Pregnancy Safe Skincare

5 Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

By Helen Huynh

When you find out you're pregnant, certain parts of your life may require small adjustments including storing away your favorite wine, avoiding certain foods, medicines and yes, this also includes some skincare ingredients. Similar to medicines and vitamins, skincare ingredients are absorbed through the skin and can be passed onto a developing baby.

If you are someone who has your AM/PM skincare routine down pat, it is always best to be on the cautious side for the next nine months.

SKIN CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY: YES, IT HAPPENS

Whilst some ladies are blessed with the mama glow for the entire nine months, others may undergo undesirable skin changes, all thanks to pregnancy hormones. These can include one or all of the following: Increased skin sensitivity; Pregnancy melasma (dark patches on the face); and Acne.

It is not always easy to adopt a new skincare routine that suits your particular skin type but with new technology and more brands to choose from, hopefully, the process will be far less daunting. Always check in with your OB/GYN for guidance if you are feeling unsure.

1. AVOID Bakuchiol: is promoted as a safe and natural alternative to Retinol. However, there is currently not enough evidence to support their safety profile during pregnancy so it is recommended to check in with your OB/GYN prior to commencing.

ALTERNATIVE: Vitamin C and synthetic Peptides are also considered as safe alternatives for anti-aging.

2: AVOID Hydroquinone: Readily absorbed into the body and is best to avoid during pregnancy. Typically used to treat hyperpigmentation.

ALTERNATIVE: Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Licorice Root Extract are safe de-pigmenting alternatives and there is substantial research to support their claim.

3. AVOID: Oxybenzone: There is still conflicting evidence on the safety of chemical-based sunscreens during pregnancy.

ALTERNATIVE: Mineral sunscreen such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are considered safe and are endorsed by Cancer Council Australia.

4: AVOID: Retinol: This includes Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Retinoic Acid and Adapalene (available over the counter in the US). Typically used for anti-aging and to treat acne.

ALTERNATIVE: Over-the-counter strength Azelaic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide for the management of acne during pregnancy. In addition, Vitamin C and synthetic Peptides are also considered as safe alternatives for antiaging.

5. AVOID: Parabens: are commonly used as a preserving agent in skin and hair care products. Whilst there are conflicting data to suggest they can cause harm to the developing fetus, it is always best to be on the cautious side.

ALTERNATIVE: Parabens are slowly being replaced with newer preservatives on the scene such as Sodium Benzoate and Phenoxyethanol.

Helen Huynh is the founder of Ellé Derm, and is a pharmacist and cosmetic formulator and enjoys sharing skincare tips based on peer-reviewed medical journals. She's been in the pharmacy and beauty space for over 14 years where she shares evidence-based information with customers on a daily basis. She has a passion for skin science and is always testing new formulations. Visit https://elledermaustralia.com/