Skincare and pregnancy? Doesn’t seem like anything that could be related to each other. But let me tell you my friend, they have a connection. Most pregnant women don’t know that their daily skincare routine could actually harm the little one they are growing inside their bodies, same goes for a nursing mother. There are certain ingredients in your skincare routine that are best to avoid for the sake of your baby’s health.
A pregnancy safe skincare routine is crucial. Choosing your ingredients wisely does the job. Here are few actives that you need to avoid if you’re a pregnant or a lactating mom.
Retinoids: commonly known as tretinoins are a type of vitamin A. This potent ingredient in commonly seen in a form of serum and moisturiser. This is a magical anti aging active, this helps with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and skin rejuvenation. But this is a bad news for expecting or nursing moms. Due to the potency of retinoid, experts recommend stopping its usage six months prior to the plan to conceive. Bakuchiol is a pregnancy safe alternative to retinoid but it isn’t as potent as retinoid. I mean you’d still wanna go back to retinoids after your pregnancy or lactation period.
Steroids: Commonly used in over-the-counter ointments specifically hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a complete no during pregnancy, it was a potential to cause birth defects.
Acne products: are you experiencing pregnancy acne? I have a bad news, you can't use any acne products to fight them off. Sorry sissy you’re just gonna have to deal with them until your baby comes out. No leave on acne gels, or lotions as they may contain a high percentage of salicylic acid or retinoids. Here’s what you can do, you can use a face wash that has no more than 2% of salicylic acid. Your wash off salicylic is your only go to product during pregnancy.
Hydroxy Acids: Let’s talk about Hydroxy Acids which are of two types mainly, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Hydroxy acids are widely used for exfoliation and on active acne. These molecules are small in size and can penetrate into the skin effectively. There are many types of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like mandelic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid and are considered safe during pregnancy if used in small amount. BHAs are salicylic acid, tropic acid they are also considered safe when used in small amount but again they are not recommended orally. There’s also unpopular third type called poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs). They can be used safely during pregnancy.
Hair removing lotions and minimiser: With your growing belly I know how hard it is to shave your legs, and your hoohaa. Here’s a good news! You can safely use hair removal creams and lotions. But if you had an allergic reaction before pregnancy, it’s best to avoid them during pregnancy as well.
Sunscreens: If you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beach and show off your body and the beautiful body bump! You’re absolutely safe to use the sunscreens. Just avoid sunscreens containing any hydroquinone.
Conclusion: It’s smart to consult your doctor if you’re concerned about any active ingredient that you have in your regime. And feel free to ask for its safer alternative.