Most anti-ageing skincare during pregnancy is confusing. Products that were safe for you before, may no longer be the same. If you are wondering about the safety of a peptide serum during pregnancy, topical peptides do not usually appear in the lists of skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. That being said, cosmetic peptide studies during pregnancy are extremely scarce, hence the formula must be reviewed in its entirety. Retinoids are definitely a big no during pregnancy, so avoid those.

Those seeking a retinol free regimen during pregnancy for a smoother looking skin may want to check out Skin Deva UK’s range of peptide skincare. Understand each peptide before making a purchase, and see how it integrates during your pregnancy skincare routine.

What Does the Research Say About Peptides During Pregnancy?

While topical peptide serums won’t be found in most of the lists of ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, pregnancy specific studies on cosmetic peptides are extremely scarce. Peptides are a short chain of amino acids used in skincare for supporting concerns such as fine lines and firmness. They are also used topically, while there are other therapies that use injected or prescription peptides.

Use your best judgment and consult your doctor, midwife, pharmacist, or dermatologist for a pregnancy safe skincare routine. You can also check out The Complete Guide to Peptides for a more in depth analysis of each peptide used in skincare.

Why Peptides Are Often Considered Instead of Retinol 

Retinoids are used to prevent signs of aging. However, legacy guidance from the AAD and NHS recommends avoiding them while pregnant. Fine lines and loss of firmness are affected by different mechanisms than retinoids, so peptides do not offer a substitute for retinol. However, they are safe to use in pregnancy, unlike retinoids. Most cosmetic peptides do not have the same safety data as retinoids, so while searching for pregnancy safe peptides for anti-aging, one should not solely rely on the use of peptides in the anti-aging serum, but assess the serum holistically.

Which Peptides Should You Look for on the Label? 

Not all peptide ingredients serve the same purpose, so understanding the specific peptide on a serum label can help you assess its role before you add it to your routine.

Matrixyl 3000

Matrixyl 3000 is a peptide complex used in anti-aging serums to support skin that is smoother, appears more firm and reduce the visibility of fine lines. Limited data on the safety of this complex during pregnancy suggests that the presence of the complex does not warrant selection of the serum for use during pregnancy.

Argireline

Argireline is a cosmetic peptide used in anti-aging serums targeting the appearance of expression lines. Like retinoids, Argireline is a different approach compared to retinoids. However, the absence of safety data on the use of this complex during pregnancy suggests the serum should not be used during pregnancy.

Copper Peptides

Copper peptides combine copper with peptides, and assist in the process of skin cell regeneration and the overall appearance of the complexion. However, there is a lack of specific research regarding the safety of using topical copper peptide products during pregnancy. Because of this, finding copper peptides in a serum does not ensure that the serum is safe to use while pregnant. Look into the complete list of ingredients for more information. 

You can learn more about these ingredients by reading What Is Copper Peptide and Why Is It in Your Serum?

What Else Should You Check Besides Peptides? 

When looking at a list of ingredients for a serum, you shouldn’t solely rely on the word peptide to decide if a serum is safe while pregnant. You should look at all of the ingredients in the serum. Because a peptide formula can contain other active ingredients that are of concern when considering the safety of the serum. Never base your decision on claims on the front of the packaging. As topical retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy. There are some formulas that may cause sensitivity during pregnancy. It is important to do a patch test on any new skincare and to contact your healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Can Skin Deva Peptide Power Blend Serum Fit a Pregnancy Routine? 

The Skin Deva Peptide Power Blend Serum is a peptide formula that includes Copper Peptide, Argireline and Matrixyl 3000. However, it is crucial to analyze the complete list of ingredients. Plus your personal medical circumstances to determine if this product is suitable for use during pregnancy. Peptides are used to support and strengthen skin naturally. Although they tend to diminish fine lines, safety data during pregnancy is limited in cosmetic peptides; therefore, it is better to exercise caution. 

If you still wish to incorporate the serum in your pregnancy routine. You should take a close look at the product. To be on the safe side, you should consult your doctor, midwife, pharmacist or dermatologist for further clarification.

Build a Simple Pregnancy Safe Anti Ageing Routine 

Building a simple pregnancy safe anti-aging routine is not complicated. A pregnancy safe routine includes gentle, supportive ingredients and confirmed formulas.

• Gentle Cleanser: When selecting your cleanser, ensure it is gentle and does not leave your skin dry and tight or irritated.
• Peptide Serum: After determining that the complete formula is safe for use during pregnancy, incorporate a peptide serum into your routine.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is used to increase natural moisture levels within the skin.
• Moisturizer: To help soothe your skin and maintain natural moisture, this is a key step in any skin care routine.
• Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen every day to help prevent sun damage from visible light.

For more detailed information on the functions of peptide serums and other FAQ, check out How Peptide Serums Help Reduce Fine Lines & Improve Skin Elasticity.

When Should You Ask a Professional? 

Individual advice is suitable for a person who has more than one active ingredient in their skin care. If the person has a high risk pregnancy, eczema, severe acne or another serious skin condition. Any prescription skincare products and any ingredients would be better discussed with your GP, midwife, pharmacist or dermatologist before use, as well as if you have any concerns about a particular ingredient. If a pregnant woman is self-treating, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that she consult her dermatologist before starting treatment.

Final Thoughts 

Topical peptides are not included in large lists of cosmetic ingredients that are publicly available to avoid when looking for skincare during pregnancy. But there is still limited research on the use of cosmetic peptides during pregnancy. Therefore, any peptide serum can’t be claimed as pregnancy safe with single peptide technology. When choosing a peptide serum, be sure to read all the contents on the label. Please speak with your GP, midwife, pharmacist or dermatologist if you have any concerns or doubts about particular peptides or formulas.

FAQs 

Is Peptide Serum Safe During Pregnancy?

There are no published pregnancy-related safety concerns for cosmetic peptides; however, they may not be appropriate for use during pregnancy. The limited evidence has not established that peptide technology alone is pregnancy-safe. Therefore, no peptide serum should be considered appropriate for use during pregnancy.

Are Peptides Safer Than Retinol During Pregnancy?

While retinoids and cosmetic peptides have different safety profiles, neither should be viewed similarly. According to the AAD, pregnant patients should avoid retinoids (including retinol over the counter). The NHS states that topical retinoids should not be used during pregnancy. As with retinoids, while pregnancy specific evidence is lacking, cosmetic peptides do not have the same broad pregnancy warnings.

Can You Use Copper Peptides During Pregnancy?

Of the types of copper peptides available, none has been studied during pregnancy to assess copper peptide safety. Similar to topical copper peptides, the lack of evidence regarding pregnancy does not allow for a safety assessment for the use of these products during pregnancy. Always review the ingredient list and seek a health care provider’s advice regarding your concerns.

Can You Use Matrixyl or Argireline While Pregnant?

Matrixyl and Argireline are cosmetic peptides found in products targeting fine lines and smoothed appearance products. Safety during pregnancy for these cosmetic peptides is unknown. These cosmetic peptides should be viewed the same way as any other cosmetic product during pregnancy. It is always recommended that before using any cosmetic product during pregnancy, a complete review be made. The product should only be used with guidance of a healthcare provider.

What Anti Ageing Skincare Can You Use During Pregnancy?

A simple pregnancy skincare regimen consists of gentle cleansing, regularly applied moisturizer, and daily broad-spectrum SPF. The AAD also suggests using Vitamin C during pregnancy. If you wanted to add a peptide or other anti-aging serum, make sure you look at the complete formula and anticipate the possible effects of any new or uncertain ingredients with your health care practitioner.