What Beauty Products to Avoid When Pregnant – Pregnancy can be a glorious time, but it can also be confusing, mainly concerning beauty matters. Hormones throw your normal skin balance out of slap, and a glow on some complexions may be a greasy slick on others.
It may be surprising, but the truth is some ingredients in your favorite skincare and beauty products may pose potential risks as your body can absorb them and, therefore, absorb them by your unborn baby.
If you’re checking up on the safety of your current routine, this breakdown of what a healthy pregnancy skincare routine looks like — and what specific ingredients to avoid.
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
First, let’s face it: pregnancy-related skin changes occur in many persons. Hormones can take hold of responsibility— or you can write it up to just another one of those “normal” chances that come with the mama-to-be gig.
While some lucky ladies experience nine months of pure skin faultlessness, others experience at least one less auspicious new or deteriorating skin issue at some point. The most common are:
- Dry skin
- Acne
- Darkening skin (a condition called melasma or chloasma)
People with previous skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea might also experience a change in their symptoms (better or worse)
skincare Ingredients to Avoid in Pregnancy
Retin-A, Retinol
Though it also exists in FDA category C, which technically means danger to the fetus cannot rule out. While vitamin A is pivotal to the proper growth of the fetus, “getting too much can cause serious congenital disabilities and liver toxicity.”Also, though Retin-A is usually related to prescription and skin care, plenty of over-the-counter formulations contain vitamin A results like retinol and retinyl palmitate, both of which should ban from your pregnancy beauty kit.
Salicylic Acid (in high doses)
Avoid using oral medications or peels containing high doses of salicylic acid (a form of beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA) — high amounts of this anti-inflammatory agent could be dangerous for your baby.
Salicylic acid also appears in many over-the-counter skin care products, including cleansers, body washes, serums, lotions, and acne spot treatments. OTC products with salicylic acid generally contain low doses that are considered safe for pregnant women, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). But it is always a better idea to run a product by your doctor to be sure.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are frequently thought to be a natural alternative to beauty products. However, they are not assessed by the FDA and do not have to follow strict labeling standards. In addition, essential oils come in diverse varieties and concentrations, so it’s tough to make a general statement on whether you should or should not use them while pregnant. Still, several have been linked to significant health concerns if used while pregnant. So talk to your doctor before using any essential oils during your pregnancy, and make sure to limit your experience to a safe amount.
Chemical Sunscreen
Sunscreens may contain possible hormone disruptors like avobenzone or, oxybenzone which can affect your baby’s nervous system development. If you want to defend yourself from the sun, use physical or natural sun protection instead of chemical sunscreen.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Getting acne throughout pregnancy is quite common, but you should pick your acne creams carefully. Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient best to avoid during pregnancy. Many commonly used acne creams carry mixtures of these acids to manage acne. If you are looking for a good acne solution while expectant, look for products that use one of these ingredients.
Hydroquinone
It may be tempting to use this common skin lightener during pregnancy to combat melasma or pigmentation of the skin, also called the “mask of pregnancy,” but it should avoid. The FDA lists hydroquinone under category C as it has a higher absorption rate than other topical substances, making it more likely for more significant quantities to enter your bloodstream and affect your newborn.
Tetracycline
A common antibiotic used to manage a variety of skin situations; tetracycline and its byproducts (doxycycline and minocycline) should avoid. Studies have shown that these can negatively affect pregnant moms and their babies.
Conclusion
Beauty Products to Avoid When Pregnant. It’s not easy to give up your adored skincare routine, but we know you’ll do what no matter what to protect your little one. Therefore, if you are pregnant, try avoiding using these beauty products to protect your bundle of joy from harm.
