Congratulations, you have found out you’re pregnant. With this news immediately comes a mental list of ‘dos and don’ts’ Do-get enough sleep, don’t-eat sushi, you know the drill.
Congratulations, you have found out you’re pregnant. With this news immediately comes a mental list of ‘dos and don’ts’ Do-get enough sleep, don’t-eat sushi, you know the drill.You've been given a prenatal vitamin and loads of leaflets on taking care of yourself and your growing baby.
One thing that can confuse mums is which beauty products they should and shouldn’t be using, now that they’re expecting!
Fear not, we have a list of products that you should stay away from while you are pregnant. Most products should also be avoided while breastfeeding.
Essential oils
Essentials oils are best avoided during pregnancy unless used correctly by a trained therapist. Many essentials oils are used in the induction of natural labour. One example is Clary Sage. Therefore, it is not recommended to use during pregnancy. Essential oils can also potentially cross over into the placenta so I would avoid anything that has these in it. Don't panic if you have been using these ingredients while breastfeeding or pregnant – just avoid using them for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Salicylic Acid
This ingredient is normally found in acne products and its percentage can vary widely from product to product, and it is not recommended for use during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Salicylic acid is in the aspirin family and researchers have found that high doses taken orally have been found to cause birth defects and pregnancy complications.
Retinoids/Vitamin A
Found in Retin-A and Accutane, retinoids are prescription acne and anti-aging medications. Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy can be harmful to an unborn child, so it’s recommended to avoid these products when pregnant.
There's a proven link between the use of retinoids and an increased risk of birth defects for developing babies. Most doctors warn patients not to get pregnant if they're using these medications. But if you do get pregnant, stop taking retinoids immediately.
It may be listed on ingredient labels as retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and isotretinoin.
One thing that can confuse mums is which beauty products they should and shouldn’t be using, now that they’re expecting!
Fear not, we have a list of products that you should stay away from while you are pregnant. Most products should also be avoided while breastfeeding.
Essential oils
Essentials oils are best avoided during pregnancy unless used correctly by a trained therapist. Many essentials oils are used in the induction of natural labour. One example is Clary Sage. Therefore, it is not recommended to use during pregnancy. Essential oils can also potentially cross over into the placenta so I would avoid anything that has these in it. Don't panic if you have been using these ingredients while breastfeeding or pregnant – just avoid using them for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Salicylic Acid
This ingredient is normally found in acne products and its percentage can vary widely from product to product, and it is not recommended for use during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Salicylic acid is in the aspirin family and researchers have found that high doses taken orally have been found to cause birth defects and pregnancy complications.
Retinoids/Vitamin A
Found in Retin-A and Accutane, retinoids are prescription acne and anti-aging medications. Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy can be harmful to an unborn child, so it’s recommended to avoid these products when pregnant.
There's a proven link between the use of retinoids and an increased risk of birth defects for developing babies. Most doctors warn patients not to get pregnant if they're using these medications. But if you do get pregnant, stop taking retinoids immediately.
It may be listed on ingredient labels as retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and isotretinoin.
Ammonia
Ammonia is found in many hair dye formulas. While the verdict is still out on whether or not hair dye is safe to use during pregnancy, it's important to note that many formulas contain chemicals like ammonia, which can irritate the skin and lungs. So it's best to steer clear of these both during and after your pregnancy. Fortunately, there are a number of ammonia-free hair dyes currently available. If you're getting your hair done in the salon, talk to your stylist about products with low-to-no ammonia in the ingredients.
Ammonia is found in many hair dye formulas. While the verdict is still out on whether or not hair dye is safe to use during pregnancy, it's important to note that many formulas contain chemicals like ammonia, which can irritate the skin and lungs. So it's best to steer clear of these both during and after your pregnancy. Fortunately, there are a number of ammonia-free hair dyes currently available. If you're getting your hair done in the salon, talk to your stylist about products with low-to-no ammonia in the ingredients.
Toluene
Most mainstream nail polishes contain toluene, a suspected carcinogen, along with phthalates and formaldehyde. Together, they are known as the "toxic trio," and they form a potent combination of toxins that you want to avoid at all times, especially during pregnancy. If you can't handle the look of bare nails, look for nail polishes that are toluene-, formaldehyde- and phthalate-free.
Most mainstream nail polishes contain toluene, a suspected carcinogen, along with phthalates and formaldehyde. Together, they are known as the "toxic trio," and they form a potent combination of toxins that you want to avoid at all times, especially during pregnancy. If you can't handle the look of bare nails, look for nail polishes that are toluene-, formaldehyde- and phthalate-free.
Thioglycolic acid
Thioglycolic acid is the active ingredient found in most hair removal creams. While there are no studies about the effect that this chemical has on a growing baby, it's important to note that the European Union limits the amount of thioglycolic acid that can be used in products to 5 percent whereas products sold in the U.S. are allowed to contain as much as 15.2 percent.
That's a huge discrepancy, and when combined with the lack of solid data on the health risks associated with their use, its best to leave these products on the shelf.
Thioglycolic acid is the active ingredient found in most hair removal creams. While there are no studies about the effect that this chemical has on a growing baby, it's important to note that the European Union limits the amount of thioglycolic acid that can be used in products to 5 percent whereas products sold in the U.S. are allowed to contain as much as 15.2 percent.
That's a huge discrepancy, and when combined with the lack of solid data on the health risks associated with their use, its best to leave these products on the shelf.
There are many Safe beauty treatments you can try when pregnant. Check with your local salon and always remember no matter what stage of pregnancy you are at, mention it to your therapist.
Written by Laura Doyle- Staff Writter at Family Friendly HQ. Laura also blogs at Love, Life and Little Ones.
