During pregnancy, a female body goes through many changes such as stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and acne, which are normal, and you can treat these issues with some skincare products like sunscreen, cleanser, and natural oil. Some of you must remember that whatever you are applying to your skin will be absorbed by the pores present on the skin directly. These skincare ingredients may harm you and your loved one’s baby. Not only chemicals like parabens, sulphates, and lead. But natural ingredients like retinol, alpha arbutin, and DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) may harm you and your unborn baby. I will tell you which ingredients you need to avoid and the ingredients that are safe to use.
Ingredients You Avoid During Pregnancy.
Do you think, if the ingredients are natural and scientifically proven, then they are safe to use during pregnancy? But the answer is not that simple. During pregnancy, a female body goes through different processes that will weaken the female body. So it’s advisable not to use some ingredients that harm the baby. By the way, most skincare ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy, but a few ingredients that you need to avoid are.
Retinol
Retinol is a synthetic form of vitamin A that is present in our body, and retinol is used in many cosmetics like creams, cleansers, sunscreens, toners, and moisturisers. Retinol helps reduce wrinkles and acne. It has anti-aging properties. Sometimes, a dermatologist prescribes high-concentration-based retinol serums to shrink the large skin pores and treat the unclogged pores.
But during pregnancy, retinol-based skincare products can lead to the deformation of newborn babies and can also cause bleeding and nervous system abnormalities.
Alpha Arbutin
Alpha arbutin is a form of hydroquinone, and it is an extract from heather, strawberry tree, and bearberry. The concentration of alpha arbutin found in these sources depends on various factors like the species of plant, time, and environmental habitation. Alpha arbutin helps to brighten the face, reduce uneven skin tone, and fight pigmentation. Alpha arbutin is used in many skincare products such as moisturisers, face washes, and creams.
Alpha arbutin is a close relative of hydroquinone. This ingredient has a high absorption rate that causes trouble during pregnancy. Alpha arbutin affects the systemic circulation in both females and babies. But, little evidence is presented against alpha arbutin. However, it’s advisable to avoid this ingredient during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are the highly concentrated form of natural ingredients. Essential oils address many concerns. These include dandruff, hair fall, and acne. They boost collagen, reduce redness and inflammation, and improve mood. They also lower stress. To make 1 kg of rose essential oil, you need around 255 kg of rose petals.
But during pregnancy, there are so many essentials that can harm the mother and her babies. For example, rosemary essential oil can cause severe bleeding in the mother, and jasmine essential oil boosts contractions. There are many other reasons to avoid essential oils during pregnancy.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is one of the most researched ingredients in skincare that can treat many concerns such as acne, oil control, psoriasis, and calluses. Salicylic acid is used in daily cosmetic and skincare products like cleansers, moisturisers, and serums. It is best for oily and combination skin types. Doctors prescribe oral and topical salicylic acid products to deal with skin disorders, seborrheic dermatitis, and common warts.
During pregnancy, acne and inflammation are normal. It is seen that when a baby is delivered, the acne and other skin concerns are automatically treated. You can use salicylic acid products over the counter, especially oral products, without consulting your doctor. It can cause itching, difficulty breathing, swelling all over the face, tightness in the throat, and fatigue.
Aluminium chloride
Aluminium chloride is used in skincare products to reduce the sweating process, tighten the skin, and remove unpleasant smells. Aluminium chloride is used in deodorant roll-ons, niacinamide creams, and many others. You can use products over the counter in the form of a cream, spray, or face wash.
During pregnancy, you need to avoid aluminium chloride because it can cause issues like itching and skin irritation, and for pregnant women, it can cause neurological issues for the unborn baby.
Ingredients That Can Be Used During Pregnancy
Vitamin C: It is a very powerful antioxidant that can be used in place of alpha arbutin. It will not damage the unborn baby or mother during pregnancy.
Hyaluronic Acid: Pregnant women use it during pregnancy; it is also readily present in our bodies, and it creates a moisturising agent.
Lactic Acid: Women can use lactic acid to treat acne during pregnancy. You can replace it with salicylic acid.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a very crucial phase for any woman. Their bodies go through many painful issues like stress, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation. Pregnant women should avoid these skincare ingredients. They can harm the baby and the woman’s health. These ingredients are retinol, salicylic acid, essential oils, aluminium chloride, and alpha arbutin. But you can replace these ingredients with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid.
