PREGNANCY: WHAT COSMETICS CAN BE USED
What cosmetics can be used and what cosmetics should be avoided. Is it possible to dye your hair during pregnancy and do makeup
INNA CODRU , OCTOBER 24, 2021
We're sure you know the basic pregnancy do's and don'ts: you cut out wine at dinner, you check with your doctor before taking any medication, you said sayonara to your sushi - but when it comes to skincare ingredients and makeup, you're probably having some trouble. We don't blame you. Ingredient lists can be complex, so we've done the research and made it easy for you.
WHAT INGREDIENTS IN COSMETICS SHOULD YOU AVOID?
1. Retinol is a substance based on vitamin A, which is found in anti-aging cosmetics and is designed to fight the first expression lines. Retinol itself is not dangerous, but its high concentration can harm the baby and therefore it is worth abandoning creams that include retinol, retinoic acid or any other retinoic compounds. In the event that they are at the beginning of the composition.
2. Salicylic acid is quite common in tonics and lotions for oily skin. This substance has an antiseptic effect and helps to get rid of dying cells. But for the developing organism, it is harmful, so we recommend that you exclude products where salicylic acid or beta-hydroxylic acid is indicated on the label.
3. Essential oils. As for natural essential oils, it is advisable to refrain from using them in their pure form, but as part of a cosmetic care product, they do not pose a danger if they are closer to the end of the composition.
4. Perfumes. Do not use products with fragrances - strong odors can cause nausea and dizziness, cause allergies.
5. Hydroquinone. Stay away from bleach and self-tanning products, which most often contain hydroquinone. Any external intervention in the skin can adversely affect the baby and his health.
6. Triclosan - this antibacterial component is added to cosmetics and toothpastes. So read the ingredients carefully. This ingredient, in principle, is not safe, it can cause pathologies in the development of the baby.
7.Aluminum chloride hexahydrate. This component is most often found in deodorants familiar to us. For pregnant women, it is dangerous, and, in principle, it should be avoided. So try to choose natural crystal deodorants, we will talk about them below.
8. Diethanolamine (DEA). This ingredient is often found in hair and body products; stay away from diethanolamine, oleamide, lauramide, and cocamide.
WHAT OTHER MEANS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY?
Now about cosmetics that are best avoided during pregnancy:
1. Nail polishes, acetone-containing products. Unfortunately, varnishes contain toxic formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates. These substances are dangerous in principle, and for pregnant women they should definitely be excluded, or safe alternatives should be used.
2. Permanent hair dyes. So far, there are no reliable studies confirming the negative effect of hair dyes on pregnant women. There are different opinions - it is possible or not to dye the hair of pregnant women. For safety reasons, we recommend to refrain, because the chemical composition of such paints leaves much to be desired.
3. Means for tanning. As we wrote above, they contain hazardous substances that can adversely affect the health of the child. When using the product, be sure to study the composition.
4. Anti-acne products. Medicines may contain antibiotics, isotretinoin, tretinoin, which should be absolutely excluded, as they negatively affect the development of the fetus. Again, when choosing, look at the composition for the absence of such ingredients.
5. Persistent perfume. Often contain phthalates, although manufacturers like to remain silent about this. Unsafe for the development of the baby, so it is better to refuse persistent perfume during pregnancy.
WHAT COSMETICS CAN PREGNANT WOMEN USE?
Now let's talk about what you can use in this delicate and important period.
During pregnancy, you should choose hypoallergenic options from pharmacy, bio or organic brands. They usually have quality ingredients and neutral formulations. The mass market often sins with cheap and dubious preservatives, and professional products are saturated with active ingredients, which is absolutely useless for expectant mothers. Be sure to read the ingredients carefully before buying.
Also for face and body care during pregnancy, children's cosmetics are suitable - they are the most gentle, hypoallergenic and safe.
MAKEUP DURING PREGNANCY
Can I wear makeup during pregnancy? This is a question that interests many expectant mothers. It is worth remembering that during this period the skin is prone to allergies, dermatitis, acne and age spots. If there is no individual reaction, then you can use cosmetics for pregnant women, but make sure that there is a corresponding mark on the package - “Hypoallergenic”. Instead of lipstick, you should use a light lip gloss, pay attention to the composition and use only high-quality components. It is not recommended to use foundation creams, as they clog pores and the skin does not breathe.
When undergoing cosmetic procedures, in particular acid peels, it is worth remembering that all acids are different, they have a different molecule in size and their penetration depth also varies greatly. For example, glycolic and pyruvic - the owners of the smallest molecule - are very active and penetrate deeply. And mandelic and lactic acids with their large molecules work gently in the upper layer. So if you still decide to do peeling during pregnancy, it is better to opt for milk and almond. And, of course, use only products with a minimum concentration of 5-15%. There can be no talk of any median peels.
Also, doctors do not welcome aromatherapy sessions, laser resurfacing and wraps using especially active components. Hardware massage and procedures are contraindicated. It is worth consulting with a doctor when massaging the legs, cleansing the face, or applying special masks on the chest. Gentle wraps and massages of a relaxing, decongestant, nourishing and moisturizing nature will be useful during pregnancy.
If you suddenly find these components in the tools you are already using, do not panic too much. Just stop using this tool and pick up a new one. Choose the most gentle cosmetics with natural ingredients. Be beautiful, and we, in turn, sincerely wish health to you and your baby!