Skincare Products You Should Avoid If You Are Pregnant

Plenty of mothers are familiar with this tale: We experience immense joy upon confirming our pregnancy with a positive test, but soon after, anxiety creeps in. The truth is, there’s a multitude of factors to consider when expecting. Among them is how to maintain optimal health to benefit the baby. It’s not uncommon for us to resort to extensive online searches. What are the most suitable fitness regimens for pregnancy? Is it typical for my breasts to be tender? What dietary restrictions should I adhere to for the next nine months?

We may even begin to question our regular beauty and skincare rituals. Just as there are certain foods deemed unsafe for expectant mothers, there must be skincare ingredients to avoid too, correct? Today, we aim to unravel this mystery, with the guidance of Dr. Caroline A. Chang, MD.

An accredited dermatologist and the visionary behind Rhode Island Dermatology Institute, Dr. Chang boasts over a decade of proficiency in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. We couldn’t think of a more fitting individual to illuminate us on the most trustworthy pregnancy-friendly skincare items and the ones to steer clear of during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy-Friendly & Nursing-Compatible Skincare

Components to Dodge

Dr. Chang promptly highlighted that retinol products ought to be steered clear of during pregnancy or breastfeeding. She conveyed that this encompasses non-prescription retinol as well as prescribed tretinoin. Many women adore retinol, a variant of vitamin A, for its acne-fighting and anti-aging properties. However, the use of retinol products during pregnancy is discouraged as an excess of vitamin A can pose toxicity risks to the baby.

Dr. Chang also advises against the usage of hydroquinone, a skin lightening cream often employed to combat hyperpigmentation. Only a select few studies have investigated the precise impacts of hydroquinone on pregnancy. Nevertheless, consensus dictates that due to the substantial absorption that occurs during usage, it should be discontinued during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Components to Embrace

Touching upon the primary reasons for utilizing skincare products, Dr. Chang furnished alternatives deemed safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Firstly, she advocates for the use of glycolic acid or lactic acid to uphold skin exfoliation and brightening. Both are natural acids suited for chemically exfoliating the skin.

She further expounded that individuals seeking to address skin lightening during pregnancy should seek out products containing kojic acid or licorice extract. Kojic acid, a naturally occurring fungal byproduct, can be used to combat hyperpigmentation. Licorice extract is renowned for its multiple benefits, including rectifying hyperpigmentation, fighting UV rays, brightening, and toning. It’s acclaimed as a viable alternative to retinol and hydroquinone for pregnant women.

Prepared for Alteration

Similar to nearly every facet of our bodies during pregnancy, Dr. Chang underscored the significance of acknowledging that our skincare regimen will require adjustments. She remarked, “Be prepared to adapt your skincare routine based on your skin’s response to your pregnancy.” You may observe that your skin is oilier than before, or more sensitive. Armed with this insight, we can accept and adapt accordingly.