CSI Dermatologists Free Guide to Pregnancy Skincare Ingredient Safety

Posted on: April 18th, 2024 by Our Team

Reviewed By A Skincare Specialist

What To Avoid And What To Use Instead

Congratulations! You’re carrying a new life! Pregnancy is an exhilarating time brimming with positive energy and eager anticipation. But it can also be beset by anxiety for the safety and healthy development of the precious being budding inside of you.

First try to relax. That is the best thing for you and your baby. Also take comfort in knowing that there are easy things you can do to try to safeguard your developing infant’s health. Your ob/gyn is your top source on that. However, medical doctors specializing in dermatology, such as those of us at the California Skin Institute, can provide you with additional helpful information.

As board-certified dermatologists, we are in an expert position to advise you on safe skincare at this special time. Along with the many changes your body undergoes, it’s essential to adapt your skincare routine to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore skincare ingredients that are safe and unsafe for pregnant individuals.

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you should consider avoiding certain skincare ingredients due to their potential risks to fetal development or hormonal disruptions. It’s crucial to scrutinize product labels and steer clear of the following:

Retinoids: Commonly found in anti-aging and acne products, retinoids, including retinol, retinyl palmitate, and tretinoin, can be great but not during pregnancy due to their association with birth defects when taken orally in high doses.

Salicylic Acid: While topical use of salicylic acid in low concentrations is generally considered safe, it’s advisable to avoid high concentrations or prolonged use, especially in oral medications, to prevent potential complications.

Hydroquinone: Ditch this skin-lightening agent during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data regarding its effects on fetal development.

Formaldehyde: Commonly found in nail polishes and hair straightening treatments, stay away from formaldehyde and its derivatives during pregnancy due to their potential to cause adverse effects on fetal development.

Chemical Sunscreens: Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, have raised concerns regarding their potential hormonal disruptions. Opt for sunscreens containing mineral sun barriers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead such as CSI’s best-selling Sheer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50.

Also, look for products marked “fragrance-free.” This is different from “unscented.” Unscented products may contain multiple scents mixed to hide an odor. These scents may contain harmful chemicals.

Skincare Ingredients Safe for Pregnancy

Fortunately, many skincare ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and can address common skin concerns without posing risks to you or your baby. Look for products containing the following ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid is safe for use during pregnancy and can help maintain skin moisture levels. Hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient in CSI’s skin-enriching Pure Hydrating Serum.

Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant, vitamin C can brighten the skin and protect it from environmental damage without posing risks to pregnancy. Vitamin C Brightening Serum, designed by CSI dermatologists, uses multiple sources of vitamin C to amplify its brightening and antioxidant protection.

Glycolic Acid: In low concentrations, glycolic acid is considered safe for topical use during pregnancy and can help exfoliate the skin, promoting a radiant complexion. CSI’s Glycolic Elite Cleanser provides a quick rinsible glycolic boost.

Niacinamide: This vitamin B3 derivative is safe for pregnancy and offers multiple benefits, including improved skin texture and minimized pore appearance. Ask your CSI dermatologist about trying our Niacinamide Brightening Serum formulated with antioxidants and peptides.

Supporting Your Skin During Pregnancy Can Help Your Health and Your Baby’s Too

Healthy lifestyle habits that support your skin health during pregnancy also support your overall health and your baby’s too. How great is that?

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin elasticity, reducing the likelihood of developing stretch marks. It also assures that you and your baby have adequate fluids.

Moisturize Regularly: Applying a nourishing moisturizer can help keep your skin supple and smooth, minimizing stretch marks. A good one to try is Bio-Therapy Phyto Restorative Cream.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports skin health from within and helps optimize your health and your child’s.

Getting Enough Sleep: Sleep is when your body repairs and builds new cells, so it’s clear how crucial this becomes during pregnancy. Recent studies have found that it can also affect labor and delivery.

Navigating pregnancy skincare can seem perplexing, but with some knowledge and self-care, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin while protecting your baby’s safety. By avoiding harmful ingredients and subbing safe alternatives into your routine, along with supporting your body’s natural changes, you can embrace this transformative journey with confidence and peace of mind.

If it seems scary or overwhelming, CSI can help. One of our knowledgeable skincare physicians can review and evaluate your current skin care regimen and suggest alternatives if needed. They can provide personalized guidance and recommend safe treatment options for any skin concerns you have at this special time. Make an appointment any time on our website.