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Pregnancy can be one of the best or the worst periods of a woman’s life. During this time, women are concerned about a lot of things, including her body and mood changes, her appetite, as well as the things that affect her physical appearance.
Pregnancy and its Challenges
The gift of life brings with it several challenges, especially for the woman who becomes the carrier of life in her womb. As pregnancy becomes more evident, an expecting woman becomes all the more interested in the growing fetus inside her. As the fetus develops, she experiences body pains and challenges such as backache, bladder and bowel problems, fatigue, cramps, swelling, headaches, indigestion, and more.
Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes
Questions regarding caring for the skin are commonly raised as well. Pregnant women go through a lot of changes that are normally caused by hormonal fluctuations. These unpredictable changes also affect the woman’s skin, hair, and nails. During the pregnancy, she not only has to deal with her growing baby bump, but will also need to address stretch marks, rashes, skin darkening, and other skin problems that come with her pregnancy.
Pregnancy and Skin Care
This brings us to the focus of our post — skin care during pregnancy. As skin problems are one of the common discomforts that an expecting mother addresses during pregnancy, we have taken it to ourselves to help you find the best answers to this pressing problem. We give emphasis to this knowing that whatever the woman takes in or use during her pregnancy will definitely affect the health of the unborn child.
What’s In The Label?
Even though most of the common products available in the market are quite safe to use, an expecting woman still has to make sure that none of the ingredients listed below are included in whatever product she may want to include in your beauty regimen. Skin specialists claim that common cleansers, eye creams, lip balms, moisturizers, lotion, and stretch mark creams, are quite safe for use. However, there are certain levels of caution to be considered, especially on the use of the products with ingredients as those listed below.
Retinoids
Prescription retinoids (indicated on product labels as tretinoin) and over-the-counter products that contain retinol are considered to have a negative effect on the unborn child. Topical products that contain these ingredients are absorbed into the skin and into the bloodstream. Potent forms of retinoids found in anti-aging creams include alitretinoin, Retinoic acid, Retinyl linoleate, Retinyl Palmitate, and bexarotene. They are also found in tazarotene (in the acne cream Tazorac) and adapalene (found in Differin, an acne gel), which are ingredients used to treat acne, plaque psoriasis, pigment problems, and other skin problems. Retinoids are said to contain a type of Vitamin A that speeds up the renewal or production of new skin cells. Studies show that taking a high dosage of Vitamin A can affect the health of the unborn child. You may use products that contain alternatives like hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinyl retinoate or retinaldehyde instead.
Retinoids are also available in oral forms, such as Accutane (a brand of oral acne treatment that is no longer available, but its generic version called isotretinoin is still available). Other generic brand names for this oral retinoid are as follows: Absorica, Myorisan, Amnesteem, Claravis, Zenatane, and Sotret. Taking this drug while pregnant poses a great risk of birth defects even if it is taken for a short period of time and only a small portion of the medication. Studies have also shown that this drug can also increase the risk of premature delivery, miscarriage, and even infant death. A pregnancy prevention program put up in 1988 provided details of some of the adverse effects of consuming isotretinoin of majority of those subjects included in the study.
Hydroxy Acids
This beauty ingredient is also known by other names like Acide 2-hydroxypropionique (Acide Lactique), Alpha Hydroxy Acides, Alpha-Hydroxyethanoic Acid, Acide Alpha-Hydroxyéthanoïque, Acide Citrique, Hydroxypropionic Acid, Hydroxysuccinic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Acide de Pomme, Acide Dihydroxysuccinique (Acide Tartrique), beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), and so on.
Hydroxy acids are used to treat skin problems as dry skin, redness, skin inflammation, and acne. They are commonly found in products like toners, cleansers, and exfoliants. Although a small amount of the ingredient is absorbed into the skin when used as a topical treatment, but as the oral form of Salicylic acid (the most common form of BHA) is not considered safe for expecting moms, doctors advice to avoid the frequent or excessive use o any product or treatment that has this ingredient in them.
Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is used to treat dark pigmentations on the skin. They are not categorized as bleaching agents, however. The way hydroquinone works is by slowly lightening the appearance of the black or dark spots on the skin. Since no study has yet been done on the effects of this ingredient on animals, doctors recommend not to use this product during pregnancy.
Phthalates
These are chemicals that are added to plastic products and are also fused into perfumes and nail polish. Adding Phthalates increases a formulation’s strength and effectivity. Always check the label if the product you are thinking of buying contains any of these ingredients: benzylbutyl phthalates, diethyl, DBP, DEP, DMP, or BzBP. Studies have found links to fetal abnormalities with the use of products containing any of these ingredients.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is listed on product labels as one of these ingredients : ‘quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM), hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, and 3-diol (bromopol)’. These ingredients are commonly found in beauty products such as hair straightening treatments, nail polish and eyelash glue.
