To all the mommies out there – we celebrate you!

Being pregnant and becoming a mom are exciting milestones in any woman’s life. With all that excitement comes an overwhelming amount of changes that need to be made; whether it’s restrictions on what you can eat during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or what you can safely put on your skin that won’t affect baby. To top it all off, that pregnancy glow doesn’t last forever.

 According to NY based Dermatologist, Whitney Bowe, M.D. “The aftermath of giving birth can be pretty tumultuous for the skin,” she says. “You experience this dramatic drop in hormones like progesterone and estrogen, which can lead to acne, red patches, and otherwise dry or irritated skin.” (And if you’re breastfeeding, hormones can rollercoaster even more, taking a greater toll on your poor, sleep-deprived face.)

Not only do you have to deal with all the new emotions of being a mom, you also get to battle some frustrating skin conditions while being limited on what you can put on your skin.

To help tackle your new mommy skin concerns, here is a list of ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. *At Free Agent, we have extremely strict standards when it comes to our clean formulation, so rest assured you won’t find the following in our products.

Retinols / Retinoids

This vitamin A derivative can be found in everything from sunscreen to lipstick and is used primarily as an anti-aging ingredient and acne remedy because it encourages cellular turnover. Retinol molecules are small enough to cross over to the bloodstream and have been linked to birth defects. While we love a good retinol formula, it’s not something that should be used during pregnancy. Instead, lean on vitamin C products and exfoliators to help get you through. *Hint, we might be cooking up a clean retinol, but that will be something for when you are not with baby or breastfeeding.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is typically used to combat melasma (dark spots), a common skin condition that occurs during and after pregnancy.  Studies show that around 45% of this lightening agent goes directly into the bloodstream within 30 minutes of application, and has been associated with side effects including cancer. This ingredient is banned in the EU, Japan and Australia. Struggling with “the mask of pregnancy” aka Melasma? Reach for a powerful vitamin C like LIGHTSPEED.

Parabens

Mainly used as a preservative agent in many cosmetics, skincare and hair care products, Parabens are known endocrine disruptors – meaning they can mimic hormones like estrogen and disrupt fetal growth. There is conflicting data about whether or not small amounts will cause harm to baby, but our theory is better safe than sorry.

Phthalates

Phthalates can be found in artificial and synthetic fragrances. Some studies have shown that they may increase your risk of gestational diabetes. We have a strong “no synthetic fragrance” rule here at Free Agent.

Salicylic Acid & Benzoyl Peroxide

These acne fighting powerhouses are not recommended during pregnancy. Salicylic acid is in the same family as aspirin, and aspirin intake must be carefully monitored by your healthcare provider when pregnant. Benzoyl Peroxide just doesn’t have enough data to safely say yes or no. If you are battling acne breakouts during or after pregnancy, look to other AHA’s like Lactic Acid to help clear pores and exfoliate skin. 

Other ingredients to avoid: Essential Oils, Aluminum Chloride, Formaldehyde, Chemical Sunscreens, Dihydroxyacetone, Hair Dye, DHA, DEA, Toluene.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR INSTEAD

To combat hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots, discoloration, dullness, and irritated, dry patchy skin, look to antioxidants and fatty acids like: Vitamin C, Squalane, and Ceramides.

Our Lightspeed Hydra Glow C Serum is the best Vitamin C Serum for pregnancy and postpartum skin. With only four ingredients and zero preservatives, this oil-based vitamin C serum is highly stable (doesn’t oxidize) and delivers powerful results that help get rid of dullness and quickly reduce the look of dark spots and melasma. The nourishing formula combines squalane and vitamin C to help sooth even the most sensitive and reactive skin.

If you’re struggling with acne, breakouts, rough skin, or dry patches lean on Lactic Acid and Fruit Enzymes. 

Our Flash Forward Thermal Enzymatic Exfoliation Treatment is a safe exfoliator for pregnant and nursing mommies who want to speed up cell turnover and help banish the rough patches, dark spots and breakouts that accompany postpartum skin. Utilizing Lactic Acid and Enzymes that are safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, this exfoliation treatment simultaneously attacks hyperpigmentation and breakouts for a brighter and more even complexion with safe, at-home results that rival those of a clinical facial peel. While it is an intense treatment, even those with reactive skin can benefit from it by following “sensitive skin” usage instructions. 

At Free Agent Skincare, we worked hard to create highly active products that help combat the look of redness, dry scaly skin, dark spots, melasma, breakouts and dull skin – all with ingredients that are recommended as safe to use during pregnancy and postpartum. However, we recognize that every woman is different, and recommend that you run the ingredient list by your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.