F or many, pregnancy is synonymous with physical changes but also changes in lifestyle and consumption habits. Health professionals advise against certain activities and products that could harm your baby's development. If not drinking, not smoking or not eating raw fish are well known to all, what about the cosmetic products you used to use?
Why avoid certain products?
Most cosmetic products are composed of ingredients that the WHO describes as endocrine disruptors. These ingredients act on your body's hormonal regulation. This hormonal system plays a very important role during pregnancy. For example, progesterone is essential for the proper implantation of the egg, estrogen for the development of the fetus and prolactin helps prepare the mammary gland for breastfeeding. These hormones can be compromised by the components of certain cosmetic products.
In the long term, the consequences can be multiple: problems with the baby's development (cranial perimeter, weight below the norm) but also malformations and increased risks of illness.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the composition of the products you use, ingest and inhale during your pregnancy. Indeed, even if the mother's skin acts as a barrier, some products have the power to cross this layer and end up in the bloodstream of the mother and reach the fetus.
Pay attention to the composition!
Several ingredients present in cosmetic products should be banned due to the associated risks.
Essential oils should be avoided especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy due to their toxicity. The most dangerous are those that contain ketones because they are called "neurotoxic" and can cause spontaneous abortion. The use of essential oils during pregnancy should therefore be avoided! However, you can use very low-dose products (less than 3%) as long as you do not apply them to certain areas, especially the stomach and chest.
Phthalates in synthetic fragrances and nail polish are known to be dangerous because of their effects on the reproductive development of male babies in utero. If you can, limit your use of these substances.
Parabens (Butylparaben and Propylparaben) contained in certain skin products should also be avoided during pregnancy. Not only are they allergenic for the pregnant mother, they also interact with the mother's estrogen and can cause growth retardation in the baby or, later, childhood obesity.
BHA and BHT, respectively Butyl Hydroxyanisole and Butyl Hydroxytoluene, used in cosmetics for their antioxidant properties are also part of this category of endocrine disruptors not recommended during pregnancy. Like parabens, they interact with the mother's hormonal system and can be allergenic.
Vitamin A, present in some cosmetics such as anti-acne and anti-wrinkle creams in the form of retinoic acid, is also considered unsuitable during pregnancy. Although the toxicity of applying vitamin A to the skin is lower than that of ingesting it, which is teratogenic, its application is still not recommended. It can still cause developmental delays and malformations in babies.
How to apply makeup?
During pregnancy, it is not recommended to use products containing the ingredients listed above. This does not mean that you cannot wear makeup!
You can bet on more natural and organic cosmetics while carefully checking the content of the products purchased. Favor the labels "cosmebio" and "ecocert", the only proof that the products are more than 95% of natural origin. Thus, to replace foundation, nothing better than rice powder. For lipstick, some brands rely on 100% natural components (shea butter, jojoba oil) which prevent the ingestion of phthalates. You can therefore continue to wear makeup without putting your baby in danger.
As for nail polish, it should only be used exceptionally due to its composition (phthalates, ammonia, formaldehyde) but you can continue to take care of your hands with scrubs or moisturizing creams to feel beautiful right down to your fingertips.
What about personal hygiene care?
For deodorant, it is best to use a deodorant without aluminum chlorohydrate salt, without perfume and without alcohol. Indeed, the skin is photosensitive during pregnancy, it is necessary to avoid the use of products that could promote the appearance of spots known as "pregnancy mask". This can be an opportunity to try solid deodorants based on alum stone.
For shower gel, you can choose superfatted soaps which help combat dry skin while being paraben-free.
When it comes to toothpaste, avoid triclosan and triclocarbon, two antibacterials known to have harmful effects on the fetus. Opt for organic brands and substances based on plants and natural components.
You can also make some hygiene products yourself thanks to tutorials. This is a fun activity that allows you to be in control of the composition of the products you use while having a good time.
We hope that these few explanations and tips concerning the relationship between cosmetics and pregnancy have helped you see things more clearly. If you have other tips, do not hesitate to send them to us by email: contact.neuviemeciel@gmail.com