As a first time mom-to-be there are so many questions running through your mind. What foods are safe for my baby? Is it ok to exercise while pregnant? And one of the more common questions, with the average woman using two or more beauty products daily: Is it safe to use beauty products during pregnancy? It’s always important for pregnant women to take extra precautions when needed to ensure safety for you and your baby…even when it comes to beauty products.
It’s a little unclear as to which beauty products are safe to use and which ones aren’t while pregnant. According to WedMD, “Any material placed on the skin has the potential to be absorbed into the bloodstream and may be able to cross the placenta, so some caution is warranted.” It is a good idea to reevaluate your beauty regime once you determine you are pregnant. Going through all of your products, from hair spray to lipstick, to see if they contain any alarming chemicals is something you may wish to consider doing.
Still not sure if your beauty products are safe to use during pregnancy? Listed below are a few general guidelines regarding which beauty products could be safe and which ones may not be so safe to use while you’re expecting. If you are pregnant, we encourage you to speak with your obstetrician or family doctor before making a final decision as to whether using certain beauty products are safe for you to use.
Hair Spray & Nail Polish
A lot of these products contain phthalates, a chemical that could potentially result in birth defects. While there isn’t enough information to link the two together, it is recommend that you choose nail polish labeled “phthalates-free” and always be sure you are in a well-ventilated room. When it comes to hair spray, try to find a substitution like mousse or gel.
Teeth Whitening Strips
The main and active ingredient in most teeth whitening strips is peroxide. Peroxide is generally a safe product for the use of adults, however there isn’t enough research to say the same for pregnant women. It is recommended that you stay away from whitening strips and consider using whitening toothpaste instead. As a general rule of thumb, it is important to continue proper dental hygiene during pregnancy.
Hair Highlights and Dyes
This is another gray area for pregnant women. Highlights and dyes are beauty products that have limited research. If possible, it is best to avoid hair coloring while pregnant, and especially during the first trimester; this is a crucial time during a woman’s pregnancy.
Makeup
When selecting any cosmetics to use during pregnancy, look for products labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic.” According to BabyCenter.com, these products are oil-free and safe for you and your baby, as they do not clog your pores. In addition, you’ll want to steer clear of anything containing retinol or salicylic acid. These chemicals can have potential effects on your baby, when absorbed through the skin. To be on the safe side, selecting mineral-only-based makeup is another alternative.
Lipstick
Some lipsticks are known to contain lead. Any effects from lead in lipstick tend to be very slim. However, your best bet is to find a lipstick labeled lead-free. Many popular brands are now labeling their products with these types of labels, so you should have no trouble finding a luscious red for a date night with your husband.
If you have a question after reading and live in the area, call us and schedule an appointment with one of our Board-Certified pediatrics or family practice doctors. You may find that attending one of our baby classes for moms-to-be to learn more about using beauty products during pregnancy is something of interest. We will gladly assist you.
Now that you know about what beauty products are safe to use during pregnancy, pass it on!