That Pregnancy Glow: Skincare Secrets with Dr. Bri!
Oct 30, 2024In this episode of She Found Motherhood, Dr. Sarah chats with Dr. Brie Budlovsky, an emergency and aesthetic medicine specialist, to explore skincare concerns for pregnancy. They tackle popular questions about safe skincare products, regulated ingredients, and more, providing listeners with a well-rounded understanding of skincare during this unique phase.
Understanding Cosmetic Ingredient Safety in Pregnancy
When it comes to cosmetic products, understanding how ingredients are regulated can be reassuring. Dr. Budlovsky explains that in Canada, cosmetics fall under the Food and Drugs Act, which enforces stringent guidelines for safety. While Canada has banned or restricted over 500 chemicals in cosmetics, the U.S. only restricts about 8, and the EU has banned more than 2,000. This disparity highlights the rigor of Canadian health standards and the caution applied in assessing potentially harmful ingredients. For those looking to confirm ingredient safety, Canada’s “cosmetic ingredient hotlist” provides a clear guide to regulated substances.
Canada follows a risk-based assessment approach in which ingredients with low exposure risk may be permitted in specific products. However, these products aren’t required to undergo pre-market testing, so the responsibility lies with manufacturers to meet Health Canada’s standards. If you want to double-check ingredients, especially those from abroad, reviewing the hotlist can be a helpful step.
Core Skincare Routine: Simple and Safe
A solid skincare routine doesn’t require an exhaustive list of products; Dr. Budlovsky recommends simplicity with safe, gentle products. Here’s her recommended routine for pregnant and breastfeeding women:
- Cleanser: Choose a pH-balanced cleanser that suits your skin’s slightly acidic pH. By using a balanced product, you might even be able to skip toner.
- Fragrance-Free Moisturizer: Products free of added scents minimize the chance of irritation.
- Daily SPF: Regardless of the season, an SPF 30 or higher is essential. For those concerned about ingredient absorption, mineral-based sunscreens provide a safe alternative, especially since they aren’t absorbed by the skin. Powdered mineral sunscreen, for instance, can be an easy way to reapply sun protection during the day, even over makeup.
If you’re looking for targeted products for concerns like hyperpigmentation, a Vitamin C serum is generally considered safe and effective during pregnancy. Many other treatments, such as retinoids and hydroquinone, are better reserved for post-pregnancy.
Skincare Ingredients and Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy
Dr. Budlovsky highlights a few common skincare ingredients that should generally be avoided during pregnancy due to their potential risks:
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Retinoic Acid (Vitamin A): While oral vitamin A (such as Accutane) is a known teratogen, meaning it can cause birth defects, topical retinoic acid, though less risky, is still not recommended due to its similarity in structure and potential risks. This includes prescription retinoids and over-the-counter products with retinol. Although the absorption through the skin is minimal, erring on the side of caution is wise.
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Hydroquinone: Used for hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone is one of the few skincare ingredients that can be absorbed into the body at relatively high rates, which could pose a risk. Dr. Budlovsky recommends avoiding this product both during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you’re concerned about these ingredients in any products you may already be using, check labels, consult Health Canada’s ingredient hotlist, and always feel free to reach out to a healthcare provider for clarity.
Pregnancy and Injectables: Botox and Fillers
A common question that Dr. Budlovsky addresses is whether Botox and fillers are safe during pregnancy. While there are no strict legal restrictions on using Botox or fillers, most providers in Canada avoid treating pregnant patients. Here’s why:
Botox is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, making it unlikely to reach the fetus. Some limited studies have shown no link between cosmetic Botox and negative fetal outcomes, but due to the lack of conclusive evidence and ethical concerns around testing, most physicians in Canada choose to err on the side of caution.
For fillers, which are often hyaluronic acid-based, the product generally remains localized and isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream. While this makes it theoretically safer, Dr. Budlovsky encourages patients to consult with their providers, assess the potential benefits, and weigh personal risk tolerance when deciding whether to continue these treatments. Generally, avoiding non-essential treatments is recommended until after pregnancy.
In terms of breastfeeding, Dr. Budlovsky shares that cosmetic Botox is widely recognized as safe, as the product remains localized and does not typically enter breast milk. If a patient does choose to use Botox or fillers while breastfeeding, the risks are considered minimal, though discussing options with a provider remains the best course of action.
Empowering Choices: Medication Categories and Pregnancy Safety
A key theme in Dr. Budlovsky’s approach is empowering individuals with information to make their own health decisions. Understanding medication safety categories can be particularly useful for those considering specific treatments or prescriptions during pregnancy. The FDA pregnancy categories, which can be easily referenced online, offer a helpful framework:
- Category A: Controlled studies in pregnant women have shown no risk to the fetus.
- Category B: Animal studies haven’t shown risks, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Most medications commonly used in pregnancy fall into Category A or B, as they are generally regarded as safe. However, due to a lack of data on many newer treatments, other categories, such as Category C or higher, may still involve unknowns. With this in mind, Dr. Budlovsky encourages asking questions and weighing the benefits and risks of each treatment.
Building a Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine
Pregnancy can bring about significant skin changes, from hormonal acne to hyperpigmentation, and a basic, safe skincare routine can help keep skin healthy. Dr. Budlovsky’s general recommendations are to:
- Cleanse: Opt for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser.
- Moisturize: Choose a fragrance-free moisturizer to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Apply Sunscreen Daily: SPF 30 or higher, ideally mineral-based if you’re concerned about ingredient absorption, should be worn every day, year-round.
If you want to target hyperpigmentation, a vitamin C serum is generally safe for use during pregnancy. But for more specialized treatments, such as retinoids or hydroquinone, Dr. Budlovsky suggests holding off until after pregnancy or consulting your provider for alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Navigating skincare during pregnancy can seem overwhelming, but keeping your routine simple, consulting trustworthy resources, and empowering yourself with reliable information can go a long way. Dr. Budlovsky emphasizes that pregnancy-safe skincare doesn’t have to be complicated — just a few mindful changes can provide a solid foundation for keeping skin healthy and glowing. Remember, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new skincare products or treatments, and lean on evidence-backed resources like Health Canada’s hotlist and FDA medication categories for added peace of mind!
Be sure to check out Dr. Bri's Instagram, and the Canadian Cosmetic Hot List.
Learn more about our Pregnancy to Parenthood Masterclass here!
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