Skincare Products to Avoid During Pregnancy by Beauty Blogger Christine
Fact Checked By Skin Formulations
| Nov 3, 2021
We are all aware that skincare products from reputed brands undergo intensive safety testing. But did you know that not all skincare products are pregnancy-safe? Yes, some safe skincare ingredients otherwise may not be safe for pregnant or nursing women. This is why beauty blogger Christine (@15minbeauty), who is also a doctor, spreads awareness about unsafe skincare ingredients during pregnancy on her blog.
Christine is a beauty blogger, a mother of two, and a Pediatric Critical Care doctor. She has always loved to try out new beauty products and investigate the science behind them. Through her blog – 15-minute beauty – Christine shares her experiences with these products and goes into the science of ingredients too. She has an entire series dedicated to pregnancy-safe products and what ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. Here is a glance at her list.
Christine’s List of Skincare Products to Avoid During Pregnancy
1. Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that are often present in anti-aging skincare products. They come in different formulations with varying concentrations of the ingredient. According to Christine, prescription retinoids with a high concentration of vitamin A derivatives are the most unsafe as they have been linked to birth defects. She further states that, in general, it is safer for pregnant women to avoid retinoids altogether.
2. Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens are products that contain organic compounds as UV filters. Christine says that these organic filters have been found in the bloodstream of users. Even though it is not entirely clear whether these chemical filters can affect our health when they enter the bloodstream, it is safest to avoid them when pregnant. You can opt for a mineral sunscreen with physical filters like zinc oxide instead.
3. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening ingredient used in products to tackle hyperpigmentation. There is no clear verdict on whether or not this ingredient is pregnancy-safe. However, Christine advises against using it when pregnant until we get concrete evidence that proves otherwise.
4. Hydroxy Acids
According to her, most hydroxy acids, except lactic acid, aren’t proven to be safe for pregnant women. Therefore, she recommends avoiding this class of ingredients, including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and malic acid. Make sure to keep an eye out for these ingredients in exfoliating toners and serums.
To conclude, if you are pregnant or are planning a baby, it might be a good idea to stay away from these skincare ingredients. For more information on pregnancy-safe and unsafe ingredients, check out the full blog post on www.15minutebeauty.com.
