Project Baby: How My Beauty Routine Changed During Pregnancy

It feels like an understatement to say that so much can change during pregnancy. You're literally growing a whole new person, reshaping your home, and bracing for a completely new chapter of life. In the middle of all that, it's surprisingly easy to overlook the small stuff—like checking the ingredient list on your go-to beauty products.

It might seem like a tiny detail in the grand scheme of things, but tweaking my beauty routine has become part of how I prepare and protect both myself and my baby. I’ve learned that being mindful of what I put on my skin is just another way of taking care.

Our skin can absorb up to 10% of what we apply to it. That might sound minimal, but considering how often we use these products, it can build up to a significant amount over time. That’s why it’s so important to consult your OB-GYN and dermatologist to find a routine that’s safe and sustainable. I started checking in with my doctors even before trying to conceive, and I continue to bring up any concerns at my regular checkups.

Image from MedscapeCME.

Ingredients I now avoid

Retinol (Category C)

Retinol, retinoids, and vitamin A derivatives are at the top of the list of ingredients I now avoid because of the potential risks they pose to my baby. Accutane (Category X), an oral retinoic acid, is known to be teratogenic—meaning it can cause birth defects. It’s crucial to avoid taking oral retinoids even before getting pregnant, as they can be harmful to a developing baby and come with clear warnings on the packaging about these risks.

Your dermatologist will make sure you're fully informed of any potential dangers before prescribing oral retinoids. I was never on oral retinoids myself, but I was still advised to stay away from topical retinoids just to be safe.

Salicylic Acid (Category C)

This can be tricky if you have acne or develop it during pregnancy. Although this is on my avoid list, I don’t have to suffer through acne as my dermatologist prescribed azelaic acid instead.

Essential Oils

Because essential oils aren’t well-regulated, it can be hard to know exactly how concentrated they are or how much your skin is actually absorbing. Some essential oils can affect your hormones, while others have been linked to muscle or even uterine contractions.

Ingredients I have added in

Emolients

Your skin can definitely change during pregnancy, which might mean switching up your usual routine. Mine became dry in some spots and itchy in others. What helped me the most was layering emollients to lock in moisture, followed by a thick cream. This combo really boosted hydration and got me through the worst of it. I personally reach for Aquaphor and good old Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (P161.91/100ml). Bonus: these are super useful when the baby arrives, too.

Panthenol

I also developed pregnancy rashes that only really settled down with the help of an anti-itch cream. I reached for BEPANTHEN™ Itch Relief Cream (P554/20g) because it’s steroid-free and works by drawing water into the skin and helping to strengthen the skin barrier. It really helped soothe the itchiness without any harsh ingredients.

Treatments I now avoid

Teeth whitening

The combination of whitening formulas, bleaching agents, and UV light is why most dentists agree that it’s best to hold off on teeth whitening treatments during pregnancy if you can. That said, they also remind soon-to-be moms that it’s perfectly safe (and important!) to still get your teeth cleaned or even have them removed if needed. Healthy teeth and gums are essential to your overall health, especially during pregnancy.

Hair dyeing

Formaldehyde in hair dye isn’t listed in the FDA pregnancy category system, but it’s still something worth avoiding to protect your developing baby. It can also trigger allergic reactions in the skin and nose, which you might be more prone to during pregnancy. Your immune system shifts, and that can lead to new sensitivities or allergies you’ve never had before.

Gel manicures

The combination of formaldehyde and UV can increase your chances of an allergic reaction. And as a person with a lot of allergies it’s just something that can be easy to avoid. I now just get clean up manicures and rock a clean bare nail.

Photo from Cielo Home Service Spa

Things I can still do

Prenatal massage

Many spas and massage therapists practice extra caution when it comes to massaging pregnant women, and for good reason. With our limited mobility, we can’t exactly lie on our bellies, and staying flat on our backs for too long isn’t ideal either. Prenatal massages are usually done lying on your side or sitting up, and they can do wonders in easing stress, reducing fluid retention, supporting lymphatic drainage, and relieving that all-too-familiar neck and back fatigue.

Look for a provider that specializes in prenatal massage, as they’ll know exactly how to adjust the treatment for your stage of pregnancy. I recently tried a 1.5-hour home service for just P750 and let me tell you, I’m a believer now. Some providers are happy to offer this service up until the 32-week mark, but definitely check in with your OB first to make sure it’s right for you.

Get a haircut

There are a few beliefs and pamahiin about not cutting your hair while pregnant, and honestly, it’s up to each of us whether we want to follow them. Personally, I had already put off a haircut for a whole year and couldn’t imagine going another nine months without one! With all the hormonal changes happening in your body, your hairstylist can actually be a great resource in figuring out how to care for your hair during this time.

I was lucky to experience the “less hair fall” phase of pregnancy, which gave me thicker, fuller hair. But I’m already planning my next cut post-partum, as my stylist warned that I might go through major hair shedding after birth—something he’s seen in many of his clients. What I love is that he’s able to find a style that works for me no matter what phase of life (or hair) I’m in.

Stay tuned for more in this new segment here on Project Vanity, where I’ll be sharing my adventures and practical discoveries as a new mom, with Baby A by my side.

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