Amaki Skincare: Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can cause skin concerns such as oily skin becoming dry, low-maintenance skin becoming sensitive, and acne. Many skincare products contain ingredients that are unsafe for use during pregnancy, such as retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and hydroquinone, which can be absorbed into the skin and may cause harm to the baby.

However, there are pregnancy-safe alternatives available, and it is important to read labels and consult a doctor about any potential risks. Mineral sunscreens are generally recommended over chemical formulas, as certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, have been linked to birth defects.

Pregnant individuals can also opt for gentle formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, cocoa butter, peptides, and glycerin. Some brands that offer pregnancy-safe skincare products include La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Neutrogena, Herbivore Botanicals, and Tatcha.

While pregnancy can bring about various skin changes, consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare professional can help individuals navigate these changes and find suitable skincare products to maintain healthy skin.

Pregnancy-safe products from Amika

Amika is a hair care brand that offers a range of products, including shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and styling products. While the brand does not have a specific line of products marketed as "pregnancy-safe," many of their products are free from ingredients that are typically considered unsafe during pregnancy.

• 3D Daily Thickening Treatment
• 3D Volume and Thickening Conditioner
• 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo
• Blockade Heat Defense Serum
• Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray
• Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Intense Repair Hair Mask
• Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Repair Conditioner
• Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Repair Shampoo
• Curl Corps Enhancing Gel
• Dream Routine Overnight Hydration Treatment
• Fluxus Touchable Hairspray
• Glass Action Hydrating Hair Oil Universal Elixir
• Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray
• Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner
• Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner
• Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
• Mixtape Golden Blonde Color Enhancing Drops
• Mixtape Purple Blonde Toning Drops
• Mixtape Teal Brunette Toning Drops
• Normcore Signature Conditioner
• Normcore Signature Shampoo
• Perk Up Dry Shampoo
• Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse
• Power Hour Curl Refreshing Spray
• Reset Clarifying Gel Shampoo
• Reset Cooling Gel Conditioner
• Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil
• Sexture Beach Look Shampoo
• Soulfood Nourishing Mask
• Supernova Blonde Moisture and Shine Cream
• Supernova Moisture and Shine Cream
• The Closer Instant Repair Hair Cream
• The Kure Bond Repair Conditioner
• The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo
• The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask
• The Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment
• The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray
• The Wizard Detangling Primer
• The Wizard Silicone-Free Detangling Hair Primer
• Thicc Volumizing Base
• Top Gloss Shine Spray
• Undone Volume and Matte Texture Spray
• Vault Color-Lock Conditioner
• Vault Color-Lock Leave-In Conditioner
• Vault Color-Lock Shampoo
• Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm
• Velveteen Dream Smoothing Conditioner

Sunscreen safety

Mineral-based sunscreens are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. These include ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect UV rays away from the skin. While chemical sunscreens can be effective, some studies indicate that certain chemical filters may disrupt the endocrine system, so experts recommend mineral-based sunscreens as a safer alternative.

When choosing a sunscreen during pregnancy, it is best to opt for mineral formulas that are free from potentially harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate. These chemicals have been associated with potential hormonal disruptions and may be absorbed into the bloodstream. Additionally, fragrance-free options are preferable, as synthetic fragrances can irritate the skin.

Some recommended mineral-based sunscreens include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen, EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47, and Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40. These sunscreens offer high SPF protection, are gentle on sensitive skin, and provide effective sun protection during pregnancy.

It is important to note that sunscreen is crucial for skin protection, especially during pregnancy when skin sensitivity and pigmentation can increase. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily sunscreen use to protect against skin cancer, and this is especially important for pregnant individuals.

In addition to sunscreen, covering up with clothing, wearing sunglasses with UV protection, and seeking shade during peak sun hours are also essential for comprehensive sun protection.

Ingredients to avoid

While most over-the-counter skincare products are safe to use during pregnancy, there are certain ingredients that are considered unsafe and should be avoided.

• Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are widely considered unsafe to use during pregnancy. This includes Retin-A and retinyl palmitate, which have been linked to birth defects.
• Salicylic acid is safe to use in low concentrations (less than 2%) and in topical treatments, but should be avoided in oral medications or high doses as it can cause negative side effects.
• Hydroquinone is found in skin lightening and bleaching creams and has a high absorption rate, which can reach the baby in greater amounts. It is generally recommended to avoid this ingredient during pregnancy.
• Oxybenzone is an ingredient commonly found in chemical sunscreens. It is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to hormone disruption and adverse effects on fetal health. It is recommended to use mineral-based sunscreens instead, containing ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide.
• Parabens are preservatives commonly used in skincare and other cosmetic products. They are known endocrine disruptors and can be easily absorbed by the skin. While the research is not conclusive, there are studies suggesting negative effects during pregnancy.
• Phthalates are a group of chemicals found in plastics and beauty products. They are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth and reproductive and developmental dysfunction.
• Essential oils such as jasmine, clary sage, sage, rosemary, and hyssop should be used with caution during pregnancy as they can trigger contractions, cause bleeding, or increase blood pressure.
• Fillers and Botox are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to a lack of clear studies on their safety.
• High-dose vitamin A should be avoided as excessive intake has been linked to malformations of the baby's head, heart, brain, and spinal cord.

It is always best to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine which ingredients and products are safe for your individual needs during pregnancy.

Safe alternatives for acne

While pregnancy can be an exciting time, it can also bring about a lot of changes to your body, including your skin. Hormonal changes can lead to acne, dryness, sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. It is important to know which skincare ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy, as certain ingredients can be harmful to the developing fetus. Here are some safe alternatives for treating acne during pregnancy:

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a great alternative to retinoids and salicylic acid, which are typically not recommended during pregnancy. Azelaic acid works by killing bacteria in the pores and reducing the production of keratin. It helps clear redness and acne, as well as decrease pigment production, addressing the dark marks that acne can leave behind. The Ordinary offers a well-liked azelaic acid suspension with a creamy texture.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used in limited amounts. It is often found in acne treatments available without a prescription. Benzoyl peroxide helps get rid of bacteria that worsen acne. Clearogen Acne Lotion contains benzoyl peroxide along with soothing and natural ingredients like aloe, green tea, and peppermint leaf extract to reduce redness and cool irritated skin.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory ingredient commonly used to treat acne. While oral salicylic acid is not recommended during pregnancy, limited topical use is generally considered safe. The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Exfoliator is an effective alternative to salicylic acid during pregnancy.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is another alternative to retinoids and is relatively low-risk during pregnancy when used in small amounts. It helps with exfoliation, speeding up cell turnover, and treating and preventing acne. The Mario Badescu Glycolic Gel is a 3% glycolic gel that can be applied after cleansing to even out skin tone, reduce oil, and unclog pores.

Topical Erythromycin

Topical erythromycin is a prescription medication that can be used to treat acne during pregnancy. It is an antibiotic that can help clear severe acne.

Sulfur-Based Treatments

Sulfur-based treatments are also considered safe during pregnancy. Acnomel Adult Acne Medication Cream is a sulfur-based acne medication recommended by dermatologists.

Niacamide

Niacamide is a powerful ingredient that can address fine lines and has anti-inflammatory benefits. It can also help brighten the skin, which is useful during pregnancy when hormones stimulate the production of pigment. The Ordinary offers an affordable niacinamide and zinc treatment.

Laser and Light Therapies

Lasers have been used safely to treat medical conditions in pregnant women, so they are considered relatively safe. However, it is important to consult a dermatologist before undergoing any laser or light treatment during pregnancy, as some may require a numbing solution or medication that could affect the baby.

While dealing with acne during pregnancy can be challenging, these alternatives can help you manage your skin safely. It is always recommended to consult your obstetrician or dermatologist before using any new products during pregnancy.

Safe alternatives for stretch marks

Stretch marks are a natural part of pregnancy, affecting around 8 out of 10 pregnant women. While there is no surefire way to prevent them, there are some steps you can take to reduce their appearance.

• Drink plenty of water – this is important for your baby's development and can also help keep your skin healthy.
• Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet – focus on foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, collagen, and vitamin E to promote skin elasticity.
• Use stretch mark creams or oils – while there is limited evidence of their effectiveness, products containing hyaluronic acid or vitamins A and E may be beneficial. Popular options include Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, and Mustela Stretch Marks Cream.
• Moisturize your skin – keeping your skin well-hydrated can support fragile skin and encourage circulation, which may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
• Gentle massage – massaging your belly daily can help prevent or reduce stretch marks.
• Healthy weight gain – while weight gain is necessary for your baby's development, gaining weight at a slow and steady pace may help minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

Remember, stretch marks are a natural and beautiful part of pregnancy, and they will fade over time. If you're concerned about their appearance, consult a dermatologist for advice on cosmetic treatments.

Frequently asked questions