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Checklist of prohibited cosmetics for pregnant women
If you are expecting a baby, be sure to check if there is anything from our list in your collection of care products.
Most pregnant and lactating women carefully monitor their diet and generally try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, not many people realize that the contents of the cosmetic bag can also harm the baby.
In cosmetics, many chemicals are often found that are dangerous for an unborn child. Harmful ingredients seep into the mother’s skin, affecting hormone levels and fetal growth and development. Therefore, carefully read the labels and refuse to purchase if it is included in the composition.
Parabens
This preservative was invented to be added to cosmetics almost a century ago in order to slow down the growth of bacteria and increase the life of the product. Parabens can be added not only to decorative cosmetics, but also to shampoos, creams, lotions and tonics.
Unfortunately, parabens, being easily absorbed by the skin, have a negative effect on the endocrine system. They disrupt the hormonal balance, since the body takes this substance for the female hormone estrogen. In men, parabens inhibit the activity of sex hormones. Studies have shown that offspring of rats, which were exposed to parabens during pregnancy, experienced learning and memory problems. The females were overweight and the males had low sperm counts.
We read the composition: check for paraben in the name: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben.
Phthalates
Phthalates are found in many types of plastic packaging for cosmetics. As the plastic begins to age, the chemical seeps into the product and is absorbed into the body. Therefore, it is better to choose cosmetics in glass jars, but this is rare. So it is worth carefully monitoring the shelf life of cosmetics and the conditions for their storage. For example, it is better not to keep it in the bathroom.
Phthalates are found in perfumes, as well as fragrances that are added to cosmetics, including skin care products. Therefore, it is better to choose creams, lotions and masks without fragrance. In addition, this substance is often found in nail varnishes.
Meanwhile, scientists have found that exposure to phthalates may be associated with preterm labor. In addition, in high dosages, this substance affects intrauterine brain development.
We read the composition: some manufacturers of cosmetics are silent about the presence of phthalates, hiding behind the words “fragrance”, “fragrance”, “perfume composition”, aroma, parfum, fragrance. Therefore, it is better to choose products made without fragrances and fragrances. Also, phthalate in the composition is indicated by the following designations: DIDP (di-zodecyl phthalate), DBP (di- (n-butyl) phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), DEHP (di- (2-ethylglexyl) phthalate), BBP (butyl -phenyl phthalate), DHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate) or simply phthalates.
Triclosan
This component is added to cosmetics as an antimicrobial ingredient to extend its lifespan. Triclosan is often found in antibacterial soaps, deodorants, shampoos, shower gels, toothpastes, and laundry detergent.
However, along with harmful microbes, this substance also kills beneficial bacteria that our body needs. In addition, triclosan, like parabens, disrupts hormonal balance by mimicking the female hormone estrogen.
We read the composition: triclosan is usually referred to as triclosan.
Retinoids
Retinoids are often added to creams and gels to treat acne, acne, hyperpigmentation, and psoriasis. However, entering the placenta, these substances can affect the formation of the fetus. Of course, the biggest threat to an unborn child is retinoids in drugs and dietary supplements. However, the substance also enters the body through the skin, so it should be completely eliminated during pregnancy and lactation. Here are the possible effects of retinoids on your toddler, according to the US National Organization for Rare Disorders:
deformity of the face (cleft palate, low-set or missing ears, wide-set eyes, missing eyes, and paralysis of some facial nerves);
heart disease (change in the location of large vessels of the heart, their underdevelopment, abnormal openings in the chambers of the heart, cyanosis, accumulation of excess fluid around the heart and brain);
vision problems due to an underdeveloped eyeball;
hearing loss due to an underdeveloped inner ear;
babies are born with webbed toes;
weak immunity due to an underdeveloped thymus gland that fights infections.
We read the composition: the most famous retinoids are isotretinoin, tretinoin, retinaldehyde, tazarotene, motretinide. In cosmetics, the designations are most often used: retinol palmitate, retinol acetate.
Bisphenol A.
Bisphenol A is usually found in plastic for packaging cosmetics (another reason to switch to creams in glass jars). However, it is also used for the production of lipstick, eye shadow, foundation, nail polish and other decorative cosmetics.
Meanwhile, this substance is associated with irreversible changes in the brain in future children, which after birth leads to problems in behavior. In boys, bisphenol has a negative effect on the reproductive system.
We read the composition: BPA is a shorthand for bisphenol A.