Best Face Forward: Safe Beauty Products for Pregnancy and Nursing

Reviewed by Beth Iovinelli in March 2010

Back 1  2 3 4 Next

Wondering if you should shelve your favorite beauty products now that you're pregnant or nursing? Find out what's safe to use and what's not from our resident expert.

From the moment most women discover they are pregnant, they are acutely aware of everything they put into and onto their bodies—including products used in the pursuit of beauty. The skin can absorb these products which can then enter the bloodstream. And while some products are not safe to use in pregnancy, the good news is there are plenty of alternatives and plenty of products that are safe to use. Below is a list of the most common products women have questions about.

Sunless Tanning Lotion

With skin cancer on the rise, it is best to skip the tanning bed and sitting in the sun. Using a sunless tanning lotion is becoming more popular and is the safest alternative for achieving a healthy glow. These lotions and sprays stay mostly on the surface of the skin with only minimal absorption, which makes them safe for you to use during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens are definitely safe and in order when spending time outdoors. Always wear a hat, sunglasses, and drink plenty of water. It's best to avoid the 10AM to 4PM time period when ultraviolet rays are the strongest. And here's an important tip: Make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.