It is a concern for future mothers and breastfeeding mothers to know which products they can use in their skin care routine to keep their skin beautiful and healthy, without compromising the baby's safety.
Are there, in fact, prohibited substances during pregnancy and lactation?
In theory, and since cosmetics by definition do not have the ability to reach the bloodstream, we would think not, but, as a matter of precaution and, since the products are, for obvious reasons, not tested on pregnant women, The following 3 ingredients should not be used:
- Retinol and Retinoids
- Hydroquinone
- Essencial oils
Let us explain why:
1. Retinol and derivatives (traditionally used to combat wrinkles and acne)
As vitamin A has a teratogenic potential and can cause malformations in the fetus when ingested, it is recommended that it and all derivatives (tretinoin, isotretinoin, retinol, retinal, retinaldehyde, retinyl palmititate) are not used, even though there is no scientific evidence that demonstrate that there is a considerable risk in practice.
2. Hydroquinone (depigmenting, whitening)
It can have harmful effects on the embryo and therefore must be replaced by other depigmenting agents.
3.Essential Oils
Some are contraindicated in pregnancy as they are potentially toxic to the baby and can interfere with the mother's hormone production. Be careful to choose reputable brands and read the labeling to make sure you can use them safely. Even those that are permitted, you must wash your hands thoroughly after use.
In addition to these, some precautions should be taken (you can use but...) with:
- Salicylic Acid , however, is safe in the percentages in which it is used in cosmetics (up to 2 to 3%), but is not recommended in peelings (medical aesthetic procedures) in higher concentrations.
- Glycolic Acid should be avoided in high concentrations (greater than 10%) in peelings due to its irritating potential or, its use should be avoided if the skin is more sensitive (try it first on a small area to test tolerance). If you were already using it before becoming pregnant and your skin is comfortable, you can continue using it, just being careful to put on sunscreen during the day.
Cosmetics with parabens can be used without restrictions as they are used in formulations as preservatives in percentages between 0.14% and 0.4%, being safe and effective in keeping cosmetics free from contamination by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) . You should avoid using nail varnishes and lacquers with phthalates as they are endocrine disruptors and can affect the endocrine and reproductive system, which can cause problems in the development of children (change the lacquer for gel).
There are no restrictions regarding hair dyes (they are not used daily, but rather every 3 weeks and rinsed), although some doctors advise against using them during the first trimester of pregnancy, especially if they contain ammonia. Studies in pregnant women who continued to dye their hair did not show any increase in teratogenic effects.
Depilatories can be used, which are better than waxing.
You can also use self-tanners , as they only dye the surface of the skin and are harmless to the baby's development (prefer creams, lotions or wipes to sprays as the product may be inhaled).
Some procedures such as hair straightening with formaldehyde and botox application (this is already a medical procedure and not a cosmetic one) are not recommended and, if you have any doubts about cosmetics or aesthetic procedures, speak to your obstetrician and always inform your hairdresser and beautician. that you are pregnant.
WHAT YOU SHOULD USE
Future mothers can opt, if they wish, for specific ranges for pregnant women, generally lightly scented, with mild fragrances or without fragrances to avoid worsening nausea.
To help combat the effects of skin distension, it is recommended to use moisturizing body creams and lotions that help increase elasticity and combat the appearance of stretch marks.
Emollients for the nipples and breast area also help prepare the area for breastfeeding and prevent the appearance of cracks.
Don't forget to use sunscreen , especially on your face, to prevent the appearance or worsening of melasma and blemishes (and prevent sun damage).
PREGNANCY-SAFE INGREDIENTS:
Melasma/Spots
- Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid less than 10%)
- Vitamin C
- Kojic Acid
- Azelaic Acid
Erythema/Irritation
- Zinc oxide
- Asian spark
Acne
- Salicylic Acid (up to 3%)
- Niacinamide
- Zinc
Dry skin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Karite butter
- Ceramides
- Squalane
LACTANTS
Breastfeeding mothers, although they can use all cosmetics, must be careful to wash their hands very well and avoid directly applying products with essential oils and rubefacients (camphor, alcohol, salicylates, capsaicin) to the breast as they can irritate the skin. of the baby.
Whenever a cosmetic product is applied to the breast area, you must wash it well before breastfeeding , except when the literature says otherwise (for example, in the case of some ointments with lanolin).
CONCLUSION
As you have noticed, most cosmetics can be used safely during pregnancy, there is no reason to make any major changes, especially if your routine is working for you and does not contain any of the 3 “forbidden” active ingredients.
Don't worry too much! Follow our advice and keep your routine simple and without radical changes or the introduction of potentially irritating products.
You are beautiful , stay happy and calm, follow the advice of your doctor and the rest of the team and your child will be born and grow up healthy!