Avoid these ingredients during pregnancy or breastfeeding

During pregnancy, your body undergoes major changes. You breathe faster, heart pumps harder and more blood is produced. Also, your body is undergoing hormonal changes.

While the lucky few experience a carefree 9 months of perfect skin glow, for some women it can mean months of nausea and fatigue. Also more flare up of dermatological conditions like acne, dry & sensitive skin, stretch marks to dark spots. Women with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may also experience a change in their symptoms, better, or worse.

While some of these problems can be easily remedied with everyday over-the-counter products, there are some skincare ingredients to avoid.

Skin penetration routes

You are standing in front of a store shelf full of skin care products and all you think is; how do I get rid of my dry skin, pigment spots or pimples. Which is very understandable. It is still wise to avoid certain cosmetic substances. Often because we do not know how much of it is absorbed into the body, what the substances do in your body during pregnancy and which cosmetic ingredients are passed on during breastfeeding.

There are three skin penetration routes of cosmetic ingredients: directly through the skin (intracellular), between the skin cells (intercellular) and through your hair follicles or sweat glands (follicular). The route is determined by the size of the substance (molecule size), is the substance water or fat soluble, is the skin intact or damaged, location (eyelid versus sole of the foot), skin surface and duration of contact (is it a stay on or rinse off product).

For ethical reasons, few studies have been conducted in pregnant women. Most findings are based on experimental animal studies, case reports and some randomized trials. In the conclusion of these trials and studies, the sentences often end with: ‘However, the statistical power is not sufficient to justify use during pregnancy’

Hormonal change and increased vascularization are other causes of increased absorption of ingredients. The increased skin blood flow, more skin absorption of ingredients can take place. In addition, the body surface also plays an important role. Applying an eye serum has a smaller skin surface than a body care. Naturally, the absorption of a smaller surface is less than with a large one.

Avoid these ingredients!

Retinol

Some skin care products use a retinol to reduce acne and fine lines. Retinol exfoliates superficial skin cells faster and stimulates collagen production to rejuvenate the skin.

The amount of retinol absorbed depends on its concentration. Based on the Systemic Exposure Dose (SED), you can calculate the percentage of a cosmetic product that is expected to enter the bloodstream. Because vitamin A acid is fat-soluble, it can be stored in your own fat tissue. A surplus every day means that this substance accumulates in your body. Research into the accumulation of vitamin A acid in the body is still in its infancy, but in my opinion there is enough reason to want to prevent this accumulation effect.

The relationship between the use of retinol or retinoids, a stronger vitamin A variant and pregnancy problems has not been directly demonstrated in studies. Studies showed that retinol can be transferred from parent to baby through the placenta, and up to 60 times more during breastfeeding. The Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board also advise not to use it during pregnancy.

Hydrochinon

I regularly see an increase in pigment spots in the face during pregnancies at the consultation hour. A fairly effective ingredient to lighten the skin is hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone is a small molecule that can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream. Once absorbed, hydroquinone is processed by the liver and excreted in the urine. The main way the body processes hydroquinone is by converting it to a glucuronide conjugate, which is then excreted in the urine.

Glucuronidation is a process in which a sugar molecule called glucuronic acid is added to the hydroquinone molecule, creating a hydroquinone-glucuronide conjugate. This conjugate is more water soluble than hydroquinone itself, making it easier for the body to excrete.

However, it is important to note that hydroquinone can also be converted to other potentially harmful compounds, such as benzoquinone and reactive oxygen species, through oxidative metabolism. This oxidative metabolism can be enhanced in the presence of UV light or other reactive substances, increasing the risk of skin irritation.

As a precaution, it is generally recommended that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant avoid taking hydroquinone. Because there is limited information available about the safety of this substance during pregnancy. Hydroquinone has not been adequately studied in pregnant women and animal studies have shown some evidence of developmental toxicity.

It is also important to note that hydroquinone can be absorbed through the skin, 25-35% and enter the bloodstream, so breastfeeding women should be careful when using hydroquinone products. It is recommended that women who are breastfeeding avoid applying hydroquinone products to the breast area to prevent exposure of the baby.

