As glorious as being pregnant can be, the journey comes with its share of awe-evoking moments (you’re growing a whole human being) and stress. On the list of stressors for beauty enthusiasts is our skincare routine. When you’re pregnant, your baby is like a sponge in your body. It absorbs everything you apply and consume which is why it is important to reach out to your dermatologist and figure out if your skincare MVPs are on the no-no list.
To get some general information on the skincare ingredients that you absolutely should not apply, we reached out to Dr Kiran Sethi, dermatologist and founder of New Delhi-based skincare clinic, Isya Derm.
The no-no list:
Salicylic acid
The famed acne-fighter, salicylic acid should be avoided at all costs during your pregnancy since it is from the aspirin family. This buzzy ingredient is present in many skincare formulas these days so make sure you keep an eye on the product label before you use it.
Retinol and tretinoin
Most dermatologists will recommend avoiding derivatives of vitamin A altogether, mainly because too much of it can cause birth defects.
Hydroquinone
A powerful pigmentation fighter, hydroquinone is readily absorbed into the bloodstream. This is why most doctors like to avoid prescribing it to pregnant women.
Essential oils
“Stay away from basil, camphor, cinnamon bark, rosemary, and tea tree oil,” explains Dr Sethi, as these can be potentially toxic and therefore, risky.
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate
Commonly found in antiperspirants, this ingredient stops you from sweating by blocking the perspiration from reaching the surface. During pregnancy, being exposed to higher doses of aluminium can cause weakness, fatigue as well as memory issues.
Here are some alternatives recommended by Dr Sethi
Acne
Consider using mandelic acid which is derived from almonds. It is deemed to be completely safe for use by pregnant women. While is not as strong as salicylic acid, it still works wonders on acne by gently exfoliating skin.
Pigmentation
Use kojic acid–a derivative of fungi fermentation–it fights pigmentation by blocking the production of melanin in the affected area.
Dullness
If dull skin is your skin woe, make sure you use AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) or PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) at night. These boost skin renewal. Just remember to wear sunscreen in the day.
Rosacea
Try azelaic acid as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It does triple duty by reducing acne, pigmentation and soothes rosacea-prone skin.
Blackheads and whiteheads
Use an AHA or mandelic acid as they will improve skin renewal. I recommend trying the combination in a scrub-like formula.