The "glow" of pregnancy doesn't always happen without help. Often, the use of skin-care products are needed during pregnancy in order to maintain that beautiful, glowing skin. However, the ingredients of some topical skin-care products can be absorbed through the skin and can potentially harm the unborn baby. Women should take the time to learn how to use these products safely during pregnancy so the developing baby is not put at risk.
Step 1
Consult a dermatologist or doctor to explore options. Even some ingredients that are believed to be safe should be discussed, especially prescription skin-care options. In fact, the popular pregnancy website WhatToExpect.com warns that pregnant women should not use any skin-care medications without getting the approval of a doctor or obstetrician first.
Step 2
Check the label of all skin-care products. This includes new products that you are about to purchase at the store as well as skin-care products you may have in your home. Make sure none of the ingredients in the products could be harmful. Specific medications and ingredients to avoid include beta hydroxy acid, Differin (adapelene), Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin), retinoic acid, retinol, retinyl linoleate, retinyl palmitate, Tazorac and Avage (tazarotene) and salicylic acid, according to the popular parenting website BabyCenter.com.
Step 3
Use products only as directed. This includes reading the product information sheet and labels carefully, taking particular note of the warnings and instructions before using. Do not use the product in a way it was not intended.
Tips and Warnings
- Skin-care products that are oil-free or have the words "nonacnegenic" or "noncomedogenic" may be good options. Those women planning to breastfeed their babies after childbirth should also continue avoiding dangerous skin-care product ingredients until their baby is weaned from their breast milk, recommends the website BabyCenter.com. Using fragrance-free skin-care products can help avoid triggering morning sickness in the early months of pregnancy, suggests the American Pregnancy Association.
- All skin-care products that have potentially harmful ingredients should be avoided, even if the products are sold over-the-counter.
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