Popular Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

For expectant moms, the greatest concern in every decision made is the safety and well-being of her baby. For skincare junkies like us, one of such concerns is the safety of the products we use. Some websites based on fear mongering would list several "chemicals" as unsafe, limiting the "safe" products that may be uses, and in effect will make skincare for pregnant women much more expensive (because organic and natural). But how do we know which ingredients may be harmful during pregnancy? 

Sure, you're not Marissa Miller, but hey, one can at least try to be beautiful!
(photo from allure.com)

First, it is best to refer safety from trusted sources, and one of such is the US FDA. The agency established five categories A, B, C, D and X based on increasing risk to the fetus.

A - controlled studies show no risk

Studies on pregnant women fail to demonstrate risk to the fetus during pregnancy. Safe! Thankfully, Vitamin C and AHAs, glycolic acid all belong to this category. So yes, you pregnant beauties can still have glowing skin.

B - no evidence of risk in humans

To be specific, it's either animal-reproduction studies demonstrated no fetal risk but there are no controlled studies in humans yet OR studies on pregnant women do not indicate fetal risks despite risks found from animal-reproduction studies. This category is like an "unsure" category, so it is best to consult doctors first from this category onward. Common skin care ingredients in this category include acne topical treatments such as clindamicin and erythromycin, azelaic acid, and amoxicillin. 

C - risk cannot be ruled out

This category is for those ingredients which revealed adverse effects on animal studies, yet there are still no controlled studies on women. This category also covers the ingredients which have not been studied yet - both on animals and humans. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, hydroquinone,  and tretinoin are some of the notable ingredients in this category.

D - Positive evidence of risk

Studies in women show risk to the fetus, but benefits may be acceptable despite of the risk, such as emergency cases (with doctor's approval, of course). Doxycycline, minocycline, spironolactone, and tetracycline are treatments to watch out for.

X - Contraindicated in pregnancy

To be simple, studies on both humans and animals have confirmed adverse effects from this category. The risks from these ingredients outweigh the benefits from this products, so for pregnant women, it's best to steer clear from this category. Fear mongering aside, pregnant / expecting to be pregnant women should stay away from are the following: 5-Fluorouracil, isotretinoin, and tazorotone.

So now we're done with the scary sounding chemicals. Up next will be the effects of  the "natural" essential oils on pregnancy. 

I'm not into aromatherapy, but I really like the scent of lavender.
(Image credit from fir0002 / http://www.flagstaffotos.com.au)

Sources:

Irwin, B. (2008) 'Skin Care During Pregnancy' Available at: http://www.skintour.com/particular-interests/pregnancy-and-skin-what-ingredients-in-products-are-safe (Accessed Dec 9 2013).

Drakulich, A. 'Safe Skin Care During Pregnancy' Available at: http://www.babycenter.com/0_safe-skin-care-during-pregnancy_1490031.bc?page=1 (Accessed Dec 9 2013).