Pregnancy is a phase in a woman’s life, where she undergoes a gamut of emotions! From apprehension, tension to excitement – the emotional spectrum is vast. Additionally, moms-to-be also need to take care of everything from their diet, medicines, exercise regimes and even their skin. The last one that is skincare comes as a surprise for many people. But the truth is during pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a range of hormonal changes, other than emotional and biological. Hence, using the correct skin-care products is essential. You should avoid using creams or lotions that have harsh and toxic chemicals, as it might have harmful effects.
It is always smart to check with your general physician about the products you are using during pregnancy. However, the majority of skin-care products for instance toners, lip balms, cleansers, eye-creams, moisturizers, and gentle scrubs that don’t have any OTC ingredients, that’s regulated by FDA is perfect to be used all through the pregnancy. But this is a different concern altogether. Discussed below are few factors that you should be aware of regarding your skin care products. It will help you to arrive at an informed decision.
Making use of skin-care products during your pregnancy
Most skin specialists have often questioned whether the skin-care products contain benzoyl peroxide, sunscreen actives, skin lightening components or even salicylic acid. People also ask whether these products are safe to use during pregnancy. However, the majority of doctors don’t have a quick answer for this. It often leaves most would be mothers confused. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists came forward and shared views about skin care products during pregnancy. Here goes!
- Skin lightening lotions – Women should avoid using skin lighteners’ during their pregnancy. In fact, the use should also be limited or entirely restricted during breastfeeding as well.
- Salicylic acid (BHA) – It is a top-notch skin exfoliant. However, when you use it in high concentrations, it is often considered to be a risk during pregnancy. But making use of it in a tiny percentage, such as 2% or lower is taken to be a safe amount. Do you want to play safe and want an alternative? If yes, then you can opt-in for lactic acid or glycolic acid as well during your pregnancy days.
- Benzoyl peroxide – It is a potent component that helps to reduce blemish. When used in a lesser percentage it is considered to be safe during pregnancy.
- Sunscreen lotions – There’s one school of thought that suggests limited use of sunscreen actives during pregnancy. However, despite mixed views the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists till date haven’t found any harmful effect of sunscreen on women during their pregnancy. Hence, the daily use of sunscreen is recommended by skin specialists to pregnant women. Just in case you discover that your skin is slightly sensitive as you walk through those nine months, opt-in for sunscreens that contain gentle mineral actives of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Today, there are several Pretty Mommies sunscreen for pregnancy solutions available in the market for you to browse and select.
Sunscreen rules to follow when you’re pregnant
Pregnancy is a delicate phase in a woman’s life. Therefore, to stay safe and enjoy your healthy skin glow, it is essential to adhere to useful tactics. Want to know how to stay safe with your sunscreen lotion? Here are a few necessary rules to abide.
- Have total clarity about your numbers
Don’t get carried away by the SPF count game. It’s a complete illusion. If you think that a high concentration of SPF is always beneficial for you, then you’re wrong. SPF 15 is useful in blocking about 93% of the harsh UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 98% of the UV rays and SPF 5- blocks close to 98% of the UVB rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation approves the statistics. So, what do you think is a smart call during pregnancy when you should lower your chemical intake? The answer is SPF 30, which is perfect when you apply every two hours. Since your movement will become less as you move ahead with your pregnancy, the SPD 30 is an ideal choice.
- Expand your preference bracket
It’s always better to choose a sunscreen that covers a broad spectrum. For instance, choose a sunscreen that protects against the damage caused to the skin by both the UVA and the UVB rays. These two rays are most harmful to skin and often results in skin cancer. Furthermore, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, the UVA rays are also known for producing skin discoloration that occurs during pregnancy. If there’s a sunscreen that also tackles problems like skin dryness along with protection from harsh sun rays, go for it.
- Rub instead of praying the sunscreen mist or lotion
According to the International Agency for Research on Carcinogens, titanium dioxide, when inhaled in considerable amounts in close to what is known as a “potential carcinogen.” It has made the Environmental Working Group suggest people reduce the usage of sprays. Instead, the best way to use sunscreen lotion, mist or cream is to take a small quantity or the desired quantity in your fingers and rub it directly on the spot you want to apply the same. It will also minimize the misuse of the crème.
- Choose to opt-in for an oil-free sunscreen product
The pregnancy hormones are already known to result in acne. And the excess oil containing sunscreen products when applied to your skin might lead to breakouts. It might make you secrete excess skin-oil and make you sweat more. It’s a smart call to opt-in for a non-comedogenic and oil-free sunscreen product that won’t cause all these issues.
Pregnancy doesn’t mean staying locked up in the house 24 x 7. Today’s new age women have work and other errands to run, that they continue to do even during pregnancy. Therefore, stepping out of the sun and facing the sun is something they can’t avoid. A sunscreen product is essential for a pregnant woman. To make sure you use the correct product, keep the above-discussed points in mind and choose well.