Pregnancy can be a great time, but it can also be a time when things get confusing. There are many taboos that pregnant women must obey, from not smoking, drinking alcohol, or even eating sushi. Not to mention the problem of which beauty products can and should not be used during pregnancy.
The US Food and Drugs Association (FDA) categorizes drugs and chemicals into four categories, from the safest to the most dangerous: A, B, C, D, and X. Generally, only categories A and B are considered safe. used during pregnancy, but figuring out which ingredients are also found in beauty products can be a challenge. For that, we have summarized a number of cosmetic ingredients that pregnant women should avoid.
Retinoids (Retin-A, Renova, Retinol, and retinyl palmitate): Found in prescription acne medications and anti-aging beauty products. Retinoids and all their derivatives (retinaldehyde, differin, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and isotretinoin) fall into category C (safe but with risks), but should still be avoided. Tazorac and Accutane, other versions of the retinoid derivative, fall into category X (contraindicated and should be avoided).
Vitamin A is needed for the development of the fetus in the womb, but excessive intake can cause serious birth defects and liver poisoning. Doctors generally advise their patients not to plan pregnancy while using products containing retinoids, and if you become pregnant while taking retinoids, stop using them immediately.
Benzoyl peroxide: Found in non-prescription acne medications. Benzoyl peroxide is in category C.
Tetracycline: Tetracycline is an antibiotic commonly found in acne and Lyme disease medications. Tetracycline falls into category D. Other drugs include doxycycline and minocycline. A number of studies have found that taking tetracycline during pregnancy can damage a pregnant woman's liver and cause a grayish discoloration in her baby during her infancy. Alternative antibiotics commonly prescribed for pregnant women include amoxicillin or erythromycin.
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA): Also in category C. Found in beauty products to help relieve acne, oily skin, and remove dead skin cells (exfoliation), including salicyclic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, trethocanic acid, and tropic acid.
Salicyclic acid, when taken orally (taken by mouth), can cause pregnancy complications and even birth defects. Topical use on the skin of the body or face is much more risky for pregnant women because these active ingredients will be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Immediately visit the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms of salicyclic acid poisoning such as: dizziness, lightheadedness, fast breathing, or ringing in your ears.
Hydroquinone: Hydroquione (including idrochinone, quinol, 1-4 dihydroxy benzene, 1-4 hydroxy benzene) is category C and is commonly found in facial whitening creams. During pregnancy, it is normal for your skin to darken or brown spots on your face due to hormonal changes. However, it is mandatory for you to avoid using any beauty products that contain hydroquinone.
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate: Found in some deodorants. Including aluminum chlorohydrate. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate falls into category C.
Formalin: These include quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM), hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol). Formalin can increase the risk of miscarriage or fertility problems.
The classification of formaldehyde in the FDA's list has not yet been determined, but the use of this chemical should still be limited, especially for pregnant women. Formaldehyde is commonly found in some gel nail polishes, hair straightening products, and lash glues.
Toluene: This includes methylbenzene, toluol and antisal 1a. Toulene is commonly found in nail polish.
Phthalate: Includes category C, commonly found in some synthetic perfumes and nail polishes. Phthalates, toluene and formaldehyde are known as the "trio of toxins" that should be avoided altogether, especially during pregnancy.
Parabens: This includes propyl, butyl, isopropyl, isobutyl and methyl parabens. Commonly found in several body care products, shampoos, soaps and cosmetics.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): Dihydroxyacetone is a supporting composition in the alias skin tone tanning productself-tanning. DHA is a chemical that reacts to the body's dead skin layers, adds color, and is considered safer than sunbathing. Even so, DHA can be inhaled by the body during the spraying process.
Diethanolamine (DEA): Commonly found in several hair and body care products. Also avoid diethanolamine, oleamide DEA, lauramide DEA, and cocamide DEA.
Thioglycolic acid: Commonly found in some chemical waxes for hair removal. Also avoid acetyl mercaptan, mercaptoacetate, mercaptoacetic acid, and thiovanic acid.
Sunscreen active ingredients: Considering the many chemicals contained in sunscreen, you should choose a sunscreen product with a milder content of the active mineral ingredients titanium dioxide and / or zinc oxide.
