Pregnancy Pampering: Which Skincare Ingredients are Safe, Which are Not
Keep your baby safe — without sacrificing beautiful skin!
Personal care products and cosmetics are used widely in all stages of life and pregnancy is not an exception. While it is well-known that you must shelve your favorite wine and say no to smoking (sorry!), having to nix your trusted skincare products may come as a real shock! According to cross-sectional studies, 60–80% of pregnant women use skincare and cosmetic products including face wash, day cream, foundation, lipstick, make-up remover, hair-dye, anti-aging cream, skin-whitening cream, etc.
When I met my girlfriend over coffee and she broke the news of the pregnancy to me, I was more than happy to welcome her to the team! When asked for tips on being new to motherhood, like a pro, I did not miss the chance to educate her (wink, wink!) Jokes apart, I have seen a lot of ladies who have no idea that the acne cream which she applies religiously every single day can have repercussions for her baby and even have seen some who have concerns about their skincare products but not the right information.
So this is for one and all pregnant women out there, to get these ingredients off your skincare list and have a healthy happy baby!
Why special care in pregnancy?
Regulatory bodies across the world have recommendations for the safe use of harmful chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products. Therefore, many of such chemicals are either banned or present in very minute quantities. So the overall risk to the health of the mother and fetus is low.
However, different countries, different loopholes! So, the manufacturing and marketing of such products are still not properly regulated and no layman is aware of the extent of the impact of all the ingredients on the label. Also, labels sometimes mention only the ingredients and not the concentration of each ingredient.
So, better to be safe than sorry and in the journey of pregnancy, be aware of a few potent ingredients to avoid.
5 skincare ingredients to avoid in pregnancy
1. Retinoids
Retinol (a derivative of vitamin-A) is a gold standard in anti-aging. With so many changes happening in your body during pregnancy (including wrinkles, acne, and fine lines) you will be tempted to use those anti-aging creams piled up in your beauty cabinet. But retinol and its alternatives (retinoic acid, tretinoin, palmitate, and retinaldehyde) should be a strict no-no!
Retinoids exfoliate surface-level skin cells faster improving the texture and tone of the skin. It penetrates deep inside the skin and boosts collagen production to rejuvenate skin and reverse acne.
However, the use of this synthetic Vitamin A can result in multiple effects on the developing fetus including miscarriage, premature delivery, and a variety of birth defects.
Azelaic acid makes a fantastic substitute for retinol! It helps clear redness and acne, as well as decrease pigment production, so it helps with the dark marks that acne can leave behind.
2. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent used to treat a variety of hyperpigmentation conditions, including Melasma, which frequently first shows up during pregnancy.
Topically applied hydroquinone can move past the dermis (outer layer of skin) and into the epidermis where they are then easily absorbed into tiny blood vessels and eventually make their way through your bloodstream. Studies have indicated that within minutes of application, small amounts of Hydroquinone can be detected in urine.
The molecular weight and size of the Hydroquinone molecule is small enough that it could theoretically pass through the placental barrier easily. So, it is best to avoid this ingredient.
Alternatively, you may use products containing hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid which are both safer options!
3. Formaldehyde
Though the chemical is not currently classified under the FDA categories, many ob-gyns and dermatologists will advise pregnant women to limit their exposure. It is found in hair straightening treatments and nail polishes (especially the new trending gel manicures!)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health states working with formaldehyde may increase the chances of fertility problems or miscarriage making salon workers more risk-prone.
So better to postpone your plan to get that hair straightening or beautiful nails on the other side of pregnancy and flaunt your postpartum new look as a surprise later on!
4. Salicylic acid (high dose)
Salicylic acid (BHA) was traditionally used for acne, but now it can be seen in all kinds of exfoliating products, particularly cleansers and skin peels.
Topical application of salicylic acid below 2% is generally not too hazardous but studies have shown that taking oral salicylic acid during late pregnancy can increase the risk for intracranial bleeding.
You may use safer alternatives like glycolic acid or lactic acid instead. Or just apply curd (oozing with lactic acid) with a squeeze of lemon (vitamin C) as a paste for 15 minutes, wash off and you are ready to go!
5. Chemical sunscreens
Oxybenzone and its derivatives are the most frequently used ultraviolet (UV) filters in sunscreens. It’s proven effective for skin protection but is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical. The concern for use in pregnancy is that it could disrupt hormones and cause permanent damage to mother and baby. Applying sunscreen containing 6 percent oxybenzone in the first trimester twice a day (the recommended usage) can absorb the chemical into their bloodstream and then it may reach the fetus.
Instead go for mineral sunscreens having two key ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (voila!). They’re natural minerals that physically block the sun’s harmful rays from getting to your skin which is best for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with sensitive skin.
Better, wear your husband’s loose full sleeves shirt and flaunt a hat as your beach look! Stunning!
Final thought
Try your best to avoid a complicated skincare routine as far as possible at this juncture of your life. Go with just the basics for a while. Remember, motherhood is precious!
