Pregnancy can result in a lot of anxiety. Stress about what we should or shouldn’t be eating. Or feeling pressure about what we can or cannot do. Fear-mongering can come from relatives, friends, our partners and even ourselves. It can also come from the media or groups like the EWG (don’t believe their fear mongering about chemicals). However, pregnancy skincare isn’t difficult. If you follow the advice of skincare specialists and dermatologists that have spent years studying the skin, you will be armed with wise skin knowledge and have nothing to fear.
A wide varied of skincare ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy, however there are 3 in particular to avoid. Retinoids, Hydroquinone, and Arbutin. Let’s discuss them further to see why.
3 Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy
1. RETINOIDS
Retinoids are the gold-standard for anti-aging and they are incredibly beneficial in your skincare routine, if you can tolerate them. However, during pregnancy you should avoid both topical and oral retinoids. These no-no Vitamin A’s include retinol, retinaldehyde and retinyl retinoate. Good news though, once you’re postpartum, and even during lactation, topical retinoids are once again safe to use. Vitamin A is already found in breastmilk and therefore resuming with your retinoids is considered safe.
2. HYDROQUINONE
Hydroquinone is exceedingly effective in treating hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone effectively bleaches the skin by decreasing the number of melanocytes present. Melanocytes make melanin, which is what produces your skin tone.
Melasma, common in pregnancy, is a form of hyperpigmentation. As is dark spots, liver spots or even acne scarring. Hydroquinone should be avoided during pregnancy and even lactation. But you don’t have to worry about giving up your clear complexion when pregnant. Below we share some ingredients that are safe to use during pregnancy to treat hyperpigmentation.
3. ARBUTIN
Arbutin is a derivative of Hydroquinone. It’s milder than hydroquinone therefore it’s beneficial if you have sensitive skin. Arbutin brightens up darker skin caused by sun damage or hyperpigmentation and prevents the formation of melanin. It in unknown how arbutin is broken down in the body, therefore it is advised to avoid it during pregnancy.
Ingredients That Are Safe During Pregnancy
Many ingredients are safe during pregnancy. Don’t fall into scare tactics that dissuade you from using certain ingredients. Pregnancy skincare ingredients that are safe include Peptides, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Azelaic acid, Benzol Peroxide, Kojic acid, liquorice, sunscreen (all suncreens are safe during pregnancy and lactation) and self tanning lotions, also known as dihydroxyacetones.
1. Alternatives To RETINOIDS During Pregnancy
If you feel you are missing out on your trusted retinoids during pregnancy, there are alternatives. For example, Bakuchiol (derived from the lilac coloured Indian Babchi plant) is a plant-based, Vitamin A substitute and is perfect for those who can’t use retinoids. It has the added bonus that it’s not photosensitive so it can be used day or night.
BAKUCHIOL PEPTIDES
£47/$58 for 30ml /1 fl oz.
A fantastic retinol alternative that moisturises and brightens your complexion. It’s cleverly housed in a UV-protectant glass bottle which protects the formula from photooxidation and safe guards it for long-term use.
CE15 BAKUCHIOL FIRMING OIL
$145 for 30ml/1 fl oz.
CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil is the perfect blend of 22 clinical actives and 9 nutrient-rich oils. It delivers skin recovery and deep-firming power with every drop.
2. Alternatives to HYDROQUINONE during Pregnancy
Treating hyperpigmentation is still possible during pregnancy. Some women might even develop their first bout of hyperpigmentation, or melasma during pregnancy. A crucial step in preventing hyperpigmentation is using a daily SPF 50+ religiously. However, due to injury, illness or simply genetics, it still cannot be prevented.
Fortunately, there are some really great, effective skincare products that can help treat hyperpigmentation and are safe to use during pregnancy.
CE FERULIC
£145/$169 for 30ml / 1 fl oz.
A favourite amongst many skincare experts, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is clinically proven to reduce pigmentation. A daytime Vitamin C antioxidant that delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness. An excellent product that will work wonders on any skin tone.
C15 Super BOOSTER
£49/$52 for 20ml /0.67 fl oz.
A feather-light liquid serum with 15% pure Vitamin C that dramatically improves skin tone and visibly brightens skin. It absorbs super quickly and can be layered in multi step routines with ease. A fantastic product with thousands of fans.
Powerbright Dark Spot Serum
£89/$182 for 30ml or 1 fl oz.
This serum uses beta glucan-rich shiitake mushrooms to brighten the skin, while adaptogenic ashwagandha works to smooth out the complexion and deliver antioxidant benefits. In addition, black currant oil and peony flower help boost the skin’s natural luminosity.
While its advanced technology aims for fast and noticeable results, this serum also continues to work overtime, using potent skin-shielding actives niacinamide and hexylresorcinol to help fade the look of dark spots caused by environmental pollution.
Ingredients To Use With Caution During Pregnancy
Salicyclic Acid. Limit this to a shirt spot treatment or in a cleanser. Tranexamic Acid and Sulfur. Ask your dermatologist for guidance.
Brightening and Clearing Serum
$38 for 50ml / 1.7 fl oz.
Launched in August 2020 it has already become a cult favourite. Which means that it does what it says on the tin. A combination of kojic, tranexamic and azelaic acids make a powerful cocktail to gently fade dark marks and acne. It also contains niacinamide to fight inflammation and refine pores. And finally centella asiatica extract helps to calm and soothe the skin.
Which Procedures To Avoid During Pregnancy
It is advisable to avoid Botox, fillers, lasers and light therapy during pregnancy. Sclerotherapy, an effective treatment for spider and varicose veins, should also be avoided.
Procedures and Treatments that are safe only under the guidance of your dermatologist are AHA peels and steroid injections.
Source: Board-Certified Dermatologists: Dr. Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD (instagram @derm.talk) and Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD (instagram @dermguru)
