During pregnancy a series of hormonal changes that can affect the skin, making it more sensitive, irritable and with a greater acne tendency. To this is added, in addition, a greater propensity to chloasma (sunspots) and the appearance of stretch marks and tightness as gestation progresses.
Caring for the skin at this stage is very important, but any cream or cosmetic does not work because some are contradictory because they cross the placental barrier. We tell you, according to experts, what cosmetics you should avoid if you are pregnant.
Essential oils
The essential oils are concentrated preparations obtained from plants, roots, flowers, leaves ... They have a very intense aroma, and thanks to their natural composition they are used as a home remedy in many situations.
There are three ways to take advantage of the benefits of essential oils: inhaling them, applying them to the skin or ingesting them.
In Babies and more Phytotherapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding, would you put your baby's health at risk?Its use during pregnancy is much discussed, as there are experts who recommend using only some moderately from the second trimester, and others who its use is discouraged throughout pregnancy.
"Despite the classic recommendations that oils should be avoided the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and never applied directly to the skin, my advice is to avoid them completely throughout pregnancy and even during breastfeeding."
"The essential oils of rosemary, wormwood or sage for example, are abortive; or those of chamomile and celery on the other hand, stimulate the contractions of the uterus" - explains Pedro Catalá, Doctor of Pharmacy and Cosmetology at Twelve Beauty.
Creams / cosmetics with vitamin A or retinol
During pregnancy it is common to resort to the use of creams to relieve the tightness of the abdomen or breasts, and to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. It is also likely that we already used them previously as part of our grooming and beauty routine, and when we get pregnant we do not repair whether or not its composition is suitable during pregnancy.
Experts advise avoiding the application of creams high in vitamins A, D, E and K:
"We must control the use of creams high in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, since they accumulate in fat and can pass the placental barrier"- explains Dr. Paula Rosso, from the Lajo Plaza Medical Center.
Special mention deserves creams based on vitamin A or retinol, as they are one of the Cosmetics more used to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. But as we can read in the Foundation 1000 research website, its application in high doses during pregnancy could be related to the appearance of congenital defects in the baby.
Therefore, and as advised by Dr. Rosso, "The most advisable is to avoid its use during pregnancy", paying attention to the different denominations with which you can indicate your presence in cosmetics:
- Vitamin A,
- Retinoic acid,
- retinol,
- retina,
- retinaldehyde,
- retinol palmitate
Creams with caffeine
Caffeine-based creams or cosmetics are frequently used to treat cellulite and orange peel, one of the main changes that the skin undergoes as pregnancy progresses.
But experts warn that caffeine is an ingredient that can cross the placental barrier and reach the baby, causing damage. This is explained by Paola Gulgiotta, founder of Sepai and Master in Dermocosmetics:
"Caffeine is very present in anti-cellulite creams and also in facial contours (although in much lower doses than in body cosmetics). There is scientific evidence that it penetrates transdermal route, crossing the placenta and being able to alter the baby's nervous system . It should also be avoided during breastfeeding "
Cosmetics with salicylic and glycolic acids
There are several creams and cosmetic products based on salicylic acid and glycolic acid, especially used for its regenerating and antibacterial power. We find it, for example, in wrinkle creams, exfoliating gels, creams to treat acne and blemishes, or cleansing gels and wipes.
Topical salicylic acid is also used to treat peeling caused by psoriasis and dandruff, and in treatments against warts, hardnesses and corns.
But both components are part of the list of Cosmetics to avoid during pregnancy (and also in breastfeeding) since they can cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus.
In Babies and more How to have an acne-free complexion during pregnancy?In addition, some of these products, such as scrub gels, are especially aggressive on normal skin, so that its application during pregnancy, period in which the skin is especially sensitive, could cause damage.
If you were carrying out any of these treatments before you got pregnant, check with your doctor how you should proceed about it as of now, and what safe alternatives exist.
Creams with hydroquinine
Hydroquinine is an active substance that is used as temporary skin whitening when treating spots, such as chloasma, freckles and lentigos. But its use is contraindicated during pregnancy, as advised by Dr. Paula Rosso:
"Hydroquinine is a depigmenting agent widely used in almost all master formulations and anti-stain creams. Its use is not recommended during pregnancy, as it could cross the placental barrier"
For its part, in Vademecum we can read the following recommendations related to pregnancy, when starting a treatment with hydroquinine:
"Hydroquinoma is classified as a risk category in pregnancy. Reproduction studies have not been conducted in animals with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically in a pregnant woman or if it can affect your reproductive capacity The degree of systemic absorption of topical hydroquinone is unknown. should be used during pregnancy only when clearly necessary"
In Babies and more Clinical trials in pregnant women: where is the limit?Sun creams with chemical filters
Some sun creams contain chemical filters that can be harmful during pregnancy (and also in childhood), in addition to carrying an increased risk of allergy in especially sensitive skin.
In VitónicaGuide to buy the right sunscreenTherefore, it is important always consult the dermatologist or purchase these products in pharmacies, where professionals will inform us and advise, in addition, on the most recommended protective factor in our case according to the type of skin.
"When choosing a sunscreen, it is advisable to opt for those who have physical filters and avoid chemicals that penetrate the skin and may contain substances toxic to pregnancy" - says Dr. Paula Rosso.
Do not forget that the application of sun creams is essential at any stage of life, but especially during pregnancy and childhood. Hence the importance of get informed correctly about the most recommended in each case, and follow the advice of professionals to prevent incidents caused by unprotected sun exposure.
Parabens
Parabens are a group of chemical agents that are among the components of a large number of cosmetics, creams and makeups, and they serve to keep bacteria away and increase the life of the product.
There has been much talk about whether parabens can be harmful to health, and, as we can read on the Infosalus portal, several tests have shown that some could alter the body's hormonal balance, in addition to causing a greater risk of sensitization in certain skins.
The Consumer Organization (OCU) published a report in 2016 on parabens in cosmetics that should not be used, and those that could be used with restrictions. However, more and more companies have decided to do without this component, as well as dyes and mineral oils.
Caring for the skin during pregnancy is very important, but it must be done safely, as some products can cross the placental barrier. Therefore, it is best to always consult your gynecologist or dermatologist before starting a treatment.Photos | iStock, Pixabay
