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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe Skincare Guide for Malaysian Moms: What Really Works

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can make your skin behave in completely new ways–suddenly, you are dealing with dryness, sensitivity, or breakouts you never had before. Add Malaysia’s heat and humidity into the mix, and even your go-to skincare might start feeling too heavy or irritating.

But that is completely normal. It is just your body’s way of trying to adapt and change to the new life that is growing inside of you.

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what to avoid. what’s safe, and how to care for your skin during this stage.

Do I Need to Change Skincare When I’m Pregnant?

Your skin absorbs some of what you apply, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding, a few ingredients can pass into your bloodstream—or your baby’s milk.

This is why it is recommended to tweak your usual routine.

Hormones can make your skin more reactive. You might notice dark spots, itchiness, or sudden breakouts. And with Malaysia’s heat and humidity, your skin can feel even more sensitive.

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Wait! Before you throw everything out, just be mindful of these common ones:

Retinol and Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives)

These have been the trendy keyword when it comes to skincare in the past few years. They are popular in anti-ageing and acne products because they boost cell turnover.

But during pregnancy, high doses of Vitamin A can be linked to birth defects. It’s best to press pause on retinol creams, prescription retinoids (i.e. Accutane), and even strong anti-ageing serums.

Instead, you can give bakuchiol a try. It is a natural, pregnancy-safe alternative that delivers similar benefits.

Salicylic Acid

A common ingredient for exfoliating and treating acne, salicylic acid in small amounts (like in a face wash that rinses off) is generally safe. But concentrated serums or chemical peels with high percentages (anything above 2%) should wait until after delivery.

For skin concerns such as acne and melasma, opt for azelaic acid which is pregnancy and breastfeeding safe.

Hydroquinone

While there isn’t enough research confirming its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, hydroquinone is known to absorb deeply into skin. Some sources say there are no documented major malformations, but it is generally advised by dermatologists and medical organisations to leave it out.

If you are looking for an ingredient to help with lightening dark spots or melasma, try Vitamin C or niacinamide for a gentler brightening effect.

Formaldehyde and Parabens

These preservatives help products last longer but have been linked to potential hormone disruption and skin irritation. They’re becoming less common, but it’s still worth checking your labels—especially in nail products, hair treatments, or older skincare formulas.

When buying new skincare products, look for “formaldehyde-free” or “paraben-free” on the packaging.

Essential Oils

Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Oils like rosemary, clary sage, and peppermint can be too stimulating and are best avoided in concentrated forms. Calming oils such as lavender or chamomile are generally considered safer but always use them in moderation and check with your doctor if unsure.

💡 Tip: Always patch-test new products and introduce them slowly. Pregnancy can make your skin more reactive than usual, even to ingredients you used to tolerate well.

Safe Skincare Ingredients for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers

The good news is that there are still plenty of ingredients you can use safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These are gentle, effective, and perfect for Malaysia’s warm climate.

They help keep your skin healthy and glowing without having to worry about what’s being absorbed into your body.

Hyaluronic Acid

If your skin feels dry or tight, this is a must-have. Hyaluronic acid draws in moisture and helps your skin stay hydrated without feeling greasy. It’s safe for all skin types and instantly gives that healthy, dewy look many moms miss during pregnancy.