It’s not just your wardrobe that changes when you’re pregnant. I get a lot of emails from women wanting to know what they can use to improve their outbreaks and sallow skin during pregnancy. I asked Hope Gillerman, creator of H.G.O Lab, a beautifully crafted organic skincare line what were her go-to’s for essential oils that work hard to deliver safe results.

Q: So many pregnant women have trouble with their skin when they’re expecting. Breakouts, redness, and a lack of luster are often the biggest complaints. What would you recommend to solve these problems using products they can use?

A: For irritated skin try vegetable oils like Coconut and Meadow Seed. Red skin can be calmed from Neroli, Chamomile, and Ylang Ylang, and oily skin is balanced by using Grape Seed oil. Also, pick up some Wheat Germ oil for stretch marks, it’s ultra rich in Vitamin E.

Q: What ingredients in skin care should pregnant women avoid?

A: The primary ingredients to avoid are parabens, fragrance, and synthetic or synthetically derived ingredients (they’re simple to spot – the word will look like a chemical, not a plant name.) [Sidebar, Cosmetics Database is a good resource for ingredient look-ups.]

On the natural front, it’s best to avoid essential oils from spices like Basil, Clove, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Marjoram, Myrrh, Fennel, and Anise. Drying oils like Cypress, Eucalyptus, and Cedarwood should also be avoided.

Q: What about breakouts since Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide are off the table?

A: Lavender and Tea Tree oils disinfect and heal breakouts safely while leaving skin completely in tact.

You can check out her site HERE for more natural beauty options.