Is it Safe to Use Beauty Products for Pregnant Women

Even though you're pregnant, there are no restrictions for pregnant women to still look beautiful. However, when using beauty products must be more careful and pay attention to the ingredients contained in them. There are several ingredients that need to be avoided during pregnancy so as not to endanger the condition of the fetus in the womb When you are pregnant, anything that enters your body can affect the developing fetus. Likewise with the use of beauty products that you use. Every beauty product smeared on your skin has the potential to be absorbed into the bloodstream and may also cross the placenta. It is important for pregnant women to know which beauty products to avoid during pregnancy. Let's find out whether the beauty products you are using are safe or not.

Teeth Whitening

Peroxide is the active ingredient contained in teeth whitening. Although safe to use, but not yet known whether these substances affect the fetus during pregnancy. For this reason, during pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid teeth whitening. You can choose whitening toothpaste as a safer alternative. The most important thing is still brushing your teeth and checking your teeth regularly to the dentist.

Sunscreen

Even though you are pregnant, you need to get protection from UV rays by using sunscreens that have a minimum SPF of 30. Unfortunately not all sunscreens are safe for use by pregnant women. Because the substances contained in it can enter the bloodstream and affect the condition of the fetus. Sunscreen products that need to be avoided include those that contain oxybenzone, because it might affect a baby's low weight. In addition, other ingredients such as octocrylene, homoalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which can trigger irritation and allergies, especially on sensitive skin. To be safer, you can use a hat when in the sun and limit exposure to sunlight between 10 am to 4 pm, because ultraviolet rays are very high at this time.

Acne Treatment Products

Most pregnant women experience growing pimples in the first trimester of pregnancy, due to changes in estrogen levels or hormonal fluctuations. Avoid using products for acne that contain isotretinoin, tretinoin and tetracycline, as they are dangerous during pregnancy and can cause birth defects. Retinoids or also known as tretinoin are usually also found in some antiaging moisturizers and various acne treatments. This is a vitamin A derivative compound to accelerate skin regeneration and prevent collagen damage to the skin. To help reduce acne, use facial cleansing products that contain no more than 2% salicylic acid. This amount is still considered safe for pregnant women. However, it is advisable to consult first with your doctor, before using any treatment, so as not to endanger the pregnancy and the fetus.

Perfume

Although the use of perfume is safe during pregnancy, but there are some things that need to be aware of by pregnant women. It's better to avoid perfume that contains phthalate. Although it does not yet have clear clinical evidence, but the material that helps maintain the fragrance lasts longer, it is known that it may interfere with the fetus in the womb. The use of perfume should be limited while pregnant. In addition, perfume also has the possibility of triggering olfactory sensitivity, headaches, nausea and vomiting. As an alternative, pregnant women can take advantage of a few drops of essential oil to improve mood.

Shampoo

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), is one of the ingredients contained in shampoo and is often associated with birth defects if used by pregnant women. Other ingredients that are commonly contained such as parabens, synthetic fragrances, phthalates and preservatives of methylisothiazolinone, are likely to affect the fetus in the womb. Unfortunately, almost all shampoos contain these chemicals. It is recommended for pregnant women not to wash their hair too often. Just do it once a week. When using conditioner, just apply to the ends of the hair not to the roots of the hair. Or, you can also use natural hair masks made from yogurt and eggs.

Make up

For those of you who are accustomed to using makeup, you should start paying attention to the ingredients contained during pregnancy. Similar to acne treatment products, you should avoid make up or make up with retinoic acid or salicylic content. If you need makeup during pregnancy, choose one that has a noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic label that is an oil-free material and does not clog pores. This product is considered safe for your fetus. To be safer, you can use makeup with mineral ingredients.

Lipstick

Various lipstick brands contain metal materials such as cadmium, aluminum, cobalt, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, and nickel. When lipstick is used on the lips, the ingredients contained in it at risk of being absorbed into the skin, even swallowed while eating and drinking. Lead in lipstick used by pregnant women can cause poisoning to the fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage. This risk increases as more and more often is exposed to the material, which is feared could endanger the development of the baby's brain,

kidneys and nervous system

We recommend that pregnant women choose lipstick by reading the contents first. Also, limit excessive use of lipstick during pregnancy.

Nails and Hairspray

Risk of nail polish or nail polish along with hairspray, which contains phthalate. This material is likely to cause birth defects in babies. Although research remains to be done regarding this matter. We recommend using nail polish without phthalate content and avoiding enclosed spaces when using nail polish. Then as an alternative to using hairspray, you can use mousse or hair gel. For pregnant women, before using beauty products you should always read the label to find out the ingredients contained in it. If you currently use products that contain dangerous ingredients, don't panic. Most of the cosmetic ingredients contain ingredients above are not in large quantities, to cause many problems, but given its potential, it would be better if avoided. For the time being, stop using the product first and replace it with a safe product. Do not hesitate to consult with your doctor before choosing beauty products.