Wearing Make up During Pregnancy – Is it Safe?

Do you feel incomplete if you don’t wear makeup? If you are in the habit of wearing makeup and go without it one day, your friends may say something is wrong with you. We all love that precious makeup kit we possess, don’t we? But when a woman is pregnant, she gets sceptical about using makeup. If you are pregnant, you will also think twice before using makeup. But before coming to any conclusion, find out if it is safe to use makeup during pregnancy, and if you do want to use it, which products you should go for. Read on to know more.

Why Choose the Right Makeup Products When Pregnant

There are many makeup products to choose from, but when you are pregnant, you don’t know which product is safe to use when you have a little one growing in your womb. Here’s a list of things you should know before choosing any makeup product during pregnancy.

• It’s essential to ensure that the makeup products you use during pregnancy do not contain toxic ingredients. Exposure to substances like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, etc., can lead to skin rashes and even skin cancer (4). These toxic components, often found in skin creams, lipsticks, and nail polishes, pose a significant risk to pregnant moms. Many cosmetic products need to be appropriately regulated. Artificial colours, flavours, retinoids and salicylic acid can harm your health to a great extent. Retinoids can also cause organ defects in babies.
• Most commercial cosmetics lack nutrients that are essential for your skin during pregnancy.

Consider these points carefully before choosing any makeup product to avoid pregnancy-related skin issues.

What You Should Look for in Makeup During Pregnancy?

When selecting pregnancy-friendly makeup, prioritising safety and avoiding harmful ingredients is paramount. Here’s a list of things to consider when choosing makeup for pregnant women.

1. Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

Look for products labelled ‘BPA free’, ‘fragrance-free’, ‘no DEA’, ‘paraben-free’, and ‘no phthalates’ to minimise exposure to potentially harmful substances (5). Opt for cosmetics formulated without known endocrine disruptors, as these chemicals can interfere with hormonal balance, potentially affecting reproductive health.

2. Choosing Organic Formulations

Selecting organic cosmetics can reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, and other potentially harmful agricultural chemicals. Organic products often contain gentler natural ingredients on sensitive skin and are less likely to cause irritation or adverse reactions.

3. Allergies and Food Intolerances

Check the complete list of ingredients for any known allergens or substances that may trigger food intolerances. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities should consider opting for hypoallergenic formulas designed to minimise irritation risk.

4. Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

Explore vegan cosmetics, free from animal-derived ingredients and often formulated without common allergens. Gluten-free makeup may be preferable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to avoid potential ingestion or skin absorption of gluten-containing ingredients.

5. SPF Protection

Select makeup products with added SPF protection to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. These rays can cause pigmentation changes and exacerbate melasma (dark patches) during pregnancy (3).

6. Fragrance-Free

Fragrances in makeup products can sometimes trigger nausea or sensitivity, which may be heightened during pregnancy. Choosing fragrance-free options can help minimise this risk (2).

7. Consulting With Dermatologist

If unsure about certain chemicals or their potential effects, conduct thorough research or consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists can provide personalised recommendations based on skin concerns, pregnancy status, and specific cosmetic needs.

Cosmetic Ingredients You Should Avoid in Pregnancy

As a pregnant woman, it’s of utmost importance to be aware of the ingredients in the cosmetic products you use. Some of these substances can potentially harm both your health and the development of your baby. To ensure the safety of both of you, it’s highly recommended to avoid cosmetics that contain certain ingredients known to be potentially harmful during pregnancy. Here are some key cosmetic ingredients to steer clear of:

1. Retinoids (Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate)

Retinoids are commonly found in anti-ageing skin care products and acne treatments. However, they are best avoided during pregnancy due to their potential to cause congenital disabilities when taken orally or applied topically in high concentrations (1).

2. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) often used in acne treatments and exfoliating skincare products. While small amounts found in over-the-counter products are generally considered safe, it’s recommended to avoid high concentrations or professional chemical peels containing salicylic acid during pregnancy, as they may increase the risk of congenital disabilities (8).

3. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing preservatives

Formaldehyde and its releasing agents are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products (7). However, exposure to high levels of formaldehyde during pregnancy may pose risks to fetal development and increase the risk of certain adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth. Opt for formaldehyde-free alternatives to minimise exposure.

For expecting mothers, prioritising safe makeup during pregnancy not only enhances their beauty but also provides peace of mind, knowing they’re safeguarding their health and the well-being of their baby. Here is how you can choose safe makeup products during pregnancy:

1. Lipstick

All women generally prefer lipsticks, but if they get ingested while you eat or drink, they can harm your baby.

Ingredients You Should Avoid

You should avoid lipsticks with toxic ingredients like lead, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, etc., as they can pose a potential risk for pregnant women. Pigmenting chemicals or colourants are also equally harmful.

Products You Should Try Instead

Pregnant ladies can try organic lipsticks made of natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, sesame oils, almond oil, jojoba oil, rose oil, argan oil, honey, cocoa butter and even clarified butter. It lasts long and poses no threat to your baby’s health.

Safety Tips

• Lipsticks used by pregnant women should be made of organic ingredients.
• It should not contain lead.
• You should also look for safety certification.

2. Face Cream

During pregnancy, you will need a good face cream to pamper your skin and keep it moisturised and healthy. However, finding a suitable cream can be difficult as your skin undergoes a lot of change during pregnancy. These chemicals are harsh on the skin and could affect the baby’s development.

Ingredients You Should Avoid

The harsh ingredients of skincare products like retinoids and salicylic acid can enter the bloodstream after being absorbed by the skin, potentially harming both you and your baby. So, it’s crucial to avoid these products. Other chemicals like parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate should also be avoided.

Products You Should Try Instead

A face cream with a thick consistency and one that blends easily without leaving any patches should be preferred by expectant moms. Since there are very few over-the-counter face creams with no harsh chemicals, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dermatologist for suitable face creams. They can guide you towards the best options for your skin during pregnancy.

Safety Tips

• Look for terms like ‘hypoallergenic’, ‘fragrance-free’, ‘organic’, etc., to ensure that no synthetic ingredients or chemicals have been used in it.

3. Foundation

Foundation is generally used to hide or reduce the appearance of uneven skin tones, marks, and spots. During pregnancy, you will be prone to acne. If you want to use a foundation, invest in a good-quality foundation.

Ingredients You Should Avoid

You should avoid using a foundation containing harmful ingredients such as retinoids and beta hydroxy acids.

Products You Can Try Instead

Pregnant ladies should use a foundation that gives the skin a natural finish. The texture should neither be runny nor creamy. It should also last longer, so you don’t have to reapply the foundation every few hours. Some brands have organic foundations in a range of skin tones. You may go for a trial and choose the one that suits you the best.

Safety Tips

• Go for foundations made with natural ingredients without traces of preservatives and chemical pigment.

4. Concealer

Women use concealers to cover skin imperfections. They also use them with foundation to give the skin a gentle glow.

Ingredients You Should Avoid

Concealers contain colour in a controlled quantity. Avoid anything containing Polyethylene (PEGs) and parabens, as they have been linked to breast cancer.

Products You Should Try Instead:

You should use a concealer that is convenient to apply, does not dry your skin, blends easily, and lasts long. During pregnancy, it is better to go for concealers made with natural ingredients.

Safety Tips

• The product safety status should be checked before buying.
• Read consumer comments on the internet, as most of them also reflect the safety standards of the product.

5. Nail Polish

Should you apply nail polish during pregnancy ? Nail polish can be a tricky cosmetic to use during pregnancy, especially in Indian culture, because we usually use our hands to eat our meals. Here is what you must consider before you apply nail polish during pregnancy.

Ingredients You Should Avoid

Nail polishes have a compound called toluene. If pregnant ladies inhale it, it may cause developmental defects in the foetus. This chemical compound also causes skin and eye irritation, nausea, and dizziness (6). Many other toxic ingredients in it can also hinder your baby’s growth. Therefore, it is better avoided during pregnancy.

Products You Should Try Instead

You should opt for quality nail paints that do not chip off easily or have a strong chemical smell. Products containing the least hazardous chemicals should be purchased.

Safety Tips

• As much as possible, avoid wearing nail polish during pregnancy.
• If you have to use it for an occasion, ensure you use the brand that does not have toluene and use a spoon to prevent paint particles from entering your system.

6. Blushes and Eye Shadows

Blushes and eye shadows also contain an ample number of chemical compounds which can be harmful to your skin during pregnancy. Dry/powder blushes and eye shadows can also enter your system and cause health issues for you and your baby. However, there are alternatives to blushes. Here’s what you can look for when buying blushes and eye shadows to wear during pregnancy.

Ingredients You Should Avoid

Eye shadows and blushes containing parabens and sodium sulfate can harm your baby if they enter the bloodstream. So, check for the ingredients before buying it.

Products You Should Try Instead

In the palette of your choice, you should choose fragrance-free, BPA-free, and paraben-free products. A range of organic cosmetic brands make organic blushes.

Safety Tips

• Go for a good quality organic brand, but buy your blush only after confirming it is safe.
• Buy cream-based products that blend well on the skin instead of powder blushes and eye shadows.

7. Face Powder

Face powders are pigmented translucent powders commonly used by ladies to set the foundation on the skin. They should also be chosen and used wisely to avoid medical issues for both you and your baby.

Ingredients You Should Avoid

Many face powders have retinoids, tetracycline, and hydroquinone. These should be avoided entirely during pregnancy.

Products You Should Try Instead

Cornstarch is a great alternative to face powder. It soaks up oil or sweat on the face and helps set the foundation, too.

Safety Tips

• If you find a good face powder to use during pregnancy, ensure you dust off excess powder with a makeup brush.

8. Kajal

Kajal is usually used to define the eyes and enhance its beauty. It prevents eye strain and retains moisture in it. Kajal has always been a part of Indian culture. Before the availability of kajal pencils on the market, they were made in-house with simple ingredients like camphor, castor oil, and almond oil. If any over-the-counter kajal pencils do not work for you, you may use this option to make your own kajal.

Ingredients You Should Avoid

Store-bought kajal also contains a range of toxic chemicals that can lead to serious long-term problems. So, avoid kajal.

Products You Should Try Instead

Kajal is prepared entirely with organic ingredients like castor oil and almond oil, which are healthy for the eyes and safe for you and the baby. It has no side effects.

Safety Tips

• While buying a kajal, check the ingredients; do not buy a lead, parabens, or mercury product.

If you don’t want to risk your and your baby’s health during pregnancy, you may want to avoid makeup altogether. However, that does not mean you cannot look good. There are other ways you can keep looking ravishing during the term.

Tips to Remember While Applying Makeup During Pregnancy

Tips to Look Good Without Wearing Makeup

Makeup can revamp your look, but you can look equally fabulous without makeup. You will have some skin issues during