News
Why Pregnant Women Must Shun Multiple Skin Products – Doctors
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 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
News
Christian Genocide: Regha Reveals Why Trump Called Nigeria ‘Disgraced Country’
Popular social media commentator, Daniel Regha has suggested why the US President Donald Trump called Nigeria a “disgraceful country”.
Recalls that Trump had, in a statement on Saturday, warned that if the Nigerian government failed to tackle the alleged genocide against Christians, the US would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to the West African country.
The US leader also warned that his nation may very well go into Nigeria, which he labelled “that now disgraced country”, to wipe out the terrorists allegedly perpetrating the religious persecution.
READ ALSO:Kwankwaso Sends Message To Trump After US Invasion Threat
Reacting, Regha, in a post on his official X account on Sunday, claimed that Nigeria is a “disgraced country” today as a result of bad leadership from all regions.
According to him, corruption is found in every state, and all ethnicities are involved.
“Nigeria is a “Disgraced country” today as a result of bad leadership from all regions. Corruption is found in every state and local govt; And all ethnicities are involved,” Regha wrote.
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“From Hausa to Igbo to Yoruba to Urhobo, and others. Past administrations failed, and Tinubu’s administration is failing cos the leaders who are representing different tribes and constituencies aren’t speaking up.
“State govts are equally acting nonchalantly by not solving regional problems, but instead playing politics. Before u shift the blame, remember that the State House of Assembly has your people in there, and State governance is by indigene.”
News
Kwankwaso Sends Message To Trump After US Invasion Threat
The leader of Kwankwasiyya and former Presidential candidate, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has expressed concern over recent comments by US President, Donald Trump about Nigeria.
President Donald Trump had described the country as a country of particular concern.
Kwankwaso who took to his Facebook page on Sunday wrote: “I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern.’”
He stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation facing security challenges caused by outlaws, not by religion or ethnicity.
READ ALSO:Ex-US Mayor, Sultan Clash Over Alleged Christian Genocide
“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged the United States to support Nigeria with modern technology to fight insecurity instead of issuing threats.
“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he added.
READ ALSO:Christian Genocide’: Trump Designates Nigeria As Country Of Particular Concern
He also called on the Nigerian government to engage with the US diplomatically.
“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage,” he said.
Senator Kwankwaso appealed to Nigerians to remain united, saying, “To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria.”
News
5 Pro Tips On How To Become A Good Writer
Writing is one skill that cuts across every profession. Whether you are in civil service, journalism, business, or even tech, you can’t escape the need to write.
Contents
1. Write, Write, Write!
2. Embrace Writing Tools
3. Learn from Experts
4. Read voraciously
5. Get Feedback, Don’t Fear Criticism
From emails to reports, social media posts to full-length books, your ability to communicate clearly can set you apart.
Writing is not a talent reserved for a few gifted people; it’s a skill like any other that can be learnt, practiced, and mastered over time.
In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five ways to become a better writer :
1. Write, Write, Write!
The best way to become a better writer is simply to write more. It sounds obvious, but many people spend more time worrying about writing than actually doing it.
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Don’t just wait for the right moment, create it. Set aside time daily or weekly to write, even if it’s just a page.
Keep a journal, write short stories, or start a blog. Even a few paragraphs a day make a huge difference. Consistent writing helps you find your voice and refine it with time.
2. Embrace Writing Tools
Technology has made it easier to polish your writing. From grammar checkers to distraction-free apps, these tools reduce errors and improve flow.
Tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Quillbot can help tidy up your sentences. Apps like Scrivener or Ulysses can keep longer projects organised.
3. Learn from Experts
No one becomes a master alone. Signing up for writing courses, webinars, or workshops connects you to experts who can sharpen your craft.
Online platforms now offer lessons in copywriting, creative writing, grammar, storytelling, and editing.
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4. Read voraciously
Great writers are voracious readers. Reading fuels your creativity, sharpens your vocabulary, and exposes you to different writing styles.
If there’s a specific area of writing you want to specialise in, study the works of experienced writers in that field. Read their books, articles, and resources, and learn from their style and approach. When you engage with the works of others, you tend to easily gain insight into effective techniques and common pitfalls to avoid. And don’t restrict yourself to a particular niche; expand your reading to different authors, cultures, and genres.
5. Get Feedback, Don’t Fear Criticism
One of the fastest ways to grow as a writer is to regularly seek feedback. No matter the kind of writing you do, having others review your work helps you see how your words are received beyond your own perspective.
Share your drafts with trusted friends, colleagues, mentors, or even family members. Their proofreading, corrections, and honest criticism can point out blind spots and give you fresh ideas for improvement.
(TRIBUNE)
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