Salicylic acid

Commonly used to treat warts and do acne peels. Absorption of salicylic acid occurs 9-25% with topical application. It increases under occlusion and if the skin is damaged or open. Studies show varying conclusions about whether or not to use salicylic acid. The advice is short-term use, < 2 weeks and small surface area – maximum 2 palm size.

Sunscreen

Protection against the sun during pregnancy is important, this also limits the annoying pregnancy mask (melasma).

Chemical filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone octocrylene and ecamsule can be absorbed through the skin and can be found in the blood. In animal experiments, these filters can have a hormone-disrupting effect.

Another Swiss study investigated the use of chemical sunscreens in breastfeeding women. These two filters: enzacamene (also called 4-methylbenzylidene camphor or 4-MBC) and 3-Benzylidene Camphor can be found in 76.5% of the breast milk samples. The results are consistent with the idea that transdermal passage of UV filters has occurred. The advice of the study to temporarily withhold exposure during critical periods such as pregnancy and lactation.

It’s a controversial issue, but some studies show that those disruptors may play an important role in fetal and newborn health.

Pregnant women should opt for a physical mineral sunscreen with combined zinc oxide and titanium dioxide rather than a chemical sunscreen. More about differences sunscreens

Parabens & BPA

Parabens, a common preservative in cosmetics, are easily absorbed by the skin. According to a 2016 study in the Journal of Chemistry, prenatal exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA) and parabens has been linked to numerous pregnancy problems, including miscarriage, low birth weight, obesity, impaired fetal growth and behavioral problems.

More about parabens

Formaldehyde en Formaldehyde-releasers

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can also cause respiratory problems and other health problems. It is sometimes used in nail hardeners and hair treatments, increasing the risk of exposure during normal cosmetic procedures. Pregnant women should avoid products containing formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers to minimize potential risks to themselves and their unborn child.

• Household cleaners and cleaning products: Also in dishwasher cleaners.
• Skin care products and shampoos: Used as a preservative.
• Disinfectants: Used in hospitals, swimming pools and laboratories.
• Metalworking fluids: Sometimes added with formaldehyde.
• Synthetic resins: For example phenolic and urea resins.
• Glues: Some glues contain formaldehyde.
• Paints: Present in some paints.
• Anti-wrinkle agents for textiles: Often contain formaldehyde to make clothes wrinkle-free.

Formaldehyde releasers are preservatives that release formaldehyde.

• Skin care products and cosmetics: Common uses to extend shelf life.
• Medicated ointments and creams: Some medicinal products contain these preservatives.

Check the ingredients list of cosmetic products to be sure!

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used to improve the flexibility and durability of plastics. They are often added to a wide range of consumer products, including cosmetics, household items and industrial applications. Because of their widespread use and potentially harmful effects, it is important to understand what phthalates may be found in and why it is advisable to avoid them during pregnancy.

• Medical equipment: IV bags and tubing may contain phthalates to make the plastic flexible.
• Nail Polish: These substances are added to keep nail polish flexible and prevent chipping.
• Soap and shampoo: They can be added to improve texture and shelf life.
• Toys and baby products: In some cases, phthalates are used to make plastic toys softer and more flexible.
• Food packaging: They are sometimes used in plastic containers that come into contact with food.
• Vinyl floors and wallpaper: Phthalates make these materials more flexible and durable.
• Perfume and fragrances: Phthalates are often used to retain scents longer. They can be found in perfumes, body mists, scented candles and aroma diffusers.
• Hair products: Shampoo, conditioner, hair spray and styling products may contain phthalates to make the hair more manageable.
• Skin care products: Body lotions, creams, makeup and skin care oils may contain phthalates to improve texture.
• Plasticizers: Products packaged in plastic packaging that come into contact with the skin, such as shower gels or shampoo, may contain traces of phthalates.

Please note: Not all products in these categories contain phthalates. The presence of phthalates varies per product and brand.

Check the ingredients list for products containing phthalates. Common phthalates are DEHP, DBP and BBP.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in self-tanners

Although DHA, the active ingredient in self-tanners, is considered safe for external use, there are concerns about inhaling the spray version. Inhaling DHA spray can have potentially harmful effects on the fetus, so it is wise to avoid spray forms of self-tanners and instead use lotions or creams that do not pose an inhalation risk.

