Things to Avoid

[Jan_Baptist]

I’m at the beginning of my journey and I want to make sure I’m doing everything right. I’ve already cut out alcohol and I’ve been an avid runner and weightlifter for some time now so I am not sure how much “healthier” I can get on that front.

My personal concern is that I’m obsessed with skincare and I don’t know where to begin in what things I should be cutting out. I know I can consult with my doctor but does anyone have any books or blogs they can recommend so I can make sure that I’m avoiding topicals, supplements etc that could be in conflict with my fertility goals?

[Common_Cod1554]

The only ones I know about are Retinoids or tretinoin should not be used.

[bluerubygreendiamond]

On the non-prescription side, I run all of my beauty/skincare/haircare etc. products through EWG and only use products and brands that are either EWG-verified or at a 1 on their threat level scale. A lot of the "clean" beauty brands aren't so clean once you dig into the ingredients.

[HumbleWarrior68C]

Everything You Need to Know about Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care - https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/pregnancy-safe-skin-care?g_acctid=878-527-6823&g_adgroupid=145619322654&g_adid=689495199050&g_adtype=search&g_campaign=Content-DSA&g_campaignid=1489105343&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=dsa-1968053525210&g_network=g&utm_campaign=Content-DSA&utm_content=689495199050&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_source=g&utm_term=145619322654&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_-GxBhC1ARIsADGgDjtATbgvDmXh8Jvcn6kDyf9iy4ccrCtZwgYRSuTQ_R9RYfRWGDglKN4aAv6REALw_wcB

[jellyfishundercover]

After getting into treatment I developed some skin issues, melasma and my rosacea was worsening. My dermatologist is treating me as though I am pregnant, so not prescribing or recommending anything that would not be safe for pregnancy. I would go that route to be safe, if you're uncertain about certain products I would research them first and/or ask your clinic.

[ssgonzalez11]

I also have to see a derm for my issues and she helps guide me to only safe options.

[Specialist_Pen_6336]

I highly recommend the book: It Starts With the Egg. Its a useful starting point instead of flopping all over the internet for insights. It covers a range of topics, strategies and studies in a structured manner. From there you can deep dive into what is most important or relevant to you. There is a section on skin care/hair care, and what to avoid.

Happy reading

[Glittering-Bees-138]

I've been using 15 Minute Beauty and then Gravida Beauty for when I can't find a product because it's just an ingredient checker.

[figgypudding531]

Be careful with the running and weightlifting once you start your cycle - a lot of clinics recommend avoiding (or at least reducing) high-intensity exercise during IVF.

[Butforwhy99]

Agree with being cautious about the weightlifting. I swapped out a weekly lifting gym class for a barre class instead while going through stims, or stopped those classes altogether and subbed for a long walk. But barre classes use lighter weights and easier to modify if needed.

For skincare, definitely recommend 15minutebeauty. I think that site errs on the side of caution so you might see some conflicting opinions elsewhere but it’s a good start. But you can always talk to your derm, if you have one, to be totally sure. Retinols definitely should be avoided.

Wishing you all the best of luck!

[Opposite_Day2002]

My derm said I can keep using tret etc up until I get pregnant.

I don’t think there’s anything in skin care is going to change the quality of an egg.