils can relieve nausea, ease muscle pain and even induce labor. Midwives, for instance, use essential oils like jasmine and clary sage to induce contractions.

   Many essential oils, however, can be harmful. Avoid the following (this list isn’t exhaustive): Angelica, Aniseed, Cedarwood, Chamomile (German and Roman), Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Ginger, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Sweet Fennel, Sage and Wormwood.

   Some experts advise pregnant women stay away from essential oils altogether. If you’d like to use essential oils, always clear it with your doctor first.

2. Avoid certain ingredients. Don’t use products that contain retinoids — effective exfoliators derived from vitamin A that treat acne, boost collagen and reduce wrinkles. Research has suggested that high doses of vitamin A are harmful to the baby. Also, Accutane, an oral retinoid used to treat acne, has been shown to cause birth defects. In addition to avoiding retinoid products, skip the chemical peels, too.

   Also, avoid facial and body peels with salicylic acid, suggests BabyCenter. Commonly used in exfoliators and anti-aging creams, cleansers and toners, salicylic acid is part of the aspirin family. Taking aspirin has been linked to various complications during pregnancy — increased risk of miscarriage, heart and lung-related problems and potential stunting of baby’s growth. Using small amounts in a toner, for instance, is safe, says BabyCenter.

   So, what do you look for on the label? BabyCenter lists these retinoids: Differin (adapelene), Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin), Retinoic acid, Retinol, Retinyl linoleate, Retinyl palmitate Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene. Salicylic acid might be listed as beta hydroxy acid or BHA.

3. Better shave than sorry (and maybe wax). As an expectant mom, your best bet is to shave and avoid cream hair removers (depilatories), because the chemicals sink into your skin, dermatologist Diane Berson, M.D., tells iVillage.

   According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), the ingredients barium sulfide powder and calcium thioglycolate are cause for concern. Though research hasn’t demonstrated these ingredients are harmful, studies also haven’t shown them to be safe in pregnant women, the APA explains.

   Information on how electrolysis and laser hair removal affect your baby is also lacking. As such, many health professionals recommend avoiding laser hair removal and electrolysis, says the APA. For example, galvanic current — one type of current used in electrolysis — sends an electric current through your body that can harm the baby, who’s surrounded by amniotic fluid, a conductor of electricity.

   Waxing is a may be: Talk to your doctor about it. If it's okay, keep in mind that your skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy. To lessen irritation and infection and reduce burning and stinging, apply an antiseptic lotion before and after your wax.

4. Sunscreen: Don't leave home without it. Aside from the ever-present danger of sunburn and skin cancer, the hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause melasma (a.k.a “the mask of pregnancy”), a darkening of the skin around the nose, eyes and forehead. UV exposure worsens melasma.

   Apply sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 (higher during the summer or if you'll be outdoors for a long time). Experts recommend using sunscreen containing parsol, titanium dioxide, transparent zinc oxide or micronized zinc oxide. Products with these ingredients have smaller amounts of chemicals. Also don't forget to wear protective clothing, like a hat and long-sleeved shirt, to further decrease your chances of sun damage.

5. simple skin care. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Make sure to up the hydration by keeping your body constantly moisturized. Apply a moisturizing product to your entire body after showering and before bed.
6. Get that glow with the basics. During pregnancy, some women tend to skip makeup altogether or go overboard and look too made-up. According to renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown, every expectant mom should have the following essentials in her beauty bag: concealer, yellow-toned foundation, pink blush and your favorite lipstick.

Brown suggests, when buying concealer, choose a shade lighter than your foundation. When putting on your makeup, apply concealer first wherever you need it and follow up with foundation. But make sure, you don't apply foundation on top of your concealer (which defeats the purpose of concealing in the first place).

If you're pressed for time, get that beautiful glow with pink blush and bronzer. Apply bronzer to the entire cheek and then dab blush on the apples of your cheeks.

When choosing makeup, look for oil-free products that don't clog pores, which are typically listed as "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic."

7. When in doubt, seek your doctor out! If you're unsure about a product or specific ingredient, always consult with your dermatologist or obstetrician. Many times physicians are overly cautious and conservative about makeup and skin care products, but as the saying goes, "Better safe than sorry."

See also:

Babies and Blemishes