Pregnancy Safe Vegan Skincare with Plant-Based Nutritionist Lisa Patterson

Pregnancy is a sacred time in a woman's life, but something which isn't often talked about are the changes your skin can endure. From hyperpigmentation to dry skin, you can be prone to a variety of pregnancy skincare concerns that can be surprising, challenging and in some cases painful.

I have collaborated with plant-based clinical nutritionist Lisa Patterson to discuss pregnancy skin concerns, how to safely address them, ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and how to care for your health and skin during this special time in your life.

W&CF: Thanks for collaborating Lisa, before we get started can you share more about yourself and what inspired you to become a plant-based nutritionist?

Lisa: Passionate about animal rights, I first decided to go vegan almost 13 years ago. I knew that it was the right decision, aligning my love of animals and the environment with my dietary choices. However, I was unsure how veganism might impact my health - so I started looking for nutritional guidance. 

It wasn’t long before I realised that there was very little information on vegan nutrition, and what was out there wasn’t exactly evidence-based. Sifting through the misinformation online seemed never-ending, so I decided it was time to go back to school!

Since, I have completed a Bachelor of Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine, a Bachelor of Complementary Medicine and work in my own private practice as a qualified Clinical Nutritionist.

What my plant-based journey has taught me is that we still need a safe space to seek evidence-based information on vegan nutrition.

It’s what I needed when I first decided to go vegan well over a decade ago, when I struggled to find accurate health advice and guidance, without the bias.

So that’s what I’ve created here with Lisa Violet Nutrition. A space to feel safe, to feel seen and to seek nutritional guidance with a strong foundation in evidence-based practice.

W&CF: How can pregnancy affect your skin?

Lisa: While we’ve all heard of that “pregnancy glow”, it’s not always the case. In fact, it’s quite common to experience a variety of different skin concerns during pregnancy. Elevated hormone levels, altered immunity, stretching skin and increased blood flow can all affect our skin during this exciting life stage.

While these skin concerns can differ throughout the trimesters, common complaints include increased pigmentation and melasma, hormonal acne breakouts, dry & itching skin, stretch marks & varicose veins. 

From a holistic nutrition perspective, we can support our skin through prioritising a nourishing diet rich in healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts & seeds, micronutrients such as beta-carotene, zinc, vitamin C, consuming antioxidant-rich foods and staying hydrated. 

But of course, investing in quality, pregnancy-safe topical products that offer support for specific skin concerns is the perfect pairing for a nourishing diet. Our skin truly benefits from the balance of internal and external care, which we explore further below.

Lisa: What are skincare/cosmetic ingredients we should avoid when pregnant and what are some pregnancy-safe alternatives?

Marisa (W&CF): It is important to be mindful of the skincare and products you apply to your skin throughout pregnancy as some can contain harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals and ingredients which can have a negative impact on your health and your growing baby.

Skincare products and ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and some pregnancy-safe skincare alternative are:

• Chemical Sunscreens: some chemical sunscreens can disrupt hormones and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Look for natural, mineral sunscreens such as The Kind Sunscreen which is a natural formula without harsh chemicals.

• Retinol: Retinoids, found in products like retinol, can lead to birth defects when used in high doses. Bakuchiol has been shown to provide comparable results to retinol but is a plant-based, gentle alternative. The LAMAV Bakuchiol 4% Natural Retinol Alternative is a natural and safe alternative that refines skin texture for smoother, more even skin without the irritating effects of vitamin A.
  
  
• Salicylic Acid: high concentrations (over 2%) of salicylic acid have been known to cause pregnancy complications. Switch to milder exfoliant such as the LAMAV Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub that gently polishes the skin and can help with acne without the associated risks.

• Some Essential Oils: Certain essential oils like rosemary and clary sage can stimulate contractions or affect hormone levels. Pregnancy-safe essential oil alternatives include Lavender and Chamomile which can be used in low doses but it is always best to consult your healthcare provider before use.
  
  
• Benzoyl Peroxide: commonly used acne creams, high concentrations can be too harsh and irritating for pregnant skin. If you're looking for a good acne solution while pregnant, consider products that contain Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide which helps to regulate sebum production therefore minimising breakouts, bacterial acne and scarring.

• Phthalates: often found in perfume and nail polish, phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to reproductive issues. Look for natural, non-toxic perfumes such as the range from Recreation Beauty perfumes that don't contain harmful synthetics or endocrine disrupting ingredients. Endocrine disruptors in fragrances can mess with your hormones and have been linked to reproductive issues and issues with unborn foetuses. 

• Formaldehyde: found in some nail polishes and hair treatments, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can increase the risk of miscarriage. If you can’t go without your mani/pedi during pregnancy be sure to switch to a 10 Free nail polish formula. The range from SAMA is a pregnancy-safe nail polish range and their 10 Free formula means the nail polish doesn't contain the 10 most commonly found chemicals in nail polish like formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalate and animal ingredients.
  
  

Lisa: Which skincare products/ingredients might help with pregnancy-related pigmentation?

Marisa (W&CF): Hyperpigmentation or Melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy”, can occur during pregnancy and causes dark, blotchy spots to emerge on your face, especially on the cheeks and forehead. This is due to your body’s pregnancy hormones causing an increase in pigmentation and UV sensitivity triggered by sun exposure.

To help pigmentation from worsening wear a non-nano zinc, mineral sunscreen of at least SPF30 whenever you go outside. Made from just 9 ingredients without harsh chemicals, The Kind Sunscreen is a natural formula that provides protection against UVA, UVB and blue light rays and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, pregnant, nursing mums and babies.

Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin and helps to reduce pigmentation. By incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine during pregnancy it can help even your skin tone while boosting your skin's radiance.

Lisa: What are some key ingredients/products we can use to nourish and hydrate a growing bump? 

Marisa (W&CF): As the belly expands to accommodate your growing baby it is natural for your skin to become dry and start to stretch which can result in pink, purple, red or brown streaks (depending on the colour of your skin tone) also known as stretch marks.

Keep your skin moisturised and hydrated throughout all stages of your pregnancy by regularly massaging your growing bump with creams or oils rich in Vitamin E and Shea Butter. This will moisturise growing skin while helping to maintain elasticity and improve circulation.

A little bit of the deliciously whipped Wanderlightly Naked Balm goes a long way to nourish the skin, soothe cracked nipples and is even gentle enough to use on baby bums! This thick multi-tasking skin food is formulated with Certified Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Virgin Hemp Seed Oil and Candelilla Wax and is gentle on sensitive, dry and irritated skin.

Lisa: Which skincare ingredients/products can help with pregnancy-related acne? 

Marisa (W&CF): Hormonal fluctuations in your body during pregnancy can lead to increased oil production and clogged pores which can result in breakouts and acne. By using a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser morning and night it will help to clean the skin without stripping its natural oils.

The LAMAV Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser is a purifying cleansing gel formulated to clean and balance oily and combination skin. Papaya Extract and Desert Lime assists with hormonal acne while Lactic Acid and Fruit Acids (AHA) remove excess sebum.

W&CF: Thanks for collaborating Lisa, it has been great learning more how to care for your skin during a plant-based pregnancy.

 

Lisa Patterson is a Clinical Nutritionist specialising in plant-based diets and all things preconception, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition.

You can find Lisa on Instagram @lisavioletnutrition

 

 

*Please always consult your obstetrician, midwife or healthcare provider before starting any new skincare products during pregnancy to ensure it's safe for you and your baby.