Solving Pregnancy Skin Problems
Skincare products to avoid during pregnancy
If you're unsure about the safety of a skincare product, check with your doctor or dermatologist. Kellett says two of the main things to watch out for are hydroquinone and vitamin A. "Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in bleaching agents and skin-lightening products that we tell pregnant women to avoid, just to be safe," says Kellett. Because some chemicals have been found to transfer through the skin and enter the blood stream, it's best to be cautious during pregnancy.
For that reason, products containing ingredients such as salicylic acid (often used in chemical peels) and retinoids should be avoided. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A often found in anti-aging products. Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy can be harmful to an unborn baby, so steer clear of products with tretinoin or retinol on the label.
