Developing a new skincare routine from scratch when you are pregnant can feel like an arduous task. You have to go back to the drawing board (in this case your vanity) and reevaluate every single bottle, vial, and box on your shelf to be sure if you can use it anymore. We can’t deny it might hurt to throw away or discard some of the rather expensive stuff in there but remember it’s all for the greater good! You really need a pregnancy-safe skincare routine that doesn’t harm your child in any way and that’s where we can help you. This guide is all about making you privy to ingredients that work and ingredients that don’t when you are pregnant. Let’s begin!
Which Ingredients Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
Avoiding skincare products that contain any of the following ingredients will do you good when you’re pregnant and you will see why. Keep reading!
Retinoids
While you might acne during pregnancy, you still cannot use your most potent ally against it. Retinoids, a specific strain of Vitamin A, are quite strong and may cause some serious side effects during pregnancy. For example, studies show that regular use of Retinoids can lead to issues such as birth defects and severe congenital irregularities in newborns. So make sure you avoid it at all costs.
Hydroquinone
A common part of topical ointments, Hydroquinone is frequently prescribed as an OTC product to treat hyperpigmentation. While it is safe for use in normal cases, use of Hydroquinone-based products during pregnancy can cause congenital defects. They are also likely to cause severe allergic reactions and may lead you to experience symptoms such as stinging and inflammation among others.
High Concentrations Of Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid’s anti-inflammatory properties make it the perfect treatment option for acne. However, concentrated doses of this chemical in the form of peels or oral drugs during pregnancy can lead to fatal consequences. Research surrounding their use during pregnancy indicates a high likelihood of newborn intracranial hemorrhage, stillbirth and excess bleeding.
Phthalates
Phthalates are known to disrupt normal endocrine system function. Despite this, they are still commonly found in most skincare products. So you better read the label carefully before developing a new pregnancy-safe skincare routine. In any case, excess exposure to phthalates can cause reproductive issues or development dysfunction in unborn foetuses.
Formaldehyde
A carcinogenic preservative and disinfectant, Formaldehyde is no longer a beauty product staple as it used to be. Thank god for that! In any case, this dangerous chemical is still best avoided as it can cause both miscarriages and infertility.
Which Skincare Ingredients Are Pregnancy-Safe?
It might seem like a short list but the following ingredients are certified safe and can be easily incorporated into any pregnancy-safe skincare routine. Plus, they offer a ton of benefits too!
Skin Brightener: Bakuchiol
A great option for moms-to-be suffering from Melasma, serums containing Bakuchiol can help you amplify that pregnancy glow while keeping dullness and pigmentation in check. They can also improve your skin’s firmness while soothing acne-induced inflammation. Keep products with this ingredient handy in case you get pregnancy acne or melasma.
Acne Healer: Canadian Willowherb
Skin clarifying serums with Canadian Willowherb can actually help you fight pregnancy-induced acne. This natural herb soothes red, angry skin while reducing the appearance of acne spots. It also strengthens your skin’s barrier, shielding it against the invasion of microbes that cause acne, leaving you with visibly clearer skin.
Stretch Marks Reducer: Striover™
Products containing Striover™ might still be scarce in the Indian market, but this ingredient has generated a lot of positive buzz abroad. Striover™ combines the power of glycerin with two distinct medicinal plants by the names of Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula. This potent combination is highly effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It can also improve the elasticity and firmness of your skin, protecting it against further damage.
Instant Hydrator: PENTAVITIN®
Finally, to get rid of dryness and keep your skin soft and supple, find products that contain PENTAVITIN®. This new age ingredient can provide lasting hydration – up to 72 hours as it claims! – thus, ensuring your skin remains hydrated without the need for frequent reapplication. Plus, products containing PENTAVITIN® are known to provide a soothing effect too. So if you experience dryness-induced itchiness, you can safely use this ingredient and kill two birds with one stone!
Conclusion
Building a pregnancy-safe skincare routine that works for you is hard if you do not know what to use and what to avoid. However, with our handy guide, you can make informed decisions about your new routine. By avoiding the ingredients we have mentioned and using their safer alternatives instead, you can address common pregnancy-related skin issues worry-free.
