Is it safe to use topical creams during pregnancy?

Q: I am a 29 years old female into my 6th month of pregnancy. Are topical creams safe during pregnancy? Can I use cosmetics with vitamin A, witch hazel, benzophenone-3 (in a sunscreen)? Can I use muscle relaxant with diclophenic analgesic?

A:Minute quantities of active ingredients of creams and ointments (such as vitamin A) are absorbed into the system. Hence it is always better to avoid them during pregnancy. The same happens with diclofenac though the quantity absorbed is not very high. Muscle relaxant may also contain other active ingredients which need to be taken into consideration while being taken during pregnancy.