Top Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid in Pregnancy
Retinoids
Vitamin A is a critical nutrient required for optimal skin, immune, reproductive and eye health. However, once it is consumed or absorbed through the skin, your body converts it into retinol.
Some antiaging skin care products use a type of retinol called retinoids, which have become the holy grail because they can help reverse acne. and
OTC products have lower levels of retinoids, while prescription drugs—such as Retin-A (tretinoin) and Accutane (isotretinoin) — contain much higher doses.
The amount of retinoids absorbed from topical products is likely low, but birth defects have been linked to higher doses. Therefore, all retinoids are
Prescription retinoids such as isotretinoin have been given
Because of this, people who may become pregnant are advised to take the following precautions while using isotretinoin:
- Use two forms of contraception.
- To be monitored frequently by their doctor for pregnancy and compliance.
- Stop the drug 1 to 2 months before trying to get pregnant.
Also, even if you are not planning to become pregnant (soon) or are pregnant, use retinol with caution. Long-term use of retinoids is associated with very dry skin and redness when you have sensitive skin.
High dose salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in acne treatment due to its anti-inflammatory capabilities, similar to those of aspirin. But a 2013 study concluded that products that provide a high dose of salicylic acid, such as peels and oral medications, should be avoided during pregnancy.
That said, lower-dose topical OTC products containing salicylic acid have been reported to be safe by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Always check where you got the product and whether it was OTC or prescription (before you got pregnant).
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a prescription product to lighten the skin or reduce skin pigmentation caused by melasma and chloasma, which can be caused by pregnancy.
There is no proven link between serious birth defects or side effects and hydroquinone. But because the body can absorb a significant amount of hydroquinone compared to other ingredients (35% to 45%), it is best to limit exposure (if any) during pregnancy.
Phthalates
Phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals found in many beauty and personal care products. In animal and human studies, severe reproductive and developmental impairment has been observed
Cosmetics are a leading source of exposure to phthalates. The most common phthalate you’ll find in beauty products is diethyl phthalate (DEP). Phthalates commonly found in plastic packaging can also leach into personal care products.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is now rarely used as a preservative and disinfectant in beauty products because it is a known carcinogen and, according to
But there are formaldehyde-releasing chemicals commonly found in cosmetics with a similar potentially dangerous effect. These include the following as noted by Environmental Working Group (EWG):
- bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)
- Hydantoin DMDM
- diazolidinyl urea
- hydroxymethyl glycinate
- imidazolidinylurea
- quaternions-15
- 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
Chemical sunscreens
Oxybenzone and its derivatives are the most commonly used ultraviolet (UV) filters in sunscreens. It is proven effective in protecting the skin, but oxybenzone’s potentially negative effects on health and the environment cast it in a more unfavorable light.
ONE 2019 review suggested that some chemical UV filters may have negative effects on water sources, fish health and food chains worldwide. These include:
- oxybenzone
- octocrylene
- octinoxate
Because oxybenzone is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical, the concern for use in pregnancy is that it could disrupt hormones and cause permanent harm to both you and your baby. In addition, the FDA also agrees that more research is needed on the use of chemical sunscreen ingredients for people (and not just pregnant women).
ONE 2018 Animal Study concluded that exposure to oxybenzone during pregnancy at levels that would normally be used by humans caused permanent changes in the mammary glands and lactation.
But animal studies have linked the chemical to permanent fetal damage, possibly related to the development of neurological diseases in adulthood, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Oxybenzone exposure was also that are connected with Hirschsprung’s diseasea birth defect that affects the large intestine.
Safe skin care alternatives
Here are some alternatives to safely manage pregnancy’s most common (and frustrating) skin problems.
Acne and hyperpigmentation
If you’re prone to breakouts – there are some safer alternatives to using retinoid-based products while you wait. One of the most effective is glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid in large amounts is not recommended during pregnancy, but it is
Glycolic acid and the like—such as azelaic acid—can also help reduce fine lines, brighten skin, and reduce hyperpigmentation.
The ACOG supports glycolic and azelaic acids as safe to treat acne during pregnancy, in addition to topical benzoyl peroxide and topical salicylic acid.
Mature-looking skin and wrinkles
Just as they work their magic to boost your immune system and scavenge free radicals in your body, topical antioxidants like vitamin C can safely boost your skin’s vitality. protecting your skin from damage and maintaining collagen.
Other topical antioxidants you can try in your skin care products include:
- Vitamin E
- green tea
- resveratrol
Note that oral resveratrol supplements
Dry skin and stretch marks
There’s no doubt that pregnancy demands a lot from your body, so if your baby-to-be needs more water at any point, it will draw it from your body. This – in addition to hormonal changes – can lead to dry skin. In fact, whatever you need in the future, they will pull it from you :).
In addition to drinking plenty of water, moisturizers containing cocoa butter, peptides, and hyaluronic acid (HA) can improve hydration. And when it comes to stretch marks, one strategy for preventing them is to moisturize prone areas frequently to help the skin stretch naturally as your bump (and baby) grows.
sun protection
Sun protection is one of the most important things you can do for long-term protection against wrinkles and skin cancer. But how do you safely protect your skin during pregnancy is the big question. Actually, how you protect every day is a big question :).
The verdict on the safety of certain chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone it’s still out, so try mineral-based sunscreens that protect the skin by causing UV rays to bounce off the skin completely.
Mineral-based sunscreen ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And don’t forget this wide-brimmed hat to add some modern flair.
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