Pregnancy brings many variations in a woman’s body, including the skin. This life-changing period is generally associated with glowing skin and thicker hair. Acne and hyperpigmentation are common concerns some pregnant women face. This is all due to pregnancy hormones. Some of the skincare ingredients are not safe to use during the gestation period. Here is what to avoid and how to take care of your skin while pregnant.
Ingredients to Avoid
Whatever you apply on your skin enters your bloodstream. Some of the ingredients are considered harmful for a developing baby.
- Hydroquinone- It is a skin-lightening ingredient that is used to fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and age spots. It absorbs quickly through the skin and is not suitable to use during pregnancy. Enough research and studies are not available yet.
- Retinoids- The powerful antiaging substances present in many skincare products. They are the types of vitamin A that speed up cell division and replace old and worn-out cells with new and healthy cells. Unfortunately, a higher dose of vitamin A causes congenital disabilities. The most common retinoids are Tazorac, Avita, Differin, Retin-A, Retinoic Acid, Retinol, Retinyl linoleate, and bexarotene.
- Hydroxy Acids- Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids are commonly found in facial cleansers and toners. Salicylic acid is a famous beta-hydroxy acid. Oral consumption of it causes birth defects and pregnancy complications. So, doctors recommend avoiding its topical application as well. Glycolic acid is considered low risk when used in skin treatments during pregnancy. It is a better idea to use them in small amounts.
- Hair Removal Lotions- Skin gets sensitive during pregnancy. Hair removal lotions contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. Try a patch test before spreading it on your whole legs or anywhere else on skin.
Pregnancy Safe Skincare Ingredients
Natural ingredients like coconut oil, almond oil, grape seed, aloe vera, and shea butter are good to use during pregnancy. They help to increase skin elasticity and fights stretch marks.
Lactic acid is another safe ingredient that provides hydration and lightens pigmentation. Azelaic acid is good for pimples and acne scars.
Steroid creams are typically used to treat skin irritation, inflammation, itching, and rash. They are considered safe to use during pregnancy. Some common topical steroids are Aclovate, Hydrocortisone, Triamcinolone, and Desonide. In addition, vitamin C, Kojic acid, Hyaluronic acid, and peptides are other safe ingredients to use during pregnancy.
The Importance of Sunscreen
Your skin becomes extra delicate when you are pregnant. So do not forget to apply sunscreen daily. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide do not penetrate the skin and are excellent physical sunblocks. Do not forget to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing when outside. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours.
The Bottom Line
If you have any specific skin concerns and get an allergic reaction to a product, it is better to consult a health care provider. Do not panic if you have used a skincare product with controversial ingredients. Simply quit using it and replace it with a safer product.
*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.
