During pregnancy, what you put on your body is sometimes just as important as what you put in it. When it comes to skin care, the more powerful and targeted products get, the more careful we have to be when lathering up. Because some topical ingredients get absorbed into the bloodstream, there are some you want to avoid. While most commonly used products are safe, there are a handful of ingredients that are potentially harmful for a growing baby in the womb and during breastfeeding.
There are a list of ingredients that experts suggest are best to avoid. For example, Retinoid, commonly found in anti-aging moisturisers has not been found to cause problems in topical form when used on skin. However, some doctors are extra cautious and recommend staying away from the ingredient that is high in Vitamin A (with some studies showing high doses of which can be harmful to the baby when taken in oral form). Many experts say the bottom line is that these ingredients are best to avoid.
Another example is Salicylic acid with doctors being cautious by recommending that pregnant women avoid the topical use of salicylic acid. Small amounts applied to the skin — such as a salicylic acid-containing toner used once or twice a day — are considered safe but the concern is stronger about face and body peels.
Be careful when using natural products as well. While soy-based products are generally safe to use, soy has estrogenic effects which can make melasma worse. Some products will have the estrogenic components taken out – and less of a risk for women suffering from “the mask of pregnancy” (dark skin splotches).
The bottom line – whether you are searching for a moisturiser, make-up, hair removal products or sunscreen, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about what ingredients to look out for and what is best to avoid.
Here are some popular pregnancy friendly skin care lines to look into:
Mama Mio Skincare has it covered with pregnancy facial creams and products to help you bounce back after pregnancy.
Belli Skincare : A physician-formulated line with collections for use while pregnant, nursing and even for baby. Every product is allergy tested, and free of artificial dyes, phthalates and paraben preservatives.
Beaute de Maman features specially designed products by a female OBGYN to address the needs of pregnant and nursing women with natural ingredients.
Novena Maternity offers vegan and mostly organic products. The family run company prides itself on a commitment to providing chemical free, pure and effective products.
Pretty Mommies was started by a real mom who was frustrated with the lack of products on the market to treat her skin during pregnancy and nursing. Check out their New Years sale on now.
Burts Bee’s, Mama Bee line of pregnancy skin care products help deliver relief for tired, stressed skin, perfect for mothers going through a nine-month stretch.
