#AskID - Are there any skincare products to avoid while pregnant?
We asked Dr Niki Ralph for her recommendations below.
When you find out you are expecting your whole world changes. This may also mean you have to alter your skincare routine as certain ingredients can be absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream and therefore have an effect on your baby too.
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Rest assured, most over the counter (OTC) products are deemed safe, once the concentration of certain active ingredients is not too high.
We must point out that evidenced based data on the safety of specific products in pregnancy is limited. Clinical trials on pregnant women that could even start to prove that certain ingredients are harmful are an ethical no-no!
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1: Retinoids – Essentially all retinoids are advised to be avoided during pregnancy. They are primarily used as an anti-acne therapy and also for prevention of fine lines and wrinkles. They work by speeding up surface-level skin cell exfoliation and boosting collagen production to rejuvenate skin. Some of the OTC products containing Vit A have very low concentrations of Retinol, however prescription products such as topical Tretinoin or oral Isotretinoin have much greater concentration and therefore need to be avoided during pregnancy and for oral therapy at least 4 weeks prior to conception.
2. High dose salicylic acid – Salicylic acid is an ingredient used most commonly to treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory capabilities (similar to aspirin). Previous studies have shown that high dose oral therapies and concentrated chemical peels containing Salicylic acid during pregnancy should be avoided. However, most OTC topical products containing lower dose salicylic acid are safe to use during pregnancy.
3. Hydroquinone – this is primarily a prescription product used to lighten skin, especially unwanted skin pigmentation around the eyes and mouth. There is no proven link between its use and severe congenital defects, however because the body can absorb a significant amount of hydroquinone compared with other products it is best advised to avoid this during pregnancy.
If you still have concerns about skin pigmentation, acne and fine lines/wrinkles during pregnancy there are some safe skincare ingredient alternatives.
If you are getting flashbacks to teenage acne at the beginning of pregnancy you may safely use OTC products containing Glycolic acid and also may be prescribed Azelaic acid, both of which will help control acne, brighten the skin while reducing fine lines/wrinkles and help reduce skin pigmentation.
Topical antioxidants may help from an anti-ageing perspective, so you can safely use topical Vit C and Vit E in your skincare products.
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The verdict is still out on the use of chemical-based sunscreens during pregnancy, therefore my go to product is a mineral based, zinc oxide/titanium dioxide containing physical sunscreen such as Elta MD Clear or tinted. This type of sunscreen acts like a shield for the skin, protecting against the penetration of UV rays into the skin.
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If you have any concerns regarding a prescription product you may be using prior to conception or when you just find out you are expecting, discuss this with your dermatologist to ensure it is safe for you to continue to use it.
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The verdict is still out on the use of chemical-based sunscreens during pregnancy, therefore my go to product is a mineral based, zinc oxide/titanium dioxide containing physical sunscreen such as Elta MD Clear or tinted. This type of sunscreen acts like a shield for the skin, protecting against the penetration of UV rays into the skin.
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If you have any concerns regarding a prescription product you may be using prior to conception or when you just find out you are expecting, discuss this with your dermatologist to ensure it is safe for you to continue to use it.