Most women pay special attention to what goes into their bodies when they find out they're pregnant. But do you know the best and worst products to put on your body when you're expecting? Some skincare products will work wonders for pregnancy ailments such as breakouts and stretch marks, but there are some that are downright dangerous for a growing fetus. And if you plan to breastfeed, then you should follow the same guidelines until you stop nursing. First, avoid retinoids - it's present in many antiaging moisturizers, and in pill form, it's particularly dangerous for fetuses. Avoid medications such as Accutane and Retin-A, and consult with your doctor about any other medications you use. Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are OK to use if your doctor says it's OK.
If your face is paying the price for those wonky hormones, then you may be tempted to zap zits with a salicylic acid-containing medication. It's OK to use those products that don't stay on skin very long, such as a toner or wash that contains 2 percent or less of salicylic acid, but avoid peels and oral medications, which can get into the bloodstream. Soy products are safe for pregnant women to use on their skin; however, if you're suffering from melasma - dark spots or splotches on the face - soy can make those spots darker. Most makeup is safe to use during pregnancy, and mineral makeup provides one of the safest options. Once again, avoid retinols or salicylic acid in makeup - you may see these products labeled as "anti-aging" or "acne-fighting." You might find that your skin is more sensitive to the effects of the sun, but it's OK to use sunscreen - in fact, you ought to protect your skin as always.