Harmful Skincare Ingredients in Pregnancy

By Van Le | Many pregnant women radiate that natural special “glow”, however, hormonal changes can also influence new reactions to certain chemicals. Knowing what, and more importantly, what not to put into your body during those nine months can affect the well-being of you and your baby. What to put on your body is no different. Since some skincare products can seep into the bloodstream, pregnant women should avoid the following ingredients.

Retinoids

Due to the ability to accelerate cell growth and renewal, retinoids (a type of Vitamin A) are commonly found in many anti-aging products. While Vitamin A is vital for growth and development of the fetus, excessive amounts can lead to birth defects. A study conducted in 1995 suggests that women who consume more than the recommended amount of Vitamin A in the first two months of their pregnancy doubled the risk of having a child with birth defects, according to the March of Dimes website. Topical application of retinoids has not been proven to be harmful, but as a precaution, many doctors and the National Institute of Health advise pregnant patients to stay away from skincare products containing this ingredient.

Salicylic Acid

Acne can wreak havoc anytime, but can be especially frustrating during pregnancy. Salicylic acid is a powerful and common remedy to help sooth inflammations and reduce redness caused by acne pimples, however, it can be harmful for the developing fetus. Medical experts have yet to pinpoint the exact amount of salicylic acid to deem as harmful, but believe that it can lead to respiratory problems for both the mother and baby.

Oxybenzone and Avobenzone

Just because you’re pregnant does not mean you can’t have some fun in the sun. As always, sun protection is pivotal, especially during hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are most harmful. During the 1970s the Food and Drug Administration approved oxybenzone and avobenzone as safe UVA absorbers, however, a study done at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York states that oxybenzone may cause lower birth weight in baby girls and has also been linked to cell damage and allergies. Avobenzone is capable of absorbing UVA lights, making it effective in sunscreen products, however, it can be absorbed into the skin, therefore, some healthcare professionals encourage expecting mothers to stay away from products containing oxybenzone and avobenzone. A safe sunscreen alternative is zinc oxide, which is made of organic ingredients that siton top of the skin as a protective barrier. Physical sun protection such as clothing as hats are also effective and highly recommended by doctors.

An expecting mother may not have total control over her cravings or hormones, but can dictate which products and ingredients go in and on her body. Most pregnant women abstain from products that have been proven as dangerous and unsafe, such as alcohol and cigarettes. A commitment to stay away from potentially harmful ingredients can also have long-lasting positive effects for both the mother and unborn child.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU paper the Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare link to http://naturalantiagingproducts.net

Keep Your Hair Looking Great

Having a bad hair day again? Dandruff? Excess hair? That doesn’t have to happen. Here are some easy tips for you and your family to follow to have great looking hair.

Too Much Breakage?

Does your hair break easily? Chemical treatments like perms, straighteners or dyes can weaken the hair shaft and cause it to break. Specially formulated shampoos and conditioners for chemically treated hair may help.

Are You Pregnant and Have Thinning Hair?

During pregnancy, your waistline is not the only thing getting thicker. Your hair will too. However, it’s not permanent - many women find that they lose a significant amount of hair a few months after delivery.

How much time will it take to grow in that bad hair cut?

Growing out your hair? Be patient. Each hair on your head grows for two to six years at a rate of only about 1.5 centimeters a month.

What causes dandruff?

An elevated amount of certain yeasts on the skin can lead to dandruff. Stress is also a factor, as are certain drugs and alcohol consumption. Dandruff isn’t infectious, so it can’t be spread from person to person.

Itchy and flaky scalp?

There are a number of medicated shampoos on the market that can help you control your dandruff. Look for shampoos containing selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid or coal tar. Used two or three times a week, these shampoos will usually keep the itching and dandruff under control.

Can I Use My Dandruff Shampoo on my Face?

If you have red scaly skin on your eyebrows or the side of your nose, you may want to try a medicated shampoo. Shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole inhibit the yeast that causes dandruff - a skin condition that can also show up on the face. This is called seborrheic dermatitis and is a kind of inflamed dandruff.

Unwanted hair?

Many women have unwanted hair on the upper lip, face, or elsewhere on the body. Often caused by overproduction or over sensitivity of the hormones called androgen, this excessive hair growth (hirsutism) can be treated in a variety of ways. There are treatments available (i.e. Vaniqa) so see your doctor for more information.

For more tips on healthy and beautiful skin, visit www.dermatologycare.ca.