Photo Credit: William Fortunato Photography

One of our most frequently asked questions is whether Three Ships Beauty products pregnancy and breastfeeding safe? Simply put - yes we are!*

*Disclaimer: Always consult your physician first. Three Ships avoids essential oils and ingredients that are known to not be safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women. These claims have not been validated through third party testing. Claims have not been validated by the FDA.

New Baby, New Skin

As your body undergoes changes before and after birth, so does your body’s largest organ - your skin. Aside from the renowned “pregnancy glow” and unavoidable stretch marks, the skin visibly displays other responses to hormonal changes. 

One includes acne, formed by sebaceous oil (oil glands) and sweat. Acne is also common in the postpartum stage due to hormonal swings, stress, and sleep deprivation. Another would be increased redness and blotchiness to the skin, given the shifts in blood circulation. 

So, although such symptoms are inevitable, the child-bearer must be mindful of the baby’s health while treating their skin.

How Skin Care Affects Babies

Babies are often born with flawless, clear skin, but it is up to their carrier to ensure their health. Dr. Camille Introcaso from the Schweiger Dermatology Group, states that topical products (such as skincare and medications), to a degree, are absorbed into our bloodstream. Like foods and drinks, what you put on your skin can affect the developing baby. 

Please note: Below we list our researched recommendations on what to avoid and what ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; however, we always recommend first consulting with your doctor to find out what is best for yours and your baby's health.

What to Avoid

According to Dr. Jenny Liu, Dermatologist and creator of Derm.Talk, mothers and carriers must avoid the following ingredients in their skincare products:

• Retinoids (over-the-counter Vitamin A can be used safely under guidance of doctor)
• Hydroquinone (commonly found in discolouration products)
• Oxybenzone (can be found in sunscreen)

What’s Safe

• Salicylic acid (limited amounts - Our Refresh Salicylic Acid Cleanser contains naturally-derived Salicylic Acid that is below the required percentage for it to be safe. We always, however, recommend first consulting with your doctor on any skincare routine changes during pregnancy/breastfeeding.) 
• Benzoyl peroxide (commonly found in acne treatments)
• Azelaic acid (various)
• Alpha hydroxy acids/AHAs (various)
• Peptides (various)
• Tranexamic acid (various)
• Sunscreen/SPF (use products containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, or stick to physical sunscreen if you want to be very careful)

Photo Credit: Lucas Mendes Photography

Three Ships Got You (and Your Baby) Covered

It’s vital for child-bearers to treat skin concerns in a healthy and safe way. Here’s our recommendations to mediate pregnancy and postpartum skin concerns!

For Dryness: 

• Cleanses skin without stripping its natural oils: Purify Aloe + Amino Acid Cleanser
• Retains moisture and nourishes skin: Glow 49% Jojoba Oil Serum

Photo Credit: @thatisangela using our Hydrate 49% Almond Oil Serum 

For Oiliness: 

• Reduces excess oil: Glow 49% Jojoba Oil Serum 
• Unclogs pores and smooths the skin: Soothe Rosehip Vitamin C Clay Mask

For Acne and Blemishes:

• Removes makeup, dirt, and oil: Nourish Lavender + MCT Cleansing Oil
• Keeps the skin hydrated and bright: Dew Drops Mushroom Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum

For Blotchy Pigmentation: 

• Use SPF 50+, physical sunscreen preferred
• Evens tone and smooths skin: Calm Lavender Hydrosol Toner

Want more pregnancy and postpartum beauty recommendations? Check out our #HerHustle Interview with By/ Rosie Jane Founder, Rosie Jane. Above all, we wish you a healthy, safe, and beautiful pregnancy and postpartum period!