Not all beauty products are safe during pregnancy!

Most pregnant women know that they should avoid things like alcohol while they are pregnant.

But not many think about avoiding lipstick, perfume, or lotions — and it turns out that they probably should.

Why you may want to use makeup
When you are pregnant, you will experience body or skin changes. Some moms also get acne. Using creams, cosmetics, and beauty products might help you, but some of them can harm your child.

Cosmetics and creams to avoid
Some acne treatment: Some acne products contain vitamin A or retinoid, such as Tretinoin, Isotretinoin, Amnesteem, Claravis, Adapalene, and Tazarotene, all which are unsafe during pregnancy and can cause serious birth defects. 

They must be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, when those substances can affect Your Child’s development of the heart, nervous system, and brain.

Phthalates in cosmetics and creams: Phthalates are chemicals used in hundreds of products, such as detergents, cosmetics, personal care products, and almost all things plastic. Children whose mothers were exposed to phthalates during pregnancy can have problems with motor skills and language development. It’s nearly impossible to avoid phthalates entirely, as they are quite literally everywhere, but you can limit your exposure. One way is to stop using makeup and creams or switch to products that don’t use any chemicals and don’t come in plastic packaging.

Topical benzoyl peroxide (BP): The safety of using benzoyl peroxide to treat pregnancy acne hasn’t been established. This treatment should only be used if clearly needed. You can check on the label of your cosmetics or creams if they contain BP. If you cannot avoid using it, try to choose the ones with lower concentration. 

Topical antibiotics: Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Metronidazole, and Azelaic acid. These medications help reduce infections by disinfecting the area. Although a very small amount is absorbed through the skin, it is best for pregnant women to avoid using them entirely.

Salicylic acid: It is common to find salicylic acid in topical treatment. It can cause irritation on your skin. Try to apply it as thin as you can or avoid using it if possible. 

Fruit acids, AHA, and BHA: This type of substance is not absorbed into your skin, but it can cause irritation. If you cannot avoid using it, try to choose the ones with lower concentration.

Sunscreen: Try to choose the lower SPF. SPF 15 is actually enough to protect your skin. The higher SPF sunscreen is also harder to clean and can cause clogged pores and oily skin. Also, you should clean the skin before going to bed.

Note that you should instantly stop using the product if you notice any skin symptoms, such as skin irritation, red rashes, or pain.

Better choose carefully or go natural
Choose products that do not contain the substances mentioned above and clean your face thoroughly every day. 

It is better to choose cosmetics that are made from natural ingredients, and choose products from reliable brands, which clearly state what they made from. Even better, go natural if that is an option!