What Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid While Pregnant and Breastfeeding
I’m very fortunate to know my clients as well as I do, and they usually share that they are trying to conceive. With that little bit of information, it’s easy to go ahead with a pre-pregnancy skin care plan, eliminating any questionable skin care ingredients to avoid while pregnant, as well as making sure they know to go on prenatal vitamins and eliminate liquor, cigarettes, sushi, etc.
Many people are still not that familiar with the cosmetic and skin care ingredients to avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding largely because the list is still growing and more studies are being done with newer ingredients and procedures.
I’m very conservative in my thinking where pregnancy and skin care products and treatments are concerned but I don’t exactly agree with everything on the list and some things that are thought acceptable, I question. With that being said, you should discuss this with your OBGYN and use your best judgment, as I’m sure the list will grow even more. If you have used skin care ingredients to avoid while pregnant, please discontinue and don’t loose any sleep over it. Remember we are all products of our mothers using those things and worse, and we survived! It was acceptable in my mothers generation to drink and smoke, so don’t freak your self out over the listed ingredients just do the best you can to eliminate ingredients for your reassurance and a healthy baby!
While Pregnant & Breastfeeding Avoid These Ingredients
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Accutane
A huge NO NO! It’s not an ingredient but a drug and is used for treating acne. It is linked to many different birth defects, that’s why it’s first on my list and must be mentioned.
Retin A or topical Vitamin A
The retinoids are synthetic derivatives and is on all doctors list not allowed.
Salicylic Acid
Used in many acne products. Not safe.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Water soluble topical exfoliator. Not safe.
Beta Hydroxy Acid
Oil soluble, topical exfoliator, used for acne. Not safe.
Glycolic Acid
Some books say it’s safe and some say it isn’t, not enough known on the acids yet, I believe it’s safe but ask your doctor.
Lactic Acid
Some say it’s safe, I think its mild and safe but ask your doctor.
Dihydroxyacetone
This is the ingredient for sunless tanning. Some believe it’s safe and some don’t. I believe the real concern is the spray on sunless tanning and inhalation. Go pale!
Hydroquinone
A bleaching cream. Not safe, toxic.
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Kojic Acid
Skin lightener and is safer than Hydroquinone but made the list. Better to avoid the sun.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Strong ingredient used for acne.
Parabens
Cosmetic preservative known as “endrocrin disruptors” deemed not safe by EWG.
Sulfer
Found in acne spot treatments.
Differin (adapelene)
Acne treatment.
Triciosan
Skin sanitizer ingredient. Wash your hands it is better anyway!
Formaldehyde
Found largely in nail polish. Find one without; they are out there!
Phthalates
Found in many personal products and plastics, known as “endrocrin disruptors”. Try to go fragrance-free when you can. Also use glass containers when you can.
1,4-Dioxane
Better known as Sodium Laurel Sulfate found in shampoo, liquid soaps, bubble bath and hair relaxers. Try to find Sulfate free.
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Procedures Not Allowed While Pregnant
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Botox
If you got it just before, don’t worry! It’s not advised while pregnant; however, I have been told by doctors that you may do it while breast feeding. “Pump & Dump” after; I am against this thought! Don’t do it!
Laser
Sorry you have to wait. Shave!
High Frequency
Used during facials, but not while pregnant. Allowed during breast feeding.
Microcurrent
Facial lifting machine – not allowed.
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Cosmetic Filler
No, not allowed! Better to do a facial during pregnancy.
Spray Tanning
Inhalation of DHA is not wise.
Nails
Stick to Formaldehyde free polish and NO gels please!
Massage
Only with a professional that is trained in pregnancy massage and foot acupressure massage. Then ENJOY![/col]
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Now that you have your list, don’t drive yourself crazy over it. Just read the labels. It’s a nice time to prepare and find healthy cosmetic alternatives for yourself and your baby. Remember being good to yourself is the most important thing you can do for you and your baby!
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