A Definitive Guide To What Skincare Products To Avoid During Pregnancy
Navigating the world of skincare can be tricky, especially during pregnancy when you want to ensure both your and your baby's health and safety. With so many products on the market, it's essential to know what's safe to use and what's best avoided. In this guide, I’ll walk you through specific ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy, and what to use instead.
What specific skincare ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy?
1. Vitamin A
We want to avoid Vitamin A derivatives during pregnancy, as some studies have linked excessive intake to malformations to the baby’s head, heart, brain, and spinal cord. Vitamin A derivatives include Retinol, Accutane, Roaccutane and Isotretinoin.
2. Chemical Sunscreens
When it comes to sunscreens, we tend to recommend mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreen, as the latter has been linked to endocrine dysfunction. It’s a controversial topic, but ultimately with zinc oxide mineral sunscreens, it’s an anti-inflammatory so you won’t get this issue. Oxybenzone and Avobenzone are possible hormone disruptors, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream and should be avoided during pregnancy too.
3. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is another ingredient you want to avoid, due to its high absorption rate into the skin. Instead of this, I would recommend other tyrosinase inhibitors such as Vitamin C and Folic Acid to combat hyperpigmentation or melasma.
4. Essential Oils
The other big no-no is concentrated essential oils, some of which can lead to premature contractions. Also, 3-4 per cent of the population get contact dermatitis from fragrance, especially for skin of colour. Contact dermatitis doesn’t just mean redness of itchiness, it can mean hyperpigmentation that can last for years. Therefore, it’s best to avoid fragrance in your skincare and makeup altogether.
5. DHA (dihydroxyacetone)
I would also recommend avoiding spray tans because they contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA is basically a form of sugar that will react with the dead skin cells on the surface and produces a pigment called melanoidin. This pigment gives the skin a temporary tan or bronze appearance. The main concern with using DHA-containing spray tans during pregnancy is related to the potential risk of inhalation. Aerosol spray tans can create fine particles that may be inhaled during the application process, and if you apply spray tans via a cream, it can get into the eyes and mouth.
What SkincarebyDrV products are pregnancy-safe and what makes them a good option?
SkincarebyDrV products listed here are all approved for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some of my favourites include:
Inzincable sunscreen- During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. SPF50 means it will take you 50 times as long to burn in the sun compared to if you hadn’t worn any sunblock at all. In practice, this means approximately 2 hours of protection. 17% Zinc Oxide has been used making this a 100% mineral sunscreen (anti-inflammatory) with no penetration of actives or nano-particles into the blood stream. This is why it is safe for pregnancy and those with sensitive skin.
Micellar Gel Wash - Acne breakouts are common during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes in the body. This daily anti-inflammatory gel wash helps to control sebum, redness and keep your skin clean, supple, and hydrated.
Super hydrating toner- A hydrating, non-drying alcohol, non-glycolic acid, non-fragranced toner, packed with anti-oxidants and anti-pigmentation ingredients. This helps create a hydrating base for your exfoliator, without any risk of skin sensitisation.
Cera Pep moisturiser- Pregnancy can lead to hormonal changes that may affect the skin's natural barrier function. A fatty moisturiser helps strengthen and repair the skin barrier, preventing excessive water loss and maintaining optimal hydration. This is particularly important as dry and dehydrated skin is common during pregnancy.
* It's essential to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before introducing any new skincare products into your routine.
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I'm obsessed with this sunscreen. I can only use mineral sunscreen because I'm allergic to chemical, so I've been using another mineral brand (suggested by Dr. V) for years, and although it did the job, it was pigmented. I don't mind the pigment under makeup, but for everyday use when I'm in the house i don't want to have to worry about getting "makeup" on my clothes, so i decided to try Dr. V's Inzacable and I'll never go back. The fact that it melts into my skin being a black woman without any white cast, immediately 5 stars, but it also feels moisturizing and gives me a beautiful healthy glow, I'm just obsessed. My new favorite product! I'll be suggesting it to all my friends.
Strand strengthening oil is the best product I've used. It's lightweight and non-greasy. I use it daily and notice my hair getting stronger every day. No more breakages and more frizz.
Love love this product and all Dr V products . On my 3 or 4 th bottle . Thank u for formulating such lovely products fir us . Love . Jaya💕
I used this as a makeup remover and it takes off ALL my makeup. I can’t say I’ve had this experience with other oil cleansers.
Amazing Amazing and Amazing..inzincable is the best sunscreen I have ever come across..I can visibly see vast improvement in my pigmentation and has helped to breakdown the pigmentation..so grateful to Dr v for making this amazing sunscreen 🙌🏻🙌🏻 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
My daughter has suffered from eczema which has left some dark marks on her arms. This cream has been so effective in clearing the marks after thirty days of using it. I would definitely recommend it as it is mild and there was no side effect from using it. Only drawback is I wish it comes in a larger tub.
I’ve been using the Hair Anagen Boost Tonic for several weeks now, and the results have been impressive! My hair feels noticeably thicker, healthier, and more resilient. The tonic has a lightweight formula, so it doesn’t leave my scalp greasy, which I really appreciate. It absorbs quickly and making it easy to use daily without any hassle.
After consistent use, I’ve noticed a reduction in hair fall and a visible improvement in hair growth, particularly in areas where my hair was thinning. My scalp feels more nourished, and the new growth appears stronger and healthier than before.
If you're dealing with thinning hair or just want to boost your hair growth, I highly recommend giving the Hair Anagen Boost Tonic a try. It’s become a key part of my hair care routine, and the results have been worth it!
This is the best gel moisturiser I’ve used and has cleared my black marks. I have also now been using the exfoliator on my spots and has dried them up.
I was gifted this suncream by my sister 2 years ago, all I can say is wow. I haven't looked back since. I love the?texture and the fact it doesn't leave a white mark.
This is a perfect moisturiser for me. It has a fantastic texture that leaves my skin feeling comforted and hydrated. I can’t use anything else now!
I love the way it hydrates and brightens my skin leaving it squeaky clean!🩷 I have been using it for almost 4months now and I am thrilled with happiness!
My skin has never looked better - I’m so thrilled I’ve stumbled into Dr V’s skincare products. I have seen noticeable results within weeks. Been recommending the products to all my family and friends.
Admittedly I was a tad skeptical about this line but I am pleasantly surprised! Finally a system for dark skin that addresses our needs holistically. Bye, bye Cerave! Thank you Dr. V. Please don’t change the formulas because your skincare ingredients are wonderful!!!
I’ve been using this product for about 3years. I’ve been hesitant to write a review because my skin issues are hormonal. However, I do believe that this facial wash has helped me to reduced the malasma on my cheeks.
My skin took to it straight away very good moisturiser leaves skin plump
