Navigating Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: What To Embrace And What To Avoid
Some skincare products that were part of your skincare regimen before pregnancy may no longer be safe for you or your child. The good news is that the majority of products you use are still safe and you can continue to use them. To help you figure out what skincare products you can use and what to avoid, here is a little guide. Let’s check it out.
Pregnancy is such a transformative period for every woman. A period that encompasses many physical and emotional changes. Among these changes, your skin and skincare may also undergo notable adjustments.
Throughout pregnancy, experiencing skin changes is nothing unusual. However, this implies that you will need to make some changes when it comes to your skincare regimen.
Some skincare products that were part of your skincare regimen before pregnancy may no longer be safe for you or your child. The good news is that the majority of products you use are still safe and you can continue to use them.
To help you figure out what skincare products you can use and what to avoid, here is a little guide. Let’s check it out.
What Skin Changes Should You Expect During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a lot of changes occur in a woman’s body. From hormonal changes to changes in the metabolism, immune system, and blood vessels, and all of them can have a different effect on the skin.
Some of the most common skin changes many pregnant women experience are acne, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, spider veins, and varicose veins, to name a few.
Of course, we must mention that every pregnancy is different and every woman experiences it differently.
Why Should You Avoid Certain Skincare Products During Pregnancy?
The skincare products you put on your skin get into the bloodstream, and through the bloodstream, they get to the baby. The ingredients in some of those products can be harmful both to you and the development of the baby.
This is the most important reason why you should stay away from some skincare products during pregnancy. Some moms tend to avoid all skincare products during pregnancy just to be safe, while others avoid skincare products with harmful ingredients or ingredients linked to risks. Ultimately, it’s up to you.
Skincare Products And Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy
As mentioned, some skincare products contain chemicals and ingredients that can cause pregnancy complications. Some of the ingredients that you should avoid include hydroquinone, retinoids, high doses of salicylic acid, chemical sunscreens, and Botox and fillers, to name a few.
Hydroquinone And Chemical Sunscreens
Often in pregnancy, women develop pigmentation disorder that is characterized by light or dark skin patches on the face. Hydroquinone is the most commonly prescribed topical agent that supposedly treats this disorder.
However, even though no proven link will suggest that this agent can harm your baby, you should avoid the use of hydroquinone.
Similarly, stay away from chemical sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate because they can cause problems to the developing fetus.
Retinoids And Retinol
Retinoids and retinol are all vitamin A derivatives that should be avoided during pregnancy. Some studies have shown a link between these ingredients and birth defects. So, try to stay away from them as much as possible.
High Doses Of Salicylic Acid
If you develop acne during pregnancy don’t use topicals that contain salicylic acid. High doses of salicylic acid aren’t safe for the baby.
Botox And Fillers
Botox and fillers are two types of injectables that you should stay away from during pregnancy. This is because it’s not much is known about their effect on the baby, so the experts recommend avoiding them throughout the pregnancy.
Safe Skincare Alternatives
Melasma And Sun Damage
To minimize melasma and sun damage, you should use hats and other protective clothing or stay out of the sun. You can also use mineral sunscreen formulas that contain zinc and titanium. These are also called physical sunscreens as the skin does not absorb them and instead, they stay atop it.
Fighting Acne During Pregnancy
Developing acne during pregnancy is not uncommon. Hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and oil production are all the reasons for acne. To fight them start using a gentle cleanser and avoid irritants. Also, make sure you thoroughly and regularly clean your makeup brushes with quality ultrasonic cleaning.
You can substitute retinoids with topical benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, and Azelaic acid – they are all safe when used moderately.
Anti-Aging Skincare Products
As mentioned, you shouldn’t use retinoid peels and high doses of salicylic acid. You also shouldn’t go to microdermabrasion peels, or laser treatments while pregnant. So, what anti-aging products should you use as a substitution?
You can exfoliate your skin with abrasive physical exfoliants such as sugar, jojoba seeds, or rice bran powder. You can also use products that contain vitamin C. Vitamin C promotes the production of collagen and brightens hyperpigmentation.
Moisturizing
To hydrate your skin during pregnancy, stick to gentle body lotions containing coconut oil and hyaluronic acid. You can also use a soap-free cleanser to moisturize your skin.
Conclusion
Now that you know all of this, you should also know that your pregnancy skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply stay away from these couple of potentially harmful skincare ingredients. If you need to, substitute them with pregnancy-safe skincare options. We also recommend consulting with your doctor about your skincare, just to be sure and safe.
Editor’s Note: The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are having issues with your skin during pregnancy, please ensure you speak to a licenced medical professional such as a dermatologist before undertaking treatment or using new products.
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