Products to Avoid during Pregnancy

 Pregnant women are very conscious about what they eat during pregnancy but not so much for what they apply on their skin. They should realize that what is put inside their body does have an impact on their growing baby, but no less than what is put on their body. If you are one of those women who are not averse to using a dozen skin applications such as lotions, creams, moisturizers, cosmetic oils and others, you should know the products that need to be avoided. The beauty products may contain ingredients that may seep through your skin.

 

Beauty Products to Avoid When Pregnant

• Salicylic Acid – Also called beta hydroxyl acid or BHA, this ingredient can be found in creams and lotions for treating acne, exfoliators and anti-aging products. Salicylic acid belongs to the aspirin family and it is considered to be best avoided during pregnancy. High doses of this ingredient have been known to cause birth defects and many

  
  
  pregnancy complications in women. Doctors are concerned about the absorption of this ingredient through the skin during pregnancy which is the same as taking one or two aspirin tablets.

• Skin-lightening products – These products have chemicals that can interfere with the enzymatic function of melanin production. Hydroquinone or glutathione are some harmful ingredients that are best left for use after pregnancy. Even though pregnancy can make your skin a little darker in the beginning, resist the urge to apply these harmful beauty products. Remind yourself that the pregnancy glow experienced in the second trimester is not far away.

• Retinoid – This ingredient is a derivative from vitamin A and used in acne medications as well as anti-aging creams. For one type of retinoid used for treating stubborn acne, the women are well advised, but it makes sense to avoid all types of retinoid. Although it is not clear how risky the retinoid can be, serious birth defects have been noted in animals. You can try out some natural health supplements for improving acne that do not pose any health risks to the baby.    

• Lipstick that contains lead – Some popular lipstick brands have been found to be using lead in their products. Lead can easily enter into your placenta and into the fetal brain, hampering its normal development. It is advisable to be on the safe side and use lipsticks only when you are sure they do not contain lead.

Some other products to avoid during pregnancy are 1,4 dioxin, hair dyes, benzoyl peroxide, cream hair removers, phthalates, parables and sunblock's containing oxybenzone and avobenzone.