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Unfortunately, as a cosmetic brand we are unable to provide specific medical advice relating to our products. We would strongly advise speaking with your GP or Midwife so that they can give you an accurate recommendation. The full ingredients list for each of our products can be found on the product pages of the Medik8 website.
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 anti-ageing for your skin with a long history of safe 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 anti-ageing 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.
Changing hormone levels also can increase the blood flow to your skin and can raise its surface temperature, making your skin look red and blotchy. The combination of pure bakuchiol and centella asiatica in Bakuchiol Peptides use their calming powers to reduce visible signs of inflammation and redness. Ideal!
EXFOLIATING ACIDS
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid is a staple of many skincare routines. However, we have to sadly recommend to take a step back from using leave-on BHAs while pregnant. Research has shown that oral salicylic acid is not safe during pregnancy, therefore doctors often recommend avoiding high strength use of even topical products containing BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) [4].
However, it isn’t all bad news for the acid-lovers of you out there - there still are ways to achieve flawless-looking skin even while you are pregnant. Leave-on AHAs* and PHAs, wash-off exfoliating cleansers or manual exfoliation may be the go-to method for the removal of dead skin cells during pregnancy.
*Unfortunately this does not include our new high strength AHA at-home peel Sleep Glycolic. We do not recommend use during pregnancy due to it not being suitable for sensitive skins.
MAKING IT SIMPLE
| PRODUCT TYPE TO AVOID | MEDIK8 PRODUCT TO AVOID | MEDIK8 ALTERNATIVE |
|
Vitamin A (retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl retinoate) |
Retinol 3TR™, Intelligent Retinol TR™, Crystal Retinal™ and Night Ritual Vitamin A™ |
Bakuchiol Peptides™, Liquid Peptides™ |
|
Leave-on BHAs (salicylic acid) |
Blemish SOS™, Blemish Control Pads™, Smooth Body Exfoliating Kit™ |
Clarity Peptides, Press & Glow, Pore Minimising Tonic, Surface Radiance Cleanse |
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
There are many more anti-ageing 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 a few examples, there is no evidence to suggest these ingredients are not safe for use during pregnancy. Together these ingredients can address all common pregnancy skin issues: blemishes, hyperpigmentation and dehydration while keeping up the anti-ageing power.
However, if you are unsure of starting a new anti-ageing product or a new combination of ingredients, always check with your doctor - you can find our full ingredients lists on our website.
MUMS-TO-BE / NEW MUM ALTERNATIVES
We have designed a comprehensive regime guide to make navigating the vast Medik8 product range as simple as possible. Mums-To-Be/New Mum Alternatives has been carefully crafted to address skin concerns such as blemishes, hyperpigmentation and dehydration all while retaining anti-ageing power.
AM
Of course, it’s no surprise that Bakuchiol Peptides kicks it off as the target serum step in the routine - it can be used both day and night and is your greatest anti-ageing companion during this time of change. We also recommend 2-in-1 day cream Daily Radiance Vitamin C to complete your morning regime, to infuse the skin with a stabilised, gentle form of vitamin C tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate as well as SPF 30 broad spectrum sun protection, to shield the skin ready for the day ahead. Vitamin C and sunscreen can together brighten the appearance of the complexion and keep future signs of skin ageing at bay.
PM
The evening routine is where you can really indulge your skin, with targeted booster serums and sumptuous overnight creams. In the evening we always recommend starting with a double cleanse, particularly if you wear heavier make up, to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed. If you are looking to incorporate exfoliation into your routine, look no further than Press & Glow, our polyhydroxy acid (PHA) toner. Featuring gluconolactone, Press & Glow gently exfoliates the surface of the complexion, resulting in visibly smoother, more radiant skin that is the perfect base for the next steps of your routine.
In times of change, our skin can sometimes become a reflection of our inner uncertainties. That is why we recommend Clarity Peptides in our Mums-To-Be/New Mum Alternatives regime; to combat periods of stressed-out skin. With 10% niacinamide and skin-illuminating Crystalide™ peptides, Clarity Peptides is a lightweight emulsion serum that can help to reduce visible breakouts and add radiance back into a dull complexion.
Barrier-building night cream Advanced Night Restore completes any nightly skincare routine. Replenishing the skin with essential ceramides and antioxidants overnight, the sumptuous moisturiser works to infuse skin with intense hydration, while the senses are left with a feeling of calm as the gentle aroma prepares you for a restful sleep.
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
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