Pregnancy-Safe beauty routine: what cosmetics should be avoided?

During pregnancy and breastfeeding we live in a state of alertness and concern for the life that is growing inside us and, later, for the baby that we have to feed and for whom we are responsible. This is why expectant and nursing mothers always fear anything that is, or is thought to be, aggressive, or that could in any way harm the baby. And this list of “dangerous” things includes daily activities, food, drinks and especially medicines and cosmetics.

So here is a simple guide to all the things you should avoid using on your skin when you are pregnant!

Which cosmetics should be avoided during pregnancy?

In general, almost all common cosmetics can be used without risk by pregnant women, because they do not usually penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin, and therefore do not reach the bloodstream. The bloodstream is the source to which the placenta, the baby’s direct source of nourishment, is connected.
Therefore, according to experts, in principle no ingredient in cosmetics applied to the skin surface can reach the baby.

However, there are some ingredients in cosmetics that are best avoided. For example, fat-soluble ingredients that have a greater capacity to alter and cross the skin barrier and come into direct contact with the fetus, becoming essentially harmful and irritating to the most delicate skin.

Here is a short list of ingredients and substances to watch out for and avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Essential Oil and Perfumes

The mixture of essential oils is made up of several molecules, some of which are known allergens. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them when you are pregnant due to the risk of possible allergic reactions or irritation, particularly citrus essential oils (lemon, orange, etc.). The same applies to perfumes and fragrances, again due to the presence of allergens. Examples of ingredients to avoid: Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene or Linalool.

Vitamin A derivates

It is best to avoid all products containing ingredients starting with the wording “Retin”, so for example Retinol, Retinoic Acid, Retinaldehyde and Retinyl Palmitate.

BHA: salycilic acid and derivates

As we said above, fat-soluble substances should generally be avoided, so BHA, which is a fat-soluble acid, is on the list of potentially harmful substances that should not be used. During the 9 months of pregnancy, we should limit its use to short periods and only on small areas, although the percentage of BHA in cosmetics is quite safe as it is usually under 2%. Here too, beware of the word “Salicyl”, e.g. Salicylic Acid, Benzyl Salicylate. Also beware of professional peelings with high concentrations.

Caffeine

Caffeine, which as an exciting and stimulating substance should be avoided or limited, is also an ingredient often found in cosmetics, especially in anti-cellulite creams and eye serums/gels. It may also be present in coffee and tea extracts.
In cosmetics, caffeine is present as Caffeine, Coffea Arabica or Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. Although some women can’t give caffeine up completely, it is always best to avoid it during pregnancy, or at least to limit its use considerably, as it is an over-stimulating ingredient that could pass to the foetus through our bloodstream. It should therefore also be avoided during breastfeeding if you want to avoid passing it on to the baby.

Other ingredients

Finally, here is a short list of other ingredients with medium or high toxicity that should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Alkanfor or Camphor and phthalates or ammonia, which are found for example in hair dyes and nail varnish. Instead of traditional hair dye, there are natural henna dyes or dyes free of harmful substances available on the market that can be a good alternative for covering grey hair.

Other recommendations for mothers-to-be

• In case of acne you can use lactic acid and not glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin, but don’t forget to also use sunscreen.
• Starting in spring, when sunny days are more frequent and exposure to UV rays is more frequent, it is advisable to always use protection, as the pregnancy hormones can cause skin spots that worsen with exposure to the sun.
• Make use of antioxidant supplements, which are recommended by doctors for their protective function on the fetal brain.
• Avoid using waterproof or long-lasting lipstick as we may unintentionally ingest small amounts of it which will then be absorbed by the baby.

Paying attention to these small precautions will avoid many unnecessary risks for the baby and the mother. In general, it is always important to be informed about what the products we consume contain, for a more conscious, responsible and healthy consumption.