A new addition to the family brings on joy and many different skincare options for mother and child.

FROM SLEEPING HABITS TO SKINCARE NEEDS, BECOMING A MOTHER MEANS ADAPTING TO CHANGE. JULIETTE WINTER SHARES SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR MOTHERS AND BABIES.

ON THE FACE OF IT, pregnancy seems to beget a long list of don’ts (Brie, bubbly, smoked salmon and sushi, to name a few) and difficulties (morning sickness and swollen feet for starters). But it also brings nine magical months of your body doing wondrous things — hair and lashes get thicker and longer, your skin proves its elastic prowess and pregnancy glow can become your no-makeup saviour. The hormone responsible for that second- and thirdtrimester radiance is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). It makes skin secrete more oil, which can bring on that elusive glow. However if you already struggle with acne, the extra oil may cause spots. That’s particularly pesky as you can’t blitz them with salicylic acid (a BHA) or benzoyl peroxide, as these are off-limits during pregnancy. In fact, there are quite a few skincare ingredients on the no-go list for mums-to-be. Avoid retinol products (anything vitamin A -derived) as these has been linked to birth defects when taken orally so it makes sense to avoid using retinol skincare as well. Phthalates, formaldehyde, toluene (often used in nail polish) and hydroquinone (a skin lightener) are also ingredients to look out for. It’s not just synthetic fragrances that are problematic — even some natural ingredients, including essential oils, should be treated with caution. “Essential oils are powerful substances,” explains Liezel Barnard, naturopath and trainer for Weleda. “The bottled essential oil is 50 to 100 times more concentrated than in the plant. Essential oils that are known skin irritants include bay laurel, cinnamon, citronella, clove bud, cumin, lemongrass, lemon verbena, oregano and thyme.” Liezel says that the skin can also become more sensitive during pregnancy, even if you’ve never suffered from sensitive skin before. To help your skin cope with dryness, itching and stretching, get in the habit of slathering on nourishing oil at least twice a day. “Avoid things that are going to dry out your skin — and products with colourants, fragrances and preservatives,” she advises. It also pays to read labels with particular care when pregnant. Some products such as sunscreen need to be scrutinised for ingredients like oxybenzone, a chemical filter that works as a UV absorber. “Because they commonly cause contact dermatitis, benzophenones have been declared a Contact Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society,” says Liezel. “The widely used UV filters octocrylene and octyl methoxycinnamate are also known to cause contact dermatitis.” A physical sunscreen that relies on zinc oxide or titanium oxide to reflect UV is a good alternative (there are even formulations specifically designed for infants over six months). Apply religiously to prevent pigmentation. “Many women get the ‘mask of pregnancy’, also known as melasma or skin darkening, typically on the cheeks and forehead,” says Liezel. “Luckily, [it] often fades a few months after delivery.” Zinc oxide also gets a thumbs up as a prevention for nappy rash; and it’s a good alternative to petroleum. “Zinc oxide provides a waterproof barrier on the skin, and also has astringent and antimicrobial properties to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth,” says Liezel. Most babies will have a skin issue in the first 12 months and about one in five will experience eczema. “Most babies only need to be moisturised after bathing, but if your baby suffers from dry or eczema-prone skin you need to moisturise their skin two to three times a day,” Liezel says. A thick lotion with semi-occlusive ingredients like coconut oil, cacao butter and shea butter to lock in moisture is her recommendation. To avoid disrupting baby’s still-sensitive skin barrier, Liezel advises keeping bath time to just once or twice a week in the first few months. “Bubble baths and cleansers can be drying and irritating to the skin,” she says. “Specifically avoid cleansers that contain sodium laurel sulphate (SLS).” Don’t bother with soap (it’s generally too alkaline for baby skin), and reach for a soothing barrier cream instead of powder to protect the skin in the folds around the neck and limbs. The Australian College of Dermatologists even recommends avoiding sunscreen (and sun exposure) in the first six months if possible. While as a mum, your main focus will be caring for your precious new bundle, take whatever time you can find to support yourself, too. Liezel says the most effective treatment for the inevitable signs of sleep deprivation — puffiness, dark circles and dull skin — is napping whenever possible. “A lack of sleep can lead to less collagen production, making your skin more likely to wrinkle,” she says. “It is a myth that we need eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every day. The most effective treatment is to catch up on sleep by taking naps while your baby is sleeping.”