Skincare Ingredients to Avoid While Pregnant and Nursing
As a licensed esthetician, it is important to me to help women understand what skincare ingredients should be avoided while pregnant or nursing to ensure the health of your skin and the safety of your baby.
While pregnant, there are quite a few things that we must alter in our lifestyles in order to be as safe as possible while growing and nursing a human. One of those changes you should be conscious of is your skincare regimen.
There are a few common skincare concerns that often arise during pregnancy as hormones shift and lead to changes within the skin. This may lead you to searching for products to help you treat concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation - it can be confusing what products are safe for use while pregnant or nursing.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid While Pregnant
Use Caution with Active Products.
Pay extra attention when using products containing ingredients like hydroquinone and Vitamin A. Salicylic acid has been one ingredient in the past that has been recommended to stay away from while pregnant or nursing, but it is mainly high concentrations of salicylic that you want to stay away from. This includes in chemical peels and oral salicylic acid (aspirin). Skincare products containing lower concentrations of salicylic are generally safe, but if you are concerned you can always ask your doctor about using topical salicylic. Other AHAs are completely fine in low concentrations as well.
Retinoids or Vitamin A Derivatives should be Avoided all Together.
High concentrations of vitamin A have been linked to birth defects; therefore, it is recommended that pregnant and nursing women stay away from retinoids completely. Hydroquinone is an obvious one to avoid whenever possible especially while pregnant or nursing, as it is a known carcinogenic (cancer- causing) ingredient. Benzoyl peroxide is a bit of a controversial one. It can be okay at lower concentrations but is best to consult with your doctor to be sure.
Avoid Toxic Chemical Ingredients.
Avoid harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance and chemical sunscreen ingredients. While you are pregnant, you should treat your skin as though you have sensitive skin and avoid ingredients that can cause irritation in sensitive skin. These ingredients include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, fragrance, phthalates, parabens and chemical sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate, oxybenzone etc.
To be sure that your skincare is safe during pregnancy or nursing you can do a complimentary skincare consultation with a Pomp Esthetician like myself. Find out what skincare ingredients are safe for pregnancy by reading more our Skin 101 blog.
