5 Beauty Products to Stay Away from during Pregnancy
Obie Editorial Team
Is your daily beauty regime safe for your baby during pregnancy? While your pregnancy glow is the most beautiful makeup of all to wear during these months, you may not want to quit your skin and hair care routine altogether. What products though pose a health risk to a pregnant woman’s fetus?
Hairspray
Hairspray contains phthalates, which are chemicals that have been shown to adversely affect fetuses and are being removed from many beauty products over health concerns. Phthalates have been linked to asthma and allergies in children and may affect the way hormones are distributed. Because it is easy to inhale, it’s best to ditch the hairspray while pregnant and switch to a wax or mousse.
Nail Polish
Nail polish also contains phthalates, so if you are a once a week mani and pedi kind of girl, you may want to cut back while pregnant. Not only are you exposing your skin to the chemical, but you are also inhaling fumes during those visits to the salon. Small doses should be fine though, so feel free to break out the polish bottles for a special occasion.
Certain Sunscreens
Some sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to your baby, so double check the ingredients list. Oxybenzone, for example, is known to penetrate skin and enter the bloodstream. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally considered safe though, so feel free to slather up with those -- protecting your skin is still important!
Reduce Acne Creams
Pimple creams containing salicylic acid are generally accepted to be safe in small, topical usages, but avoid oversaturation like using a peel, body wash, and face wash containing salicylic acid as well. Discontinue using prescription pimple creams until you have talked to your doctor, as they may contain isotretinoin or tretinoin, which are dangerous in pregnancy. Instead, opt for gentle cleansings and tea tree oil for breakout treatments.
Bleaches and Dyes
Hair dyes, skin and tooth bleach, lightening creams, tanners, and generally any color-altering creams and sprays like these may cause harm to a fetus after prolonged exposure. Many women choose to shy away from slathering harsh chemicals on their bodies while pregnant, and doctors recommend this course of action.
There are many chemicals in your beauty products, and not all have been proven safe for pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor what household chemicals and beauty products are unsafe for pregnant women and err on the safe side by simplifying your beauty regimen. Opt for organic alternatives, which are chemical-free, to insure that you are doing everything you can to limit your baby’s exposure to untested chemicals. If you’re about to become pregnant or already are, it’s time to start considering what you put into and on your body and how those products may affect your unborn child.
Sources:
Hairspray
Hairspray contains phthalates, which are chemicals that have been shown to adversely affect fetuses and are being removed from many beauty products over health concerns. Phthalates have been linked to asthma and allergies in children and may affect the way hormones are distributed. Because it is easy to inhale, it’s best to ditch the hairspray while pregnant and switch to a wax or mousse.
Nail Polish
Nail polish also contains phthalates, so if you are a once a week mani and pedi kind of girl, you may want to cut back while pregnant. Not only are you exposing your skin to the chemical, but you are also inhaling fumes during those visits to the salon. Small doses should be fine though, so feel free to break out the polish bottles for a special occasion.
Certain Sunscreens
Some sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to your baby, so double check the ingredients list. Oxybenzone, for example, is known to penetrate skin and enter the bloodstream. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally considered safe though, so feel free to slather up with those -- protecting your skin is still important!
Reduce Acne Creams
Pimple creams containing salicylic acid are generally accepted to be safe in small, topical usages, but avoid oversaturation like using a peel, body wash, and face wash containing salicylic acid as well. Discontinue using prescription pimple creams until you have talked to your doctor, as they may contain isotretinoin or tretinoin, which are dangerous in pregnancy. Instead, opt for gentle cleansings and tea tree oil for breakout treatments.
Bleaches and Dyes
Hair dyes, skin and tooth bleach, lightening creams, tanners, and generally any color-altering creams and sprays like these may cause harm to a fetus after prolonged exposure. Many women choose to shy away from slathering harsh chemicals on their bodies while pregnant, and doctors recommend this course of action.
There are many chemicals in your beauty products, and not all have been proven safe for pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor what household chemicals and beauty products are unsafe for pregnant women and err on the safe side by simplifying your beauty regimen. Opt for organic alternatives, which are chemical-free, to insure that you are doing everything you can to limit your baby’s exposure to untested chemicals. If you’re about to become pregnant or already are, it’s time to start considering what you put into and on your body and how those products may affect your unborn child.
Sources:
