Is It Safe To Use Cosmetics During Pregnancy?

It may not be safe to use certain cosmetics and beauty products during pregnancy. Read on to find out why it is not safe to use some cosmetics during pregnancy. Pregnancy concerns include everything from what or not to eat, what or not to drink, along with what to apply or what not to apply on your body. It is not only what is going inside your body, but also what you are applying on your body. Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy and you might not have idea how cosmetics can have potentially harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by your body and affect the unborn and your health as well. In this articleAre Retinoids Dangerous?Are Hydroxy AcidsSafe To Use?Can You Consider Dihydroxyacetone Safe While Tanning?Can You Do for Tattoo or a Laser Therapy?Can You Use Sunscreens?Do Not Hesitate To Discuss with Your DoctorAre Retinoids Dangerous? Retinoids are used mostly to reduce wrinkles and improve skin lightening. But they are Vitamin A derivatives that can be harmful for the unborn child in their topical form. Oral retinoids, like Accutane, are mostly used for acne treatments are also known to cause different birth defects. These are best to be avoided. Information on Retin-A is not readily available and is expected to be similar to Accutane, so it is best to avoid all these. Skin lightening and acne treatment are not really important more than your pregnancy. Are Hydroxy AcidsSafe To Use? From citric acid to salicylic acid, almost all of the hydroxy acids are unsafe or unproven to be safe. Salicylic acid is a mild acid that you would come across in many cleansers, toners, or acne products. BHA or beta-hydroxy acid is a form of salicylic acid used for anti-aging. But high doses of these have shown to cause birth defects, so are advisable to be avoided. You can take up glycolic acid or lactic acid (AHA) exfoliants as alternatives when you are a mom-to-be. Can You Consider Dihydroxyacetone Safe While Tanning? It is also known as DHA and you will find them mostly in sunless tanners. It has been shown not to pass the dead layer and absorb into the living skin, so it is safer than sun-tanning; the latter is known to cause cancer. But there are studies claiming DHA are mutagenic and can cause serious DNA damage. So why take a chance? Why need to get tanned? Pregnancy is an exciting period, enjoy it, and clear yourself from any risk for your new family member. Can You Do for Tattoo or a Laser Therapy? Traditional tattoos that involve direct contact with your bloodstream are a complete no-no during pregnancy as the risk of disease transmission can be high. The deliberate penetration of the skin’s layer adds an extra level of exposure potential, though it is not studied properly. But again, some tattoo inks can cause allergies. So why take chance? Go for henna tattoos that are temporary if you want to celebrate the coming of the new member. In the same way, laser therapies are also contradictory for use. There are not any known systemic effects of lasers on uterus, but sometimes are asked to be avoided. However, it is better to stay away from these during pregnancy. Can You Use Sunscreens? Parabens and chemical sunscreens are proven to be safe during pregnancy. You can apply it daily and liberally. They are excellent for preventing and minimising brown discolorations as they give immediate protection upon application and have no interference with pregnancy. However, you must consult your gynecologist before using a sunscreen during pregnancy. Do Not Hesitate To Discuss with Your Doctor Try to choose the cosmetics that are having known-to-be-safe ingredients and always check with you gynecologist if such cosmetics are safe during pregnancy. But if you are having second thoughts about some beauty product or if you badly want to use something that are proven not to be safe while pregnancy, then you must reach out to your gynecologist and discuss it out to stay safe. Do not let fears overwhelm your enjoyment of nine months of magic and have a happy pregnancy!Are all beauty products unsafe for pregnant women? Why is it not good to use certain cosmetics during pregnancy? Is it safe to get a tattoo done during pregnancy? Discuss here.