Patients who suffer from chronic skin conditions such as acne are often concerned that the condition may flare up during pregnancy.
In addition, during this special period, there are limited treatment options.
The concern with topical products arises because some ingredients can penetrate the skin and may harm the developing fetus in case of pregnancy or the infant in case of breastfeeding (lactation).
At estet-portal.com we will look into which components of topical skin care products may be dangerous and should be strictly excluded and which products can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
- Caring for the skin during pregnancy: do's and don'ts
- What topical skin care products should not be used during pregnancy
- Which local remedies are not dangerous for pregnant womenth
Skin care during pregnancy: do's and don'ts
Despite the skin's protective properties, some ingredients in high-quality skin care products are designed to penetrate the skin barrier.
However, unlike drugs, skin care products are usually designed as "non-systemic" products.
Thus, for most topical skin care products, systemic delivery of ingredients does not occur, but we should not forget about exceptions to the rule.
However, it is best to avoid the use of certain potentially harmful ingredients during pregnancy and lactation.
At this time, even a minimal risk of toxicity associated with possible systemic absorption of is unacceptable.
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What topical skin care products should not be used during pregnancy
Hydroquinone should be considered unsafe during pregnancy and lactation.
It should be avoided during this time due to possible toxic effects.
Hydroquinone is widely used worldwide as a skin lightening ingredient. Hydroquinone completely penetrates the skin barrier, enters the capillary network of blood circulation and is delivered systemically.
Information about Tretinoin is somewhat inconsistent.
Some studies of women taking tretinoin during pregnancy have found no difference in birth defects compared to women who did not take it.
Other sources have noted that birth defects have been found in women who have used tretinoin, providing strong evidence that topical tretinoin is a potential fetal toxin.
It is therefore recommended that topical tretinoin be avoided during pregnancy.
Mention should be made to another oral vitamin A derivative, isotretinoin, which should absolutely be avoided during pregnancy because it is teratogenic.
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Which local remedies are not dangerous for pregnant women
Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids for topical use may be considered safe during pregnancy. The level of their absorption is minimal.
Benzoyl peroxide is also often used topically to treat acne in various concentrations.
The drug is considered safe during pregnancy and lactation.
Clindamycin, like erythromycin, both common antibiotics used to treat acne, are not detectable in the bloodstream after use.
The use of sunscreen is recommended during pregnancy and lactation, as well as at all other stages of life.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens are considered safe during pregnancy.
Most topical skin care products are safe during pregnancy and lactation due to minimal absorption associated with both skin barrier properties and skin care product ingredients.
However, some topicals are best to be avoided during pregnancy and lactation, especially products containing hydroquinone, isotretinoin and tretinoin.
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