What skin care products should be discarded during pregnancy

“Pregnant women must not dye their hair,” “must not paint their nails,” “must not use perfume.” If you wish, you can dig up more than a dozen prohibitions (including incredibly stupid ones), which take effect immediately as soon as a woman finds herself in an interesting position. In some myths, there is still some truth, but we have not heard about others at all.

For example, lotions and gels to combat acne. Well, what can be harmful in them? Sheer benefit. Moreover, in pregnant women, due to hormonal “leaps”, skin rashes occur quite often. However, recently, US scientists said that many of these funds are categorically contraindicated for expectant mothers. Specifically, those gels, lotions and creams that contain salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is widely used in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is found in topical creams and ointments. Acid promotes hair loss and clogged pores. Nowadays, it is made synthetically, but was originally mined from willow bark.

Although salicylic acid is mainly used externally, there are also forms for internal administration, which absolutely cannot be done during pregnancy, since it belongs to the aspirin group and can cause bleeding and other complications.

In terms of topical use, it is classified in pregnancy category C in the United States, which means that potential risks cannot be excluded from its use.

“A small concentration, about 2%, of salicylic acid in skin care products is considered acceptable. However, there are concerns in cases where the acid is more concentrated, for example, in scrubs, and is applied over a large area “, – quoted by Pop Sugar dermatologist David Lortscher.

Fortunately, she has safe alternatives such as glycolic, lactic, and citric acid approved for topical use during pregnancy. Diet can also help manage pregnancy-related acne. Eat foods rich in vitamin A such as carrots, milk, eggs, spinach, and broccoli.

Finally, Dr. Lortscher advises to minimize any medication during pregnancy or to apply them pointwise to problem areas of the skin. In this case, it is imperative to consult with your doctor, who usually allows you to resume topical application of skin care products not earlier than the end of the first trimester.