Gynaecologists and dermatologists have warned expectant mothers to exercise caution in the use of skincare products during pregnancy, stressing that substances applied to the skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially harm the developing fetus.
The experts agreed that while beauty and self-care are important, they must never come at the cost of a baby’s safety.
Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise, the specialists stressed that expectant mothers should prioritise the health of their unborn children above cosmetic concerns and consult their healthcare providers whenever they are in doubt about any product.
Dr Akinsola Akinde
A consultant gynaecologist, Dr. Akinsola Akinde, cautioned that many cosmetic and skincare products in the market contain heavy metals and other chemical agents that may be unsafe during pregnancy.
Akinde, a former Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, explained that when such substances are applied to the skin, they are not merely superficial but can penetrate the skin barrier and enter the general body system, a process known as transdermal absorption.
The maternal health expert noted that certain heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, as well as bleaching agents like hydroxyquinolones, could cause grave complications if used during pregnancy.
According to him, the risks are particularly high in the early stages of pregnancy when the major organs of the fetus are being formed.
The physician said exposure to these harmful substances could result in severe malformations and, in some cases, lead to miscarriage if the damage is extensive enough to cause fetal demise.
“Pregnant women need to understand that skincare is not without consequences. If any of these toxic substances get absorbed in sufficient quantities, they can reach the unborn child and interfere with its development,” he warned.
The gynaecologist advised that any skincare products containing heavy metals or bleaching agents should be completely avoided during pregnancy.
Instead, he recommended simple and natural alternatives such as petroleum jelly, olive oil, or coconut oil, which he described as safe, gentle, and non-harmful to both mother and baby.
He added, “Expectant mothers should take care that any skincare products they use while pregnant do not contain any chemicals that may be harmful to the developing fetus. Even when the ingredients look harmless, it is better to err on the side of caution.”
Akinde also observed that skin changes are common during pregnancy, with many women experiencing conditions such as hyperpigmentation and acne.
He explained that these are usually temporary and tend to resolve after childbirth, and urged women not to resort to aggressive cosmetic treatments that might endanger their babies.
“Pregnancy is a season of change, and some of those changes, especially on the skin, will fade on their own after delivery. That is a small price to pay for the honour of bringing a new life into the world,” he added.
Similarly, a dermatologist at a Lagos hospital, Dr. Abiola Oduyemi, stressed that many women often underestimate the risks associated with everyday skincare products during pregnancy.
She noted that pregnant women are naturally more vulnerable because of the physiological changes their bodies undergo, which can make them more susceptible to the adverse effects of chemicals absorbed through the skin.
Oduyemi explained that the hormonal shifts of pregnancy not only change how the skin reacts to external products but can also alter the body’s detoxification mechanisms.
The skin care specialist warned that certain products, especially those marketed for skin-lightening, anti-ageing, or acne treatment, may contain strong active agents such as retinoids, salicylic acid, and steroids, which can have teratogenic effects and can interfere with normal fetal development.
“Because the skin is the largest organ of the body, anything you apply on it can find its way into your bloodstream. And when you are pregnant, your body becomes a shared system with your baby. So if you absorb it, your baby is also likely absorbing it,” she said.
She further highlighted that many pregnant women tend to use multiple cosmetic products at the same time without checking the ingredient labels or consulting their doctors.
According to her, the cumulative effect of using several products could result in high chemical exposure over time, which increases the risk of harming the unborn child.
The specialist also expressed concern about the lack of regulation and oversight in the cosmetics market, noting that many skincare products sold in open markets and online platforms do not meet safety standards.
She called on regulatory authorities such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter controls to protect vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women.
She advised pregnant women to seek professional guidance before introducing any new skincare product during pregnancy and urged them to embrace simpler routines.
She stated, “It is safer to keep skincare minimal during pregnancy — moisturisers, mild soaps, and natural oils are usually enough. You can return to your normal regimen after delivery when your baby is no longer directly exposed to what you use.”
Source: PUNCH
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