Knowing what to put---and not put---on your skin during pregnancy is important both for the mom-to-be and the unborn child. Of course, many of the daily skin care products you use probably are safe, but others require a closer look. According to dermatologist Sandra Marchese Johnson at Arkansas-based Johnson Dermatology, some skin care products do get absorbed into the bloodstream.
Potent Ingredients
According to Babycenter.com, moisturizers containing powerful ingredients like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, retinoic acid, differin (adapelene), renova (tretinoin), Retin-A, retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinyl linoleate, tazorac and avage (Tazarotene), BHA and salicylic acid should be avoided during pregnancy. The bottom line? When in doubt, don't use it.
Soy-Based Products
University of Miami Professor Leslie Baumann---who wrote "The Skin Type Solution" (Bantam, 2006)---warns to examine the list of ingredients in soy-based lotions and facial products. While alone soy generally is safe to use, on skin during pregnancy it does have estrogenic effects, meaning it can cause dark splotches. Baumann instead recommends using "active soy"-based products, such as those containing phosphatidylcholine or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Acne-Fighters
Hormone levels soar during pregnancy, making breakouts relatively common. Baumann recommends visiting a dermatologist if the condition becomes severe; the American Academy of Dermatology is a good resource when seeking one out. If you opt to use a facial wash, Baumann cautions to choose one with no more than 2 percent salicylic acid. She does not, however, recommend using leave-on acne lotions, products or peels. It's also important to avoid anything containing the retinoid Accutane.
Hair Removers and Sunscreen
Skin can be particularly sensitive during pregnancy, so it's important to test whether yours can tolerate a depilatory. Provided you don't have an allergic reaction, using them is considered free of risk. Baumann adds that using sunscreen---including ones containing zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)---on skin is not only safe, it's important.
Makeup
Feeling (and looking) good is as important as ever during pregnancy; fortunately, there's no need to forgo most types of makeup, according to Baumann. Those labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" are considered safe to an unborn child. And mineral-only-based makeup is a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
