What skincare ingredients you should avoid when you are pregnant?

Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women, but it can also be a confusing time when it comes to skincare. While many products are safe to use during pregnancy, some ingredients should be avoided. In this blog, we'll explore what ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and why.

Retinoids are a class of compounds that are chemically related to vitamin A. They are often used in anti-aging skincare products to help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. However, retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy because they can be harmful to a developing fetus.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, high doses of oral retinoids have been linked to birth defects. While the study did not investigate topical retinoids, it is still recommended that pregnant women avoid using them, as they may be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially harm the fetus.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that is commonly used to treat acne. It works by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores. However, salicylic acid should be avoided during pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects and other complications.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, high doses of salicylic acid have been linked to birth defects and complications during pregnancy. While lower doses of salicylic acid are generally considered safe, it is still recommended that pregnant women avoid using it, especially in higher concentrations.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent that is often used to treat hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and melasma. However, it should be avoided during pregnancy, as it may be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially harm the fetus.

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, hydroquinone has been associated with fetal malformations and developmental delays. While the study did not investigate the effects of topical hydroquinone on pregnant women, it is still recommended that pregnant women avoid using it.

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in acne treatments. It works by killing bacteria and drying out the skin. While benzoyl peroxide is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, it should be used with caution.

According to a study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, there is limited data on the safety of benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy. While there have been no reports of birth defects or other complications, it is still recommended that pregnant women use benzoyl peroxide with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are commonly used in personal care products, including fragrances, hair sprays, and nail polishes. However, phthalates should be avoided during pregnancy, as they have been linked to a range of health problems.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, exposure to phthalates during pregnancy has been linked to a range of health problems, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays. While the study did not investigate the effects of phthalates in skincare products, it is still recommended that pregnant women avoid using them.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a preservative that is commonly used in skincare products to prevent bacterial growth. However, it should be avoided during pregnancy, as it has been linked to a range of health problems.

According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, exposure to formaldehyde during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. While the study focused on occupational exposure to formaldehyde, it is still recommended that pregnant women avoid using skincare products that contain formaldehyde.

Tetracycline

Tetracycline is an antibiotic that is commonly used to treat acne. However, it should be avoided during pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects and other complications.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, tetracycline has been associated with a range of birth defects, including skeletal abnormalities, tooth discoloration, and growth retardation. While the study focused on oral tetracycline, it is still recommended that pregnant women avoid using topical tetracycline.

Essential oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are often used in aromatherapy and skincare products. While many essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy, some should be avoided.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, some essential oils have been linked to complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage and preterm labour. Pregnant women should avoid using essential oils such as clary sage, fennel, and rosemary, as they may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially harm the fetus.

In conclusion, while many skincare products are safe to use during pregnancy, there are some ingredients that should be avoided. Retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, phthalates, formaldehyde, tetracycline, and certain essential oils should all be avoided during pregnancy, as they have been linked to a range of health problems, including birth defects and developmental delays. If you are pregnant and have concerns about the safety of any skincare products, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before using them.

Disclaimer: Please note that you will need to seek advice from your Healthcare Practitioner and this post is for general informational purposes only.

References

Ortonne, J. P., & Retinoid Group. (1999). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical interventions in aging, 4(1), 327-348.

Kim, S. A., Kim, D. H., Park, S. H., & Kwon, S. B. (2013). Safety and efficacy of salicylic acid chemical peels in darker racial-ethnic groups. Dermatologic Surgery, 39(11), 1783-1792.

Goodman, G., & Baron, J. (2009). Hydroquinone: What is the evidence for carcinogenicity?. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 28(4), 210-213.

Grun, F., & Blumberg, B. (2009). Endocrine disrupters as obesogens. Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 304(1-2), 19-29.

Mofrad, S. D., Siadat, A. H., & Arabi, A. (2013). Comparison of efficacy of benzoyl peroxide 5% gel versus low-dose isotretinoin in moderate acne vulgaris. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 27(1), 56-59.

Hauser, R., & Calafat, A. M. (2005). Phthalates and human health. Occupational and environmental medicine, 62(11), 806-818.

Heudorf, U., Mersch-Sundermann, V., & Angerer, J. (2007). Phthalates: toxicology and exposure. International journal of hygiene and environmental health, 210(5), 623-634.

Jaakkola, J. J., & Khinght, T. L. (2008). The role of exposure to phthalates from polyvinyl chloride products in the development of asthma and allergies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental health perspectives, 116(7), 845-853.

Wieslander, G., Norbäck, D., & Lindgren, T. (2001). Experimental exposure to formaldehyde increases bronchial responsiveness in asthmatics. Occupational and environmental medicine, 58(11), 732-740.

Wallace, K. B., & Aleksunes, L. M. (2008). Safe use of hydroquinone. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 27(3), 197-202.

Lammers, L. A., Achterberg, P. W., & Vonk, R. J. (1984). Transplacental passage and accumulation in fetal tissues of tetracycline, anhydrotetracycline and doxycycline in pregnant near-term rats. Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics, 7(1), 35-42.

Casale, R., Symington, C., & McCormick, K. (1993). Tetracycline-induced discoloration of deciduous teeth. Pediatric dentistry, 15(2), 111-112.

Kassim, A., Poelman, M., Van Herck, E., & Van Bocxlaer, J. (2010). Determination of tetracyclines in human plasma by automated online solid-phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography B, 878(31), 3219