During pregnancy, many things need to be avoided to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. This includes being cautious with cosmetics, as they contain various ingredients that can be harmful and should not be used.
Let’s find out the cosmetic ingredients that pregnant women should avoid!
1 Cosmetic ingredients that should not be used during pregnancy
Retinol
is a widely used compound in skincare that has notable benefits in protecting the skin against aging. However, pregnant women should avoid using cosmetics containing retinol or retinoids as they can increase the risk of birth defects.
Pregnant women should not use Retinol
Parabens and Phthalates
are commonly found in products such as moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, and cosmetics. They act as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, but phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system. Pregnant women should avoid using products containing these two ingredients as they can potentially harm the fetus.
Pregnant women should not use Parabens and Phthalates
Chemical sunscreens
Some sunscreens contain harmful ingredients for both the mother and the baby, such as , avobenzone, octinoxate, methyl anthranilate,… These ingredients can affect hormone levels in the body and potentially lead to neurological disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obesity in children.
Therefore, it is best for pregnant women to choose physical sunscreens with natural ingredients that are recommended for use during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should not use chemical sunscreens
Hydroquinone
is present in many skin whitening and dark spot reducing products. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hydroquinone has certain impacts on the developing fetus and pregnant women should avoid cosmetics containing this ingredient.
Pregnant women should not use Hydroquinone
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to increased acne breakouts. However, using products with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can have negative effects on the fetus. It is best to avoid using these ingredients without the recommendation of a doctor.
Alternatively, products containing can be effective in treating acne without causing harm to the baby.
Pregnant women should not use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid
2 A safe cosmetics for pregnant women
Dry skin
When pregnant women experience dry skin, apart from staying hydrated, they can use natural ingredient-based moisturizers such as cocoa butter, shea butter, and aloe vera to improve hydration and keep the skin soft and safe.
Acne and pigmentation
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), glycolic acid and lactic acid are safe to use in treating acne during pregnancy. However, it is always best to consult with a doctor to ensure absolute safety!
Safe ingredients for pregnant women
Sun protection
As mentioned, pregnant women should only use physical sunscreens. In particular, physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are both safe and effective. It is recommended to choose broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Anti-aging
Safe anti-aging ingredients for the skin include vitamin C, collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides, green tea extract,… They help brighten the skin and increase collagen production for a plump and youthful complexion.
The above are some information about cosmetic ingredients to avoid during pregnancy to ensure the safety of the fetus. Hopefully, this information will be helpful to you in protecting and caring for your baby!
Source: Health & Life Newspaper
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