This general guidance should not replace any medical advice from your doctor on what to use or not to use during pregnancy. Your doctor can give you tailored advice appropriate to your own medical history and needs and your doctor should make all final decisions regarding skincare products used during conception, pregnancy and nursing. We would always strongly advise speaking with your doctor or midwife so that they can give you an accurate recommendation, as we are a cosmetic brand and unable to provide specific medical advice relating to our products.
One of the most common questions we get here at Medik8 is: “is this product suitable for pregnancy?”
One of the most precious experiences, pregnancy is a time of total transition - it can be exciting yet scary at times. From your sleeping habits, to a change of wardrobe, all the way to adjusting your diet - it can all take some time to get your head around. Skincare, in particular, can often be an area of caution for expectant mothers.
In fact, one of the most common questions we get here at Medik8 is: “is this product suitable for pregnancy?” Exploring skincare that is both safe and effective during pregnancy can be difficult due to the vast amount of information out there, so at Medik8 we’re here to walk you through the trials and tribulations of baby-safe skincare.
VITAMIN A (X)
One of the ingredients to often top the ‘avoid during pregnancy’ lists is retinol (vitamin A). While topical vitamin A is the ‘gold-standard’ in addressing visible signs of skin aging with a long history of safe topical use, oral vitamin A (retinoids) has been shown to interfere with fetal development.[1] Therefore, as a precaution we always recommend avoiding the use of vitamin A during this time, including retinol, retinaldehyde and retinyl retinoate.
Vitamin A has always been a key part of our CSA strategy (vitamin C and sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night) so this has always been a complicated routine to navigate for our pregnant customers. Until now.
BAKUCHIOL (TICK)
The news that vitamin A is not advised for pregnancy may have been a major bump (sorry - couldn’t resist!) in your skincare routine, so we are ecstatic to announce the well-awaited arrival of Bakuchiol Peptides. A clinically proven, plant-based substitute that finally completes the missing piece of the CSA puzzle for those who can’t use vitamin A. Derived from the lilac-coloured Indian Babchi plant, bakuchiol is taking the skincare world by storm because of a study in the British Journal of Dermatology, hailing it for its ability to meet the standard of retinol-like efficacy, without any side effects i.e. dryness or flaking.[1]
Medik8’s Bakuchiol Peptides harnesses the powers of 1.25% pure bakuchiol and is enhanced with brightening peptide precursors and calming cica. Many competitor products don’t come close with either low-strength bakuchiol ‘extracts’ or water-based serums that lack serious punch.
The nourishingly indulgent serum acts as a moment of relaxation for you - the lilac-hued oil-based formula is incredibly soothing on skin. Photostable, Bakuchiol Peptides can be applied both day and night - perfect for times when your daily routine can be a bit all over the place (even at 3am!)
Bakuchiol Peptides can in fact target and improve many different skin conditions brought on by this extreme hormonal change. For example, it can help to lift areas of pigmentation, often known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’ which affects up to 70% of pregnant women[3]. So don’t worry, you’re not in this alone and Medik8 are here to help - Bakuchiol Peptides can help to brighten and even-out the tone of your skin.
MAKING IT SIMPLE
| PRODUCT TYPE TO AVOID | MEDIK8 PRODUCT TO AVOID | MEDIK8 ALTERNATIVE |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl retinoate) | Intelligent Retinol TR™, Crystal Retinal™, any r-Retinoate® | Bakuchiol Peptides Liquid Peptides |
| Leave-on BHAs (salicylic acid) | Clarity Peptides | |
| High strength, leave-on AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid) | Glycolic Acid Activator™ |
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
There are many more effective ingredients that we would love to recommend to maintain a beautiful complexion over the next few months.
Vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides and hyaluronic acid are generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy, and there is no research to suggest otherwise. Together these ingredients can address all common pregnancy skin issues: congestion, uneven tone and dehydration while addressing the visible signs of aging.
However, if you are unsure of starting a new product or a new combination of ingredients, always check with your doctor - you can find our full ingredients lists on our website.
| CONCERN | MEDIK8 RECOMMENDS |
|---|---|
| Dry or dehydrated skin | Hydr8 B5 Intense™ - Our ultimate rehydration serum |
| Congested/ dull skin | Clarity Peptides™ - “Clear skin, bottled” - Bakuchiol Peptides |
| Visible redness | Instant coverage Micellar Mousse™ |
Shop Bakuchiol Peptides now to complete your CSA.
*Of course, due to ethical considerations the Bakuchiol Peptides formula has not been tested on pregnant women, but there is nothing in the formula which is known to be an issue (eg vitamin A or high levels of exfoliating acids). If you are at all concerned, always consult your doctor.
References:
[1] R Alan et al, Recommendations For Vitamin A Use During Pregnancy, Teratology, 1987, 35, pp 269-275
[2] S. Dhaliwal et al, Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoaging, BJD, 2019, 180(2), pp 289-296 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29947134)
[3] I Bolanca et al, Chloasma-the mask of pregnancy, Coll Antropol, 2008, 42(suppl 2), pp 139-41
[4] P Bozzo et al, Safety of skin care products during pregnancy, Can Fam Physicician, 2011, 57(6), pp 665-667