Alternatives to Hydroquinone while pregnant

Alternatives to Hydroquinone while pregnant or breast-feeding

The safety of Hydroquinone is questionable for the average Babe looking to get rid of discoloration from too much time at the beach. And for a pregnant or nursing Hot Mama, stay clear! Hydroquinone is classified as Category C for pregnancy by the FDA meaning that it’s use may cause harm to the fetus in the form of malformations. The company who manufactures the drug does not recommend its use for pregnant or lactating women. Hydroquinone is used in many topical creams to correct or reduce hyper-pigmentation and brown spots on the face. Obaji, Guinot, DDF, Reviva, and many other popular brands of face cream offer skin lightening creams with Hydroquinone as one of it’s ingredients. If you are pregnant or nursing, check your bathroom cabinets pronto! Read the ingredient list of any product that is used for lightening the skin and check for Hydroquinone.

Unfortunately, hyper-pigmentation is even more common in pregnant hotties and can take the form of melasma or “pregnancy mask”. Never fret, Hot Mamas, I have composed a list of safe and effective alternatives to Hydroquinone.

First, use sun block with an SPF of at least 30! Daily application of sun block will prevent both pre-mature aging (a curse word!) and lower the odds developing melasma.

Second, look for products containing Kojic Acid or Azelaic Acid. Both of these substances are effective, safe, and more natural. Two products that I recommend to my Hot Mamas are DDF Intensive Holistic Lightener and Donnel Super Skin Lightening Gel. Both of these products contain Kojic Acid and Azelic Acid and are Hydorquinone free.

Third, apply a topical vitamin C product which helps suppress pigment. Skinceuticals Phytocorrective Gel is a good choice.

As a last resort, once you have your baby and are finished nursing, have a dermatologist do a chemical peel. It will take that melasma or other brown spots right off!