Finding out you’re pregnant is a big deal, and it’s natural to feel scared, worried, and intimidated by all that comes with it. This is a time when your body will undergo numerous changes, as well as possible changes in habits.
One of the most important things that most people, including your doctor, will tell you to do to have a healthy pregnancy is to take the necessary supplements and avoid certain foods.
However, when you’re expecting, that’s not all there is to it. With your changing hormones, you may develop skin conditions that require you to seek out skincare to treat them.
Some of the most common skin changes, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, are:
- Dark spots on the breasts, nipples, or inner thighs
- Melasma—brown patches on the face around the cheeks, nose, and forehead
- Linea nigra—a dark line that runs from the navel to the pubic hair
- Stretch marks
- Acne
- Spider veins
- Varicose veins
- Changes in nail and hair growth
All of this is completely normal, and most of the time you don’t need to worry about it. While you may be tempted to try some of the skincare products on the market to treat your skin problem, keep in mind that not all ingredients are safe for your developing foetus.
Be very careful and meticulous in what you apply to your skin because it could penetrate your bloodstream and directly to your baby in the womb. Before making a purchase, make sure to read all labels and instructions.
According to Healthline, here are some of the ingredients to keep an eye out for when shopping for your skincare during pregnancy:
Retinoids and Retinol
Retinoids are available in both oral (acitretin and isotretinoin) and topical (creams and serums) forms.
These Vitamin A derivatives are used as skincare ingredients because of their acne-fighting and anti-aging properties. They aid in the stimulation of collagen and elastin, resulting in a plumping effect on the skin.
It is, however, strongly advised not to be used if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Oral Retinoids used during pregnancy can have a variety of effects on the developing embryo and foetus, including miscarriage, premature delivery, and a variety of birth defects.
Topical retinoids, which are applied to the skin, should also be avoided as a precaution. It is best to avoid the ingredients and check the skincare labels for the various types of retinoids, which include:
- Retinol
- Retinol esters
- Retinoic acid
- Retinoic acid esters
- Retinyl palmitate
- Retinaldehyde
- Adapalene
- Tretinoin
- Tazarotene
- Trifarotene
- Isotretinoin
Hydroquinone-Containing Skincare Ingredients
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent used to treat melasma and dark spots. While there haven’t been enough studies to prove its potential harm, your body can absorb a significant amount of the ingredient when compared to other skincare ingredients.
As a result, hydroquinone should be avoided at all costs because it poses too many risks to your developing baby. The chemical will enter your bloodstream and may cross the placenta, increasing the risk of malformations or other similar problems.
Arbutin
This is another brightening ingredient found in skin lightening products. The issue is not the arbutin itself, but the fact that when arbutin and its derivatives, such as alpha-arbutin, are applied to the skin, they both break down to hydroquinone.
As previously stated, this can be detrimental to your unborn child. So, you should avoid using any skincare products that contain this skin-lightening agent.
Skincare Ingredients Containing Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with anti-inflammatory properties that are used to treat acne. It can be found in a variety of forms, such as:
- Soaps
- Cleansers
- Lotions
- Creams
- Pads
Salicylic acid, also known as an aspirin derivative, can be taken orally in the same way that aspirin tablets are.
High levels of this acid, like retinoids, have been linked to birth defects according to research. This means high salicylic acid concentrations in skincare are not safe for your baby.
Doctors advise using products containing no more than 2% salicylic acid.
Although lower concentrations of the ingredients found in face washes and some serums are not always harmful, it is best to avoid using them during pregnancy entirely. You have no idea how delicate your pregnancy can be.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is an organic chemical that is commonly found in beauty products such as hair straightening products and nail polishes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to this ingredient can be harmful because it is known to cause cancer, increase the chances of fertility problems or miscarriage, and certain levels of exposure may even enter breast milk.
If you plan on visiting a nail salon, hair salon, beauticians, or other similar establishments, be sure to inquire about their products and ingredients. The same is true when purchasing cosmetics at a store.
Additionally, when reading labels, keep the following formaldehyde in disguise in mind:
- Bronopol (3-diol)
- Glyoxal
- DMDM hydantoin
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Polyoxymethylene urea
- Quaternium-15
- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1
- 5-bromo-5-nitro-13-dioxane
Thioglycolic Acid
Thioglycolic acid, which is commonly used as an active ingredient in hair removal products, is a harsh chemical with a high pH value that can be harmful to the skin.
Currently, there are few to no studies that show whether or not this chemical is safe to use during pregnancy.
Since the effects on pregnant women and unborn babies are unknown, medical professionals recommend pregnant women avoid or limit their exposure to thioglycolic acid.
Pregnant mums should also be on the lookout for its alternate chemical names, such as:
- Acetyl mercaptan
- Alpha-mercaptoacetic acid
- Mercaptoacetate
- Mercaptoacetic acid
- Sulfhydrylacetic acid
- Thiogycollic acid
- Thiovanic acid
Parabens as Skincare Ingredients
Paraben is a common preservative found in cosmetic and personal care products that helps to prevent bacteria growth and extend shelf life.
Here’s why it is dangerous.
According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Chemistry, “prenatal exposure to the chemicals are risk factors for the developing foetus as well as children in their life later on.”
Among the issues include miscarriage, low birth weight, obesity, impaired foetal growth, reduced gestation, wheezing, and behavioural problems such as anxiety/depression.
To demonstrate how dangerous it is, Europe has outright banned five different parabens, namely, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben, and pentylparaben.
Essential Oils
Natural products aren’t always beneficial to our health. Essential oils, for example, provide natural benefits and the aromatherapy kick, but some are known to be unsafe during pregnancy.
The most dangerous (in high concentration) are:
- Jasmine and clary sage – triggers contractions
- Sage and rosemary oil – causes bleeding
- Rosemary – raises blood pressure
Nonetheless, because of the many different varieties and concentrations, it’s difficult to say whether they’re okay or not.
To be safe, consult your doctor before using any essential oils, and keep your exposure to a minimum during your pregnancy.
Aluminium Chloride
Aluminium chloride is a type of aluminium compound that is commonly found as the active ingredient in antiperspirants.
It has been one of the most controversial ingredients since a few studies in the 1960s discovered high levels of aluminium in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Furthermore, a study published in 2005 discovered that “aluminium in the form of aluminium chloride or aluminium chlorhydrate can interfere with the function of oestrogen receptors of MCF7 human breast cancer cells”.
However, subsequent research has revealed that there may be no link between aluminium and these two medical issues and that it is extremely safe at low concentrations.
Still, more research is needed to determine how it will affect you and the baby in your womb while you are pregnant.
Due to the disputable concern of the ingredient, it’s best to look for aluminium-free deodorants and antiperspirants.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals found in plastics, household products, and beauty products that are endocrine disruptors and reproductive toxicants.
According to a recent study, the chemical may harm the hormones produced by the placenta to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP), which is used as a preservative, is the most common phthalate found in beauty products. It’s not even there to help with your skin problems. Instead, they have been linked to liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive problems.
So, avoid any products that contain this hazardous chemical, and look for any terms that end in -phthalate on the label as well.
Always Opt for Safe Skincare Ingredients
When purchasing over-the-counter skincare products, always err on the side of caution and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. There are numerous skincare products that are safe and do not contain any of these harmful ingredients.
If your skin problems aren’t too serious, don’t fret about them too much because they’ll usually go away after your baby is out to see the world. Always remember that keeping your and your baby’s health safe is the most important thing right now that you’re pregnant.
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