Soon-to-be moms experience different skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, excessive oil, or dark spots due to hormonal changes. To get rid of it, you might be excessively googling what to do, and which skincare products to use.
Just as you avoid certain beverages and foods, you should also avoid skincare ingredients because some skincare ingredients are harmful during pregnancy and could affect your baby. Here are some of the top skincare ingredients that you should avoid during pregnancy.
Retinoids:
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A also known as retinyl palmitate and Retin-A. Anti-aging skin care products use retinoids that help the skin exfoliate faster and boost collagen production to heal the skin. While an adequate amount of Vitamin A is required for eye health, immunity, optimal skin, and reproduction; excessive amounts of it can affect a baby’s various parts of the body such as the spinal cord, brain, head, and baby’s heart.
Hydroquinone:
Hydroquinone is an ingredient found in skin-lightening creams that reduces skin pigmentation that occurs from melasma and chloasma. There is no certain research or study about pregnancy and side effects due to hydroquinone. But because the skin absorbs a significant amount of it, it is best to limit exposure during the pregnancy.
Formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde is nowadays no longer used in cosmetics, but in nail polishes and certain hair products, it is still found. Higher exposure to it can cause infertility problems and miscarriage. Therefore, before using nail polish or hair products, ensure that it does not contain formaldehyde.
Sunscreens:
Sunscreens are formulated from oxybenzone and its derivatives. Oxybenzone is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can affect a baby’s nervous system. Therefore, if you want to protect yourself from the sun while you go outside, use physical or natural sun protection instead of chemical sunscreens.
Dihydroxyacetone:
Dihydroxyacetone is an ingredient that is used in many spray self-tanners. This is a non-toxic substance that reacts with the outermost layer of your skin and produces a brown pigment called melanoidin. Utilization of it is generally considered safe, but during pregnancy, hormonal changes can make your skin sensitive. And utilization of it can create allergic reactions.
How to know which skincare products to use?
Anyone having this question can consult a dermatologist or the best gynecologist in Ahmedabad who has years of experience and can describe whether certain skincare products are safe to use or not. Because the research on various skincare chemicals is limited. Therefore, here the list of skincare products to avoid during pregnancy is limited. One thing that you can do is to be cautious.
How to take care of your skin while pregnant?
- Wash your face or take a bath with lukewarm water
- A gentle, alcohol-free cleanser you can apply using your fingertips
- Use milk cream, wheat germ oil, and coconut oil to heal dry and cracked skin
- To reduce the pigmentation on various parts of your face, apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice.
During pregnancy, you may use products that contain glycolic acid, azelaic acid, or topical benzoyl peroxide; but it is better to consult a gynecologist in Ahmedabad before using it.
