During pregnancy it's very natural to worry about little things in life because your health directly affects the baby developing inside your womb. You should be cautious while using cosmetics and beauty care products containing chemicals that might harm your baby in different ways. Even though the cosmetics could be safe on a normal female but the chemicals might have dangerous side effects on a pregnant woman.
What are the Beauty Products that Should be Avoided During Pregnancy
The chemicals contained in creams, lotions and shampoos show gradual effects that become evident in the long run. Thus, you might not experience the side effects immediately and continue using skin care products, that will hamper growth of your baby as well as pose threat to your internal health status. One such product is Accutane, a key ingredient of acne creams, that causes birth defects in the baby. This should be avoided under all circumstances by a pregnant woman. Check out the list of beauty products to avoid during pregnancy.
Retinol Creams
Retinoid is a strong agent found in anti-aging creams and moisturizers. Retinoids are also found in acne creams that are generally not safe during pregnancy. Retinol is actually a precursor of vitamin A, that helps in cell growth and regeneration. Skin care products containing retinoids affect the health of an unborn child. The effects are fairly severe if expecting moms are exposed to oral retinoids like isotretinoin. It can cause birth defects in a baby.
Paraben Lotions
Paraben is added as preservative to a wide range of beauty care products. It protects bacterial, fungal and mold growth on creams, shampoos, sunscreens, astringents and different types of body lotions. Paraben during pregnancy is not safe as it causes disruption in reproductive hormones. One such product is methyl paraben that leads to disruption in secretion of endocrine hormones. It affects the levels of estrogen hormone, thereby causing health complications during pregnancy. Instead you can use paraben free cosmetics.
Acetone/Alcoholic Removers
While performing pedicures and manicures, extensive use of stain removers and alcoholic cleansers is common practice. Nail paint removers contain acetone and ethanol that release fumes when used. These fumes, when inhaled by expecting mothers, can affect development of fetus. Although safe on women, their harmful effects are directed to the baby. Therefore, while undergoing any type of body care session, make sure you get it done in a well ventilated room and cover your nose and mouth for sometime so that the fumes are not inhaled by you.
Soy Products
Face packs and facial masks containing soy as a key ingredient might cause trouble to your skin. The side effects are caused due to oil of bergamot, and it gives rise to dark patches on skin. Women suffering from melasma should avoid soy products as it deteriorates the condition of skin, causing it to tan more. Furthermore, soy has estrogenic effects that are not really recommended during pregnancy.
Other Products
There are many more products that are harmful during pregnancy. Phthalate and dibutyl phthalate are present in nail polishes, hair removing lotions, deodorants, body sprays, etc. Phthalates when absorbed by body also hamper fetal growth. Cosmetics containing lead, 1,4 dioxane, hydrocortisone and benzoyl peroxide can cause potential threat to fetus by causing birth defects and toxicity. Lead is easily permeable through the placenta and hampers normal functioning of fetal brain. These chemicals are active ingredients of topical creams, lipsticks, acne products, etc.
The next time you purchase cosmetics for yourself, make sure that they are free from the chemicals mentioned in the aforementioned content. It's suggested not to change beauty products frequently as your skin gets suited to the specific types of ingredients present in the product. Use products that are FDA approved for pregnant women.