Toulene
Toulene is also listed on product labels as methybenze, toluol, or antisal 1a, and is commonly added to nail polish. Always look for products that are free of these toxic ingredients: toulene, formaldehyde, and phthalate.
Ammonia
Many hair dye formula contains Ammonia, so you should be careful whenever need to go to the salon to have your hair fixed. Ask your hair stylist for no-ammonia product alternatives.
Another consideration when expecting a baby is the use of make-ups as there are cosmetics that may not be safe not only for you but for your baby as well. Experts usually recommend considering beauty products that are lead-free and those that do not contain ingredients that will clog the pores of your skin or those beauty products that are oil-free. You may also rely on organic alternatives as they can just be the healthiest that you can use on your skin that will not leave any harmful elements on your skin and to your unborn child.
For a healthier and safer pregnancy, doctors normally suggest taking pregnancy vitamins aside from the usual recommendations, such having adequate hours of sleep, eating healthy foods, keeping your body hydrated, refraining from unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and so on.
The Best Vitamin for Pregnancy
Garden of Life Vegetarian Prenatal Multivitamin Supplement with Folate- Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal
This is a specially formulated multivitamin supplement that will benefit both the expecting mom and the baby. It is a Non-GMO whole-food multi-nutrient formula that meets all the requirements of the pregnant woman. It does not contain high heat, synthetic binders, fillers, artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors or additives that are usually found in synthetic medications. It provides the body with the much-needed iron, vitamins C, E, and B Complex, as well as folate. It derives its vitamins and mineral content from 23 fruits and vegetables.A pregnant woman will receive all the benefits that the Garden of Life Vegetarian Prenatal Multivitamin Supplement with Folate provides by taking one (1) of this vegetarian capsule three times a day with or without food.
Garden of Life Organic Prenatal Multivitamin Supplement with Folate – mykind Whole Food Prenatal Vitamin
Mykind Organics Prenatal Multivitamins is formulated with real whole food, including powdered organic fruits, vegetables and herbs like lemons, ginger, peppermint, annatto, amla berry and holy basil. Three tablets of this whole food supplement provide the nourishment from 21 essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for the proper development of the fetus. It contains organic stomach-soothing mix that supports an easy and comfortable digestion.
Prenatal DHA with Vitamin D3
Each box of this Prenatal DHA with Vitamin D3 contains 60 soft gels that are easy to swallow and are super Purified from Maternal Balance. This is an easy to swallow high-quality fish oil gel that is formulated to contain the right amount of DHA needed by pregnant and nursing women. This soft gel promotes the healthy development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. Each 450 mg of Prenatal DHA with Vitamin D3 contains purified fish oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerine, purified water, and natural tocopherols.
Zahler Prenatal DHA
Zahler Prenatal DHA is a premium prenatal vitamin for mother and child that is formulated with the highest quality ingredients that have been analyzed and tested to ensure that only pure and potent product is provided for you and your baby. Regular consumption of Zahler Prenatal DHA supports brain development in babies. To maximize the effect of this multivitamin, make sure to follow the instructions provided by your doctor for proper consumption of the product.
Zenwise Prenatal Multivitamin
This multivitamin is specially formulated with potent vitamins, minerals, and digestive probiotics that support the proper development of the baby during pregnancy. It contains 800 mcg of Folic Acid, Zinc, Iron, 2000 IU of Vitamin A and 100mg of Vitamin C, 25 million CFU of Probiotics, as well as Vitamin D2, E, B6, B12, Biotin, and other essential nutrients that make mom feel at their best during their pregnancy and assures of having a healthy and happy baby.
Pregnancy brings a lot of reasons to rejoice as well as concerns for worries. The fact that you are carrying a life in your womb should make you feel more responsible for how you take care of yourself. Remember that your baby depends on you, not only for short-term support, such as his or her regular nourishment for the duration of your pregnancy, but also for the long-term result that your pregnancy will give the baby with whatever you take in during this crucial stage of your life.
Some Final Reminders
As there are countless over-the-counter alternatives that you may consider, you need to consult with your doctor regarding the use of any product that you may have at home or would like to use while you are pregnant. Your doctor may recommend that you limit your consumption of certain foods and medications. If you are unsure of taking anything while you are heavy with your baby, always seek your doctor’s advise.
Enough of our recommendations. We know for a fact, that you are always on the lookout for the best for your baby. We also understand that experience is a better teacher. At this point, may we know how you have been doing in your pregnancy?
Conclusion
On a final note, the list that we have provided for you is not a complete list. You may wish to share your stories or your doctor’s advise in the comments’ section to inform other readers as well. Finally, the next time you go from aisle to aisle at your favorite supermarket or check online for skin care products to buy online, make sure that you read the labels first.
You may have to abstain, if not limit the use of a lot of things, including the skin care products that you use during this period. Yet the reward that it will bring you will be a lifetime to share with everyone around you.
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