A Handbook for a Skin Care Routine That’s Safe During Pregnancy
Changes in Your Skin
Ingredients to Steer Clear of
Safer Options to Consider
Trusted Brands for Safety
Making Sure It’s Safe
Give This a Try
What to Remember
During pregnancy, some individuals might have dry skin or acne. If you’re wondering how to deal with these skin issues safely and how to build a skin care routine, here’s a list of skincare ingredients you should and shouldn’t use.
Once you discover that you’re going to have a baby, everything in your life changes, including the way you take care of your skin.
While it’s widely known that you need to avoid your favorite wine (sorry!), you might not have realized that you’ll have to reconsider your trusted skincare products as well. The attention is on your skincare items for a good reason: Some ingredients can get into your body and even your baby’s body.
Don’t worry too much, though. Most over-the-counter body care products are perfectly safe. However, there are a few ingredients that could be risky for your little one. The good news is that you can strike a balance between keeping your radiant skin and ensuring your baby’s safety.
Whether you’re searching for a safe product to tackle unwelcome skin changes brought on by pregnancy (unfortunately, they do happen), or you’re just making sure your current routine is safe, this breakdown of what a healthy pregnancy skincare routine looks like — along with the specific ingredients to avoid — is tailored for you.
Changes in skin during pregnancy Let’s be honest: Pregnancy-related changes in the skin happen to a lot of people. Hormones can be blamed, along with shifts in your cardiovascular system and immune function while you’re pregnant.
While some fortunate folks enjoy nine months of flawless skin, others encounter at least one less-than-pleasant new skin issue or a worsening of existing ones. The most common ones include:
- Dry skin
- Darkening skin (known as melasma or chloasma)
- Acne
If you already have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, you might notice changes in your symptoms, for better or worse.
And because your body is fully invested in pregnancy, these annoying skin changes might also affect other areas — think stretch marks, spider veins, hair growth, and even hair loss.
Important Ingredients to Avoid in Pregnancy Skin Care Before we dive into the details, it’s crucial to note that scientific evidence concerning the safety of particular products during pregnancy is quite limited. In most situations, conducting clinical trials on pregnant individuals to definitively prove the harm of specific ingredients is considered ethically unacceptable.
However, certain studies involving animals, anecdotal evidence, or individual cases have indicated potential adverse effects on fetuses linked to a few common skincare ingredients. This forms the foundation for our recommendations.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that cosmetic products should be “safe” based on their intended use and labeling, but they do not require FDA approval for market distribution.
All of this raises significant questions about which cosmetics are genuinely safe to use during pregnancy. Given these uncertainties, most experts (including us) tend to prioritize caution.
Retinoids Vitamin A is a vital nutrient essential for skin, immune system, reproductive, and eye health. When consumed or absorbed through the skin, it transforms into retinol.
Some anti-aging skincare products, including anti aging skin care, incorporate a type of retinol known as retinoids, celebrated for their ability to address acne and reduce fine lines. Retinoids achieve this by promoting the faster exfoliation of surface-level skin cells and increasing collagen production for skin rejuvenation
Over-the-counter (OTC) products contain lower retinoid concentrations, while prescription medications like Retin-A (tretinoin) and Accutane (isotretinoin) have significantly higher doses.
While the absorption of retinoids through topical products is likely minimal, higher doses have been linked to birth irregularities. Consequently, it’s advised to avoid all forms of retinoids during pregnancy.
Extensive documentation suggests that prescription retinoids like isotretinoin carry a 20% to 35% risk of severe congenital irregularities, with 30% to 60% of exposed children displaying neurocognitive conditions.
Due to these risks, those who can become pregnant are recommended to take the following precautions when using isotretinoin:
- Use two forms of contraception.
- Receive regular pregnancy and compliance monitoring from their doctor.
- Discontinue the medication 1 to 2 months before attempting pregnancy.
Your doctor will discuss the iPLEDGE program with you before prescribing isotretinoin. This federally regulated monitoring initiative aims to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy in individuals using isotretinoin.
High-Dose Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid, similar to aspirin, is commonly used to treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, a 2013 study concluded that products delivering a high dose of salicylic acid, such as peels and oral medications, should be avoided during pregnancy.
On the other hand, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers topical OTC products with lower doses of salicylic acid to be safe for use during pregnancy.
Exploring Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ingredients
Hydroquinone- Hydroquinone is a prescription product used to lighten skin and reduce pigmentation resulting from conditions like melasma and chloasma, which can occur during pregnancy.
While there’s no established connection between hydroquinone and severe birth defects or side effects, it’s important to note that the body can absorb a significant amount of hydroquinone (35% to 45%). Therefore, it’s advisable to limit exposure, if any, during pregnancy.
Phthalates- Phthalates are chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system and are present in many beauty and personal care products. Studies involving animals and humans have linked phthalate exposure to serious reproductive and developmental issues.
Endocrine disruptors, which include phthalates, are gaining increased attention from organizations like the FDA and medical bodies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, due to their potential negative impact on reproductive health.
Cosmetics are a primary source of phthalate exposure. One common phthalate found in beauty products is diethylphthalate (DEP). Additionally, phthalates present in plastic packaging can migrate into personal care items.
Formaldehyde-Formaldehyde is seldom used in beauty products nowadays due to its status as a known carcinogen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), formaldehyde exposure can raise the risk of infertility and miscarriage.
However, some cosmetics contain formaldehyde-releasing chemicals that possess similar potentially harmful effects. The following are examples highlighted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG):
- Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)
- DMDM hydantoin
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Hydroxymethylglycinate
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Quaternium-15
- 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
Chemical Sunscreens: A Closer Look
Among sunscreen options, oxybenzone and its derivatives stand as the most commonly used ultraviolet (UV) filter. It has demonstrated effectiveness in shielding the skin from the sun, but concerns are rising regarding potential health and environmental consequences linked to oxybenzone.
A review in 2019 highlighted that specific chemical UV filters could negatively impact water sources, fish well-being, and global food chains. These include:
- Oxybenzone
- Octocrylene
- Octinoxate
Given that oxybenzone is recognized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical, its use during pregnancy raises concerns about hormone disruption, potentially leading to enduring harm for both the mother and the baby.
Animal research from 2018 indicated that oxybenzone exposure at levels comparable to human usage during pregnancy led to permanent changes in mammary glands and lactation.
Other animal studies have linked this chemical to lasting fetal damage, which might correlate with the development of neurological conditions like schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease in adulthood.
Oxybenzone exposure has also been associated with Hirschsprung disease, a congenital anomaly affecting the large intestines.
Safer Alternatives for Skin Care Ingredients
For those grappling with acne and hyperpigmentation during pregnancy, there are safer options to consider in place of retinoid-based products. One such effective alternative is glycolic acid.
Although large quantities of glycolic acid are not recommended during pregnancy, small amounts typically present in over-the-counter beauty products are generally considered safe.
Glycolic acid, along with similar compounds like azelaic acid, can assist in minimizing fine lines, brightening the skin, and reducing heightened skin pigmentation.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) endorses glycolic and azelaic acid, as well as topical benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, for the treatment of acne during pregnancy.
Addressing mature skin and wrinkles, topical antioxidants, including vitamin C, can effectively boost skin vitality by safeguarding against damage and preserving collagen. Other topical antioxidants to explore in your skincare routine include vitamin E, green tea, snail mucin in skin care, and resveratrol.
It’s important to note that oral resveratrol supplements should not be taken during pregnancy. Consulting your doctor before trying any supplements, particularly if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, is advised.
Dealing with Dry Skin and Stretch Marks
Pregnancy puts a lot of demands on your body, and if your baby needs extra water at any point, they’ll take it from your body. This, combined with hormonal changes, can lead to dry skin.
Besides drinking lots of water, using moisturizers with ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, peptides, and hyaluronic acid (HA) can help improve hydration. If you’re wondering how to hydrate skin, these ingredients can be very effective. To prevent stretch marks, it’s a good idea to regularly moisturize areas that are prone to them. This can assist your skin in naturally stretching as your belly (and baby) grow.
Staying Safe in the Sun
Protecting your skin from the sun is vital for preventing wrinkles and skin cancer in the long run. However, ensuring safety during pregnancy is a key concern.
The safety of certain chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone is still uncertain. So, opt for mineral-based sunscreens that work by reflecting UV rays away from the skin completely.
Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are found in mineral-based sunscreens. And remember, wearing a wide-brimmed hat adds a touch of style while providing shade.
Skincare Brands for Pregnancy
These are some brands that are suitable for pregnancy skincare:
- Belli Skincare
- Earth Mama® Organics
- Erbavia Organic Skincare
- The Spoiled Mama
- BeautyCounter
How to Ensure Your Skincare Products AreSafe
- Consult Your Dermatologist and OB-GYN: If you’re using prescription medications or have existing skin concerns, discuss the safety and order of skin care products with your dermatologist and OB-GYN.
- Check Ingredients: Look through your product’s ingredient list for those we’ve reviewed or any that concern you. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a reliable resource for learning about skincare ingredient safety.
Use the EWG Database: The EWG has a database of over 87,000 personal care products, each with a safety rating. This rating is determined by comparing product ingredients with over 60 toxicity and regulatory databases.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine to Try
Here’s a simple daily skincare routine to start with:
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Apply a serum if desired.
- Use a suitable moisturizer for your skin type.
- Apply an eye cream if needed.
- For daytime, use a broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen on your face and exposed skin.
- To prevent stretch marks, apply moisturizer to your belly, hips, and thighs.
For preventing stretch marks, there are various balms, creams, and oils available, such as Bio-Oil. You can find cleanser products online for different skin types, aging concerns, and blemishes.
Final Thoughts
While it’s tough to change your familiar skincare routine, safeguarding your little one is a top priority. It’s important to avoid products that could pose risks during pregnancy. Prescription retinoid-containing products are among the most likely to lead to serious birth irregularities.
On a positive note, our list of pregnancy-safe skincare products can give you confidence in making healthier choices for your baby-to-be. For personalized guidance on pregnancy skincare concerns, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist.
