It is a concern for future mothers and breastfeeding mothers to know which products they can use in their skincare routine to keep their skin beautiful and healthy, without compromising the baby's safety.
Are there, in fact, substances prohibited during pregnancy and lactation?
In theory, and since cosmetics by definition do not have the ability to reach the bloodstream, we might think not, but as a matter of precaution and since the products are not, for obvious reasons, tested on pregnant women, they should not be used. 3 ingredients following:
- Retinol and Retinoids
- Hydroquinone
- Essential Oils
Let us explain why:
1.Retinol and derivatives (traditionally used to combat wrinkles and acne)
As vitamin A has teratogenic potential, it can cause malformations in the fetus when ingested, it is recommended that this and all derivatives (tretinoin, isotretinoin, retinol, retinal, retinaldehyde, retinyl palmititate) are not used, even though there is no scientific evidence to demonstrate that there is a considerable risk in practice.
2.Hydroquinone (depigmenting, lightening)
Can present harmful effects for the embryo and therefore must be replaced by other depigmenting agents.
3. Essential Oils
Some are contraindicated in pregnancy because they are potentially toxic to the baby and may interfere with the mother's hormone production. Be careful to choose reputable brands and read the labels to make sure you can use them safely. Even those that are permitted should be washed thoroughly after use.
In addition to these, some precautions should be taken (you can use but...) with:
- Salicylic Acid which, however, is safe in the percentages in which it is used in cosmetics (up to 2 to 3%), but not recommended in peelings (medical aesthetic procedures) in higher concentrations.
- Glycolic Acid, should be avoided in high concentrations (over 10%) in peels due to its irritating potential or, its use should be discontinued if the skin is more sensitive (first try it on a small area to test tolerance). If you already used it before becoming pregnant and your skin is comfortable, you can continue using it, just be careful to apply sunscreen during the day.
Cosmetics containing parabens can be used without restrictions, since they are used in the formulations as preservatives in percentages between 0.14% and 0.4%, and are safe and effective in keeping cosmetics free from contamination by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). You should avoid using nail polishes and lacquers with phthalates because they are endocrine disruptors and can affect the endocrine and reproductive systems, which can cause problems in children's development (swap hairspray for gel).
About hair dyes there are no restrictions (although they are not used daily, but rather every 3 weeks and rinsed out), although some doctors advise against their use 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.
Can be used depilatories, more suitable than waxing.
You can still use it self-tanners, since they only stain the surface of the skin and are harmless for the baby's development (prefer creams, lotions or wipes over sprays as the product may be inhaled).
Some procedures like hair straightening with formaldehyde and application of botox (this is 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 choose, if they so wish, to specific ranges for pregnant women, generally lightly scented, with mild fragrances or no fragrances to avoid worsening nausea.
To help combat the effects of skin stretching, it is recommended to use body creams and lotions. moisturizers which help to increase elasticity and combat the appearance of stretch marks.
You 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 the sunscreen, especially on the face to prevent the appearance or worsening of melasma and blemishes (and prevent sun damage).
SAFE INGREDIENTS IN PREGNANCY:
Melasma/Spots
- Alpha hydroxy acids (less than 10% glycolic acid)
- Vitamin C
- Kojic Acid
- Azelaic Acid
Erythema/Irritation
- Zinc Oxide
- Asian Spark
Acne
- Salicylic Acid (up to 3%)
- Niacinamide
- Zinc
Dry skin
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Shea Butter
- Ceramides
- Squalane
LACTATING MOTHERS
Breastfeeding mothers, although they can use all cosmetics, must be careful to wash their hands thoroughly and avoid applying products containing essential oils and rubefacients (camphor, alcohol, salicylates, capsaicin) directly to the breast. can irritate the baby's skin.
Whenever a cosmetic product is applied to the breast area, it should wash well before breastfeeding, except when the literature says otherwise (for example, not the case with some ointments containing lanolin).
CONCLUSION
As you can see, most cosmetics can be used safely during pregnancy, and there is no reason to make major changes, especially if your routine is working for you and does not contain any of the 3 “prohibited” active ingredients.
Don’t worry too much! Follow our advice and keep your routine simple and without radical changes or introducing potentially irritating products.
You are beautiful, stay happy and calm, follow the advice of your doctor and the rest of the team and your baby will be born and grow up healthy!