The pregnancy period can be tough for an expectant mother. Despite the hormonal rollercoaster, you still want to look good. Thus, you can be forced to instinctively look for beauty lines that will not interfere with the baby’s development.
Hormonal fluctuations while breastfeeding and during pregnancy may have an impact on the functioning of your body. How will you know the best beauty product that is safe for you during pregnancy? Below are some beauty products which you should avoid during pregnancy and the ones you should use.
What to Avoid
1. Topical Retinoid
Topical retinoid also includes any serum or cream that is made of retinol or retina. If it has synthetic vitamin A, keep off from it. Despite the skin absorbing tiny amounts of retinoid, they can cause congenital disabilities. It would be best if you avoided topical retinoid and over the counter retinol during pregnancy. If you have to use this product, ensure that an expert recommends it.
2. Hydroquinone
You will find this mostly in salons for straightening hair and as an ingredient in skin lightening agents. While there are no predictable adverse effects on pregnancy, they are absorbed at a high rate;35-45%. The high absorption rates of hydroquinone, therefore, makes it unsafe during pregnancy. This ingredient is found in products used for hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common pregnancy complaint where other conditions like melisma come up.
3. Benzoyl Peroxide
You might be having flaring acne, but acne remedies like benzoyl peroxide should never be used during pregnancy. Despite small amounts of the ingredients in topical acne treatments being absorbed by the skin, the product’s safety has not yet been established.
Therefore, it would be nice to avoid using it unless you have talked to your gynecologist or dermatologist. Whenever you realize your skin is flaring up with acne, talk to your doctor before using any acne medications. An example of a safe remedy for acne is tree oil.
4. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause cancer. You should ensure you never use it during pregnancy. Some research also shows that the compound could lead to miscarriage or infertility. Formaldehyde is mostly used in nail polishes, and you can find it in most beauty supply shops, drugstores, or nail salons.
Big nail polish brands and the best lip balm brands do not use formaldehyde as part of their ingredients. However, you’ll find most products on shelves containing some percentage of this element. Other common dangerous compounds you will find in nail polishes include toluene, DBP, and dibutyl phthalate. When choosing nail polish brands or lip balms, ensure they are free from such compounds.
5. Injections
There are a variety of beauty enhancers that are available in needle form. Myriad, Botox, and restyling are such enhancers. While they are safe to use when you are not expecting a baby, you should always avoid them when pregnant. The next time you want to use an injectable, ensure you are dome with nursing. Injectable move substances directly to your bloodstream and can interfere with your hormonal balance during pregnancy.
Better Options
1.Natural Skincare Ingredients
Pregnancy often comes along with stretch marks. There are a variety of skincare ingredients that can help in minimizing stretch marks on your body. While natural oils might not work miracles, they will improve the texture and quality of your skin. Such natural oils include Vitamin E, jojoba, and coconut oil.
You might not get rid of the stretchmarks totally, but you will be keeping your skin healthy. If you use natural oils and you have stretch marks, you will prevent inflammation of your skin and leave it hydrated. Other great moisturizers that could help include shea butter and cocoa butter.
2.Glycolic acid and Caffeine
If you want to exfoliate and renew your skin during pregnancy, Glycolic acid is an option you should consider. Topical coffee products and scrubs are also an option if you want to slather your skin. They are mostly used instead of enhanced eye creams, and they are safe. However, remember to always consult your doctor before using any product.
Pregnancy might make you struggle with hormonal acne, dark matches, stretch marks, or other pregnancy-related conditions. As you shop for beauty products, ensure they are safe, and they won’t harm your baby. If you want your pregnancy to go well, be cautious about applying on your skin.