Essential oils (in high concentrations)

Why avoid?: Some essential oils, such as sage, rosemary, and jasmine, may cause uterine contractions or have other harmful effects. High concentrations usually refer to essential oils applied directly to the skin without sufficient dilution.

What does high concentration mean?: A high concentration of essential oil is usually more than 2%. For safe use during pregnancy, a dilution of 0.5-2% is recommended:

• 0.5% dilution: Approximately 3 drops of essential oil per 30 ml of carrier oil.
• 1% dilution: Approximately 6 drops of essential oil per 30 ml of carrier oil.
• 2% dilution: Approximately 12 drops of essential oil per 30 ml of carrier oil.

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil used to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. Examples of carrier oils are: coconut, argan, avocado, grape seed, hemp seed, rose hip, olive, sweet almond and macadamia oil.

How can you limit use?:

1. Always dilute essential oils properly: Use a low concentration, ideally 1% or less, by mixing it with a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil.
2. Limit the surface area: Apply the diluted essential oil only to small, specific areas of the skin, such as the wrists or neck, rather than large areas.
3. Frequency of use: Do not use essential oils more than 1-2 times per day to minimize exposure.
4. Inhalation: If you want to use essential oils for aromatherapy, limit the duration of inhalation to short periods (e.g. 10-15 minutes) and ensure adequate ventilation.

What are carefree pregnancies and breastfeeding ingredients that you can use?

Of course there are many other cosmetic ingredients that you can use.

Coenzyme Q10, relatively unknown. CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that occurs naturally in our bodies but declines with age. The antioxidant supports our mitochondrial function, aids cellular energy formation and fights against oxidative damage. More about Q10 and the skin

Niacinamide, also called vitamin B3. An ingredient with many proven effects on the skin. It is an antioxidant, provides better skin hydration, pigmentation reduction and inflammation in the skin. More about Niacinamide

Furthermore, vitamin C (against pigment and anti-aging effect), ceramide (hydration), squalane (hydration), hyaluronic acid (hydration), glycerine (hydration), avena sativa oat extracts (sensitive skin) and many more.

Iconic Elements selection with the above ingredients Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C and Niacinamide:

Any questions, send us a mail: info@iconic-elements.com

Literature

Bayerl C. [Acne therapy in pregnancy]. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete. 2013 Apr;64(4):269-273.

Soma-Pillay P, Nelson-Piercy C, Tolppanen H, Mebazaa A. Physiological changes in pregnancy. Cardiovasc J Afr. 2016;27(2):89-94. doi:10.5830/CVJA-2016-021

Panchaud A, Csajka C, Merlob P, Schaefer C, Berlin M, De Santis M, Vial T, Ieri A, Malm H, Eleftheriou G, Stahl B, Rousso P, Winterfeld U, Rothuizen LE, Buclin T. Pregnancy outcome following exposure to topical retinoids: a multicenter prospective study. J Clin Pharmacol. 2012 Dec;52(12):1844-51.

Bastos Maia S, Rolland Souza AS, Costa Caminha MF, et al. Vitamin A and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2019;11(3):681.

Hsieh CJ, Chang YH, Hu A, Chen ML, Sun CW, Situmorang RF, Wu MT, Wang SL; TMICS study group. Personal care products use and phthalate exposure levels among pregnant women. Sci Total Environ. 2019 Jan 15;648:135-143.

Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2011;57(6):665-667.

Matta MK, Zusterzeel R, Pilli NR, et al. Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082–2091.

Jain, Ram. (2016). Impact of Pregnancy on the Levels of Parabens and Bisphenol A: Data from NHANES 2005–2010. Journal of Chemistry. 2016. 1-8.

Kolatorova L, Vitku J, Hampl R, Adamcova K, Skodova T, Simkova M, Parizek A, Starka L, Duskova M. Exposure to bisphenols and parabens during pregnancy and relations to steroid changes. Environ Res. 2018 May;163:115-122.

If pregnant women use cosmetics containing parabens, this may have consequences (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200212111438.htm)

While you are here

Some cosmetic skin care products contain plastic microparticles. These cannot be seen with the naked eye, but end up in our rivers, seas and oceans via our sewage system after washing/showering. This has an impact on our ecological system, as the marine animals consider the microplastic for food, it often ends up on our own plate as part of the food chain. Iconic Elements is microplastic free inside