Safe Skin Care if you're Pregnant or Trying to Conceive

If you’re pregnant, you’ll want to know everything about how you can ensure the well-being of your baby. You’ve probably already considered the effect of what goes into your body but have you thought about the products that you put on your body? While it’s true that most of them are completely safe for you and your baby, some experts have suggested that there are certain ingredients you might want to avoid.

Retinoids

A lot of anti aging moisturisers and treatments for acne contain retinoids – a type of vitamin A that speeds up cell division and prevents skin collagen from breaking down. High doses of vitamin A during pregnancy may be harmful to your baby, and some oral retinoids (isotretinoin, for example) have been known to cause birth defects. If you’ve been using a retinoid cream on your skin then don’t worry, just try to avoid them for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Hydroxy Acids

If you suffer from skin issues such as acne and inflammation, it’s likely that you’ll have products that contain hydroxy acids. They are also found in products to help to reduce signs of aging. Salicylic acid is a common beta hydroxy acid (BHA), and it has been found that high doses of this during pregnancy could cause birth defects and other complications. It is recommended that you only use small amounts of salicylic acid no more than twice a day.

Soy

Due to the proven health benefits of soy, it may seem unusual that it’s made it onto our list. It can actually have estrogenic effects that can cause dark patches on the skin to become worse. Opt instead for ‘active soy’ in products as it means these harmful components have been taken out.

Hair removal creams

Chemical creams that either remove your hair or minimise its appearance are safe as long as you correctly use them. Of course, if you’ve had an allergic reaction to these in the past you should avoid them anyway, but during pregnancy, your skin tends to become more sensitive so you may have a reaction even if you haven’t before. Do a patch test on your skin and wait for 24-hours before you continue to use it.

Steroid Creams

Over the counter, topical hydrocortisone cream that is used for minor skin irritations is safe to use during pregnancy as well as more potent products that will be prescribed to you by your healthcare provider.

Makeup

Even the cosmetics that you use should be considered when you’re pregnant. Makeup that is labeled "noncomedogenic" is safe but, as we’ve mentioned before, avoid retinol and salicylic acid. The ultra-cautious may want to go for makeup products that are organic, such as Tropic Skincare, which has products such as a mineral foundation that contains active botanical extracts – definitely safe!

Essential oils

Surprisingly, certain essential oils should be avoided because they have been known to encourage menstruation. Steer clear of basil, rosemary, juniper berry, chamomile blue and jasmine.