Pregnancy and cosmetics, what should you know?

This week's health video advice from #TuFarmacéuticoInforma focuses on pregnancy and the correct use of cosmetic products during this stage.

As explained by the expert pharmacist in Dermopharmacy, Virginia Ortega, pregnancy is a stage full of changes and full of doubts about what can affect and what not the correct development of the baby.

For this reason, "in the video advice we are going to focus on several key aspects about the correct use of cosmetic products at this stage", he points out.

During pregnancy, women experience physiological changes due to hormonal, endocrine and immunological changes. As a consequence, sometimes the skin, hair and nails suffer from the aggravation of already established dermatological conditions —acne, rosacea or dermatitis— or they may appear for the first time.

During this stage, hyperpigmentation is also common, which can cause darkening of the areolas, perineum, navel, armpits, inner thighs, linea alba, freckles, and recent scars.

This hyperpigmentation can also be visible on the face, causing uncomfortable and unsightly map-shaped dark spots that appear on areas exposed to the sun: forehead, cheeks and upper lip. "Normally, they disappear after childbirth, but it is very important to let your pharmacist advise you for the choice of a correct photoprotector, especially if the pregnancy coincides with the summer," says Ortega.

Furthermore, during pregnancy the skin is more sensitive and reactive, it dehydrates easily and may present itching or gestational pruritus and may even stop tolerating the usual cosmetics.

On the other hand, the increase in weight and volume can condition the appearance of stretch marks, varicose veins or hemorrhoids and also cause heaviness and swelling of the legs, feet and ankles.

"The truth is that all the alterations mentioned above are resolved in most cases at the end of the pregnancy", adds the pharmacist.

SO, IS IT SAFE TO USE COSMETICS DURING PREGNANCY?

"In general, cosmetics have little percutaneous penetration and are very unlikely to affect the fetus, since, by definition, cosmetics act on the most superficial layers of the skin and most of the time their application is safe for both both for the mother and for the baby," explains Ortega. However, "it's very important that we know that there are cosmetics that should be avoided," she clarifies.

"And remember, always ask your trusted pharmacist, an expert in Dermopharmacy. We will help you and answer any questions about the care and health of your skin," he concludes.

Because we all need health... ConSalud.es