When you're pregnant, your body undergoes some serious changes. There's the weight gain, swelling, and let's not forget the stretch marks. While it's all part and parcel of the motherhood experience, carrying a child can be tricky when it comes to what beauty products you use. A lot of treatments aren't safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman M.D. told Women's Health how she completely changed her skincare routine during pregnancy.

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Some treatments are obvious to avoid, like Botox, retinol, and vitamin A, which can all have extremely serious effects on fetal development, but even some drugstore products can have detrimental consequences. Engelman was quick to point out that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, two major ingredients used in anti-acne products, should be avoided. Instead, she recommends kicking off your skincare routine with a gentle micellar water cleanser. After this, use a vitamin C serum, which Engleman swears by for keeping pregnancy hyperpigmentation at bay without using hydroquinone. Finally, a hyaluronic acid serum for hydration and plumpness.

Like a lot of expectant mothers, the dermatologist recommends the use of Bio-Oil for your body. When she was carrying her daughter, Engelman used it religiously and never gained a single stretch mark. The oil is cheap to buy and a little goes a long way, making it the perfect investment for pregnancy and beyond.

In terms of sunscreen, Engelman says mineral based products are much more effective than those made from chemicals. In her line of work, she often performs skin-cancer surgeries and recommends the use of mineral products all the live long day. Both options are safe for the baby, but when it comes to chemicals or mineral, it just makes sense to use mineral. Some mothers choose to make their own products using coconut oil and various ingredients.

Not only is it important to watch what products you're using during pregnancy, but settling into a daily skincare routine can give you some much-needed pamper time before the baby arrives, helping you take care of yourself while bonding with your bump.

What skincare products do you swear by? Let us know in the comments.

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