During pregnancy, there are several ingredients in skincare and beauty products that are not recommended for use. Since some ingredients are chemical-based and doctors advise that their use be discontinued during pregnancy. Other components that might seem natural, such as pure essential oils, should also be used with extreme caution due to the fact that there is not enough research to support their safety. Furthermore, beauty skin treatments like skin peels and Botox should definitely be put on hold during pregnancy. While the ingredients are not safe, there are also slight risks of your body going into a minor state of shock due to the pain of the procedure (similar to why women are not meant to get tattoos during pregnancy). While the risks might be low, it's better to take no chances with an unborn baby's health!

While it might seem daunting to uncover which products are the safest to use during pregnancy, BabyGaga has consulted industry experts to get the scoop on which ingredients should be completely avoided during your pregnancy. It's always recommended that you do a bit of a spring clean in your beauty and cosmetics collection once you are expecting since many products won't keep until after the baby is born. Consider it a great opportunity to get closer to nature, and to eliminate some of the harsher ingredients in your day to day products.

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The biggest rule of thumb in pregnancy skincare is to avoid all products with retinol as an ingredient. Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and has been clinically proven to have adverse effects on babies in utero. While not all women will have complications from using products with retinol, it's strongly suggested to avoid it entirely until after the baby is born. There are so many alternative products in the skincare world these days that have natural ingredients, and experts agree you should stick to these!

Dr. Yelena Deshko ND is a naturopathic doctor who runs the Timeless Health Clinic of Integrative Medicine in Toronto, Ontario. As an expert in skincare procedures, she has years of experience using various skincare products on her clients. Dr. Deshko spoke to BabyGaga about the risks of using retinol during pregnancy:

The number one ingredient that pregnant women need to avoid in their skincare is retinol. Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A and has been shown in scientific studies to have a teratogenic (negative) effect on the developing fetus. In addition to this, it is generally prudent to switch to mainly natural and organic skincare products. Skin is our largest organ and many chemicals found in commercial products are easily absorbed through the skin. The effect of many of these ingredients has generally not been evaluated to be safe for the developing baby and they may present certain risks.

While retinol is one of the most harmful ingredients in skincare products for pregnant women, there are several other ingredients and components you will want to skip. BabyGaga spoke withDr. Kemunto Mokaya (Dr. Kemmy MD), who is a board-certified dermatologist, author, and speaker who hails from Knoxville, TN. As a skincare expert, she was able to give us a more comprehensive list of what ingredients pregnant women should watch out for in makeup and skincare. Dr. Mokaya advised against using,

Retinoids: The first product that comes to my mind is retinoids. They are vitamin A derivatives that are popular skincare products because they help control acne, they help even out the skins pigmentation and are anti-aging products that stimulate collagen growth (thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles). They are not recommended in pregnancy because they are associated with birth defects. Oral retinoids are actually pregnancy category X (meaning that studies in humans and animals have shown them to actually cause harm to fetuses, including fetal abnormalities). Topical retinoids are pregnancy category C.

Hydroquinone: It is tempting to use hydroquinone a skin lightener during pregnancy to treat melasma and other pigmentary defects of pregnancy. However, its use in pregnancy should be avoided, especially because studies have shown that as much as 45% of hydroquinone is absorbed into the skin after topical application. The FDA lists hydroquinone under pregnancy category C and its use should be avoided until after the baby is born.

Botulimum toxin (e.g. Botox or Dysport): *Use of botulinum toxin to paralyze muscles around wrinkles, thereby making the wrinkles less visible, is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed. It is not recommended or FDA-approved for pregnant or lactating mothers.

Benzoyl peroxide & Salicylic acid:Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are medications commonly used to treat acne. Pregnancy can cause hormonal acne, and while it is tempting to use them to control the condition, they are classified by the FDA as pregnancy category C. They should therefore be avoided in pregnancy.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that has also been linked to fertility problems and miscarriages. It is found in some hair products (e.g. hair straighteners), nail polishes and eye-lash glue. Formaldehyde should be avoided in pregnancy.

Essential Oils: Should be used with caution in pregnancy. They are not regulated by the FDA and therefore do not have to follow strict labeling standards. It is difficult to assess the quality, concentration, or purity of different essential oils due to the loose regulations. Unless the source of essential oils is a verified and trusted one, it is best to simply avoid them in pregnancy. For example, tea tree oil when absorbed in high quantities can affect hormones and trigger premature contractions.

Phthalates:Some studies have found a link between phthalate exposure and abnormal development of fetuses. Personal care products containing phthalates should be avoided in pregnancy.

Dihydroxyacetone: Many spray self-tanners contain the chemical dihydroxyacetone. It is commonly listed on product labels as DHA. If it is accidentally inhaled during its application, it is unsafe for the mother and the baby.

Toluene: Many nail-polishes contain toluene, which is a suspected carcinogen. It should be avoided during pregnancy due to the potential risk to the fetus.

Chemical sunscreens: Ingredients in chemical sunscreens include: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, oxtinoxate, menthyl anthranilate and oxtocrylene. Some of these ingredients are thought to be hormone disrupters. They can interfere with the babys nervous system development.

Thioglycolic acid:Found in chemical hair removers; can also be labeled acetyl mercaptan, mercaptoacetate, mercaptoacetic acid and thiovanic acid.

If you have struggled with problem skin prior to becoming pregnant, or you are experiencing pregnancy-related skin issues, you might want to make an appointment with a dermatologist to see what the root of the problem is. A specialist can determine what is causing the issue, and recommend skincare products that are safe to use throughout pregnancy.

Furthermore, dermatologists can offer treatments or facials that do not use harsh chemicals or products and can help you relax and feel pampered!

If you are experiencing eczema or skin rashes, you can even speak to your GP or OBGYN. Many of these conditions are really common during pregnancy and can be treated with safe for use creams. In the absolute worst-case scenario, the condition will likely only last during pregnancy, and should clear up as soon as the baby arrives. While this isn't always the best news for women who haven't dealt with skin problems until pregnancy, it is generally due to hormone changes and will not last forever.

Though you might have to ditch some of your cosmetics and skincare treatments during pregnancy, it doesn't mean that your skin has to suffer. In many cases, switching to more natural ingredients can be very soothing for your skin. There are many DIY face masks that you can create with items from your fridge. For a soothing face mask, you can add plain yogurt, oatmeal, and honey. If you need more hydration, blend an avocado, an egg, and a teaspoon of honey. Some of the most basic items can be used in your skincare routine, like using coconut oil as a moisturizer, for example.

With a multitude of vegan, organic, and natural cosmetic lines on the market today, you should have no problems finding some new makeup items to get you through pregnancy without issues. It's also a great time to skip makeup altogether, and give your skin a breather! While it might take a little time to adjust to bare-faced, you might notice that after skipping makeup for awhile (or reducing the amount that you wear) your skin will actually look and feel more healthy.

Skin health is super important during pregnancy since your skin absorbs everything that you put on it. You will want to be extra vigilant during these months to make sure that you are not lathering yourself up with toxic and harmful ingredients.

If you are an essential oil enthusiast and you chose to continue using them, exercise caution and dilute them with a carrier oil to make sure you aren't putting a highly concentrated oil directly on your skin. Make sure that the source of your oils is reputable, and do a little bit of a background check to find out which oils are potentially dangerous for pregnant women and fetuses.

Getting a good amount of sleep and drinking enough water can help keep skin issues at bay, so make sure that you are monitoring this during your pregnancy! Dehydrated skin is more prone to breakouts and rashes, so make sure your skin is drinking enough!

NEXT:How To Treat Postpartum Dry Skin

SOURCES: Timeless Health Clinic, Dr. Kemmy, MD, Women's Health Magazine

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Ariane Signer has been writing her thoughts, fears and dreams in journals since the early 90's. A personal development and self-help junkie, she has been working as a creative freelance writer since 2016. A native Canadian, she has found her home in small town Switzerland, where she lives with her husband and two young sons. She published her first book, Things That Shine: Poems, in 2019.

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