Hey guys!
By now, we've all heard of the major dos and don'ts during pregnancy. Mostly things that we shouldn't eat or drink. But, did you know that a lot of the ingredients that are in our skincare products can also be harmful to our growing babies? I know I had NO idea and I'm so happy I found out early on because I was using many of these harmful chemicals.
Finding blog posts and articles online were super helpful for me, so I thought I would "pass it on" and share what I've learned in hopes that this might help you now, or in the future.
Now, before I get started I want to make one thing clear. I am no expert, please reach out to your doctor or dermatologist before trying out new products to confirm that they are right for YOU. Remember, all pregnancies are different. 💛
I am so grateful that I stumbled upon all this information online because no one ever told me that changing your skincare routine during pregnancy was a thing. I believe the sooner you change things up, the better. If you're not too sure which new products to start using, just stop using the ones you know have the harmful ingredients and wait to talk to your doctor.
The following ingredients I have learned are a no-no and had to stop using. Now, this is just a short list of ingredients that I personally had to stop using and what I'm using instead:
Stopped using: Retinoids and Vitamin A
Retinoids are a big no during pregnancy because they can increase the risk of birth defects. They may also be listed on ingredient labels as retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene, and isotretinoin. Instead I switched to The Ordinary's azelaic acid. Azelaic acid helps with acne, redness, texture and has a subtle brightening effect. I really love this stuff. It has helped me with my occasional breakouts.
Stopped using: Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid
I found some contradicting information about both ingredients. Some articles mentioned not taking high doses of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide might be ok because only small amounts are absorbed into the body, or there just hasn't been enough research done. I decided to stop using both ingredients and instead started using tea tree oil as an acne spot treatment and The Ordinary's niacinamide and zinc serum.
Stopped using: Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightning agent that is found in my favorite Ambi fade cream. I would use it multiple times throughout the week for my hyperpigmentation. There aren't any studies so far that indicate birth defects but as much as 45% of this medication is absorbed into the skin. Instead I've been playing it safe with limiting direct sun exposure and I have switched to vitamin c to lighten my dark spots.
I have continued to use my Aveeno Positively Radiant cleanser, hyaluronic acid (Trader Joes has a great one!) and my favorite L'Oreal Collagen Moisture Filler moisturizer. I also started using Bio Oil to help prevent stretch marks and I'm liking it so far.
All products are linked below.
Don't forget that this is just a short list and there are many other harmful ingredients out there. Make sure to do your research and go through your products.
Hope this post helps!
I am currently using the ordinary niacinamide serum its is best our skin care routine. Thanks for this review.
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