Pregnancy is a time of great joy, but it can also be stressful. One thing that many women worry about during pregnancy is their skincare routine. With so many conflicting opinions out there, it's hard to know what's safe to use and what isn't. In particular, benzoyl peroxide has come under scrutiny for its safety during pregnancy.
But fear not! We've done the research for you so you can keep your skin clear and glowing throughout your pregnancy without worrying about harming your little one.
What is benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is an acne-fighting ingredient found in many over-the-counter skincare products such as cleansers, toners, and spot treatments. It works by killing bacteria on the surface of the skin and unclogging pores.
Sounds pretty harmless, right? But when you're pregnant or trying to conceive, things get complicated. Let's take a closer look at whether benzoyl peroxide is safe during this important time in your life
The risks of using benzoyl peroxide while pregnant
As with most chemicals, some studies have suggested that benzoyl peroxide may have negative effects during pregnancy. Here are some potential risks associated with using this ingredient:
Skin irritation
Benzoyl peroxide has been known to cause dryness, redness, and peeling – even when used as directed for people who aren’t pregnant (which let’s be real…is rare) This irritation could potentially worsen if you’re already dealing with sensitive or inflamed skin due to hormonal changes associated with being (or becoming) pregnant.
### Absorption through the skin
Whatever goes on your skin can eventually seep into your bloodstream--and kind of like drunk texts...you never really forget or leave behind the damage caused. While benzoyl peroxide isn’t usually absorbed deeply enough to cause harm, there is always a risk that it could affect your developing baby’s health.
Birth defects
Cue ominous music please... A few studies have suggested an association between benzoyl peroxide and birth defects, including craniosynostosis (where the bones of a baby's skull fuse together too early). Though the evidence here has been inconclusive or needs further investigation, you should still take every precaution necessary to avoid any potential risks for your soon-to-be little one.
How to keep your skin clear during pregnancy
Just because some of your go-to skincare products may not be safe during pregnancy doesn't mean you need to spend nine months feeling like a greasy teenager again! Here are some tips on how to maintain clear skin without putting yourself or your baby at risk:
Wash regularly with gentle cleansers
Wash gently! Look for oil-free or mild cleansing options that won’t strip away natural oils in her face.
Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods
Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen daily only when needed--it’ll help balance out hormonal fluctuations which can then decrease inflammation in turn making breakouts less frequent.
Getting pregnant is often accompanied by shifts in hormones leading many women down the road of all kinds acne flare-ups from chin zits to forehead bumps---truly touching upon a range of issues that count as 'domestic disputes' within the pores themselves...
Try non-medicated spot treatments if needed!
There are other active ingredients available which do not contain chemicals—most notably ones derived from plants such as willow bark extract, tea tree essential oils etc…these provide relief from those pesky pimples without causing harm.
For those who feel like their current acne-fighting routine isn’t cutting it (pun intended) try adapting practices like these instead.. basically -“Going Natural” (with heavy quotes).
Conclusion
While benzoyl peroxide might not be the best choice for your skincare routine during pregnancy, there are still plenty of other options available to keep your skin looking and feeling great. Always consult an expert in case you have any lingering concerns or queries- it’s better safe than sorry after all!