Learning about safe pregnancy skin care is vital, especially during pregnancy. Many skin care product compounds can enter your bloodstream and cross the placenta to your baby. Yet countries like the U.S. don't always regulate cosmetics, meaning that some of them may contain questionable or dangerous chemicals.
Compounds to Avoid
The acne drugs accutane and tetracycline are known to harm unborn babies. Expectant mothers should probably also avoid products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, hydroquinone and retinoids like Retin-A. As the TEDX website notes, "endocrine disruptors" like parabens and phthalates are increasingly linked to prenatal health problems. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Compounds Without Known Risks
According to an article in the June 2011 "Canadian Family Physician," studies of the acne drugs clindamycin and erythromycin have not associated them with any fetal health problems. However, safety data is lacking or incomplete for many common skin care compounds. Again, if you have questions ask your doctor.
Researching Skin Care Product Ingredients Yourself
Look up the ingredients in the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database or the TEDX List. Learn from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics which ingredients Canada and the European Union ban or restrict for expectant mothers.
Making Your Own Skin Care Products
You can make your own skin care products and that might be the simplest, healthiest and least expensive course to take to ensure the health of your unborn baby. Annie Berthold-Bond's, "Better Basics for the Home" has many easy recipes, like one for almond oil and honey moisturizer. However since natural doesn't always equal safe, you should consult your physician to discuss if this is the best option for you.
References
- American Pregnancy Association: Acne Treatment During Pregnancy
- Better Basics for the Home; Annie Berthold-Bond; 1999
- Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Laws and Regulations
- "Canadian Family Physician"; Safety of skin care products during pregnancy; P. Bozzo et al; June 2011
- Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
- TEDX: List of Potential Endocrine Disruptors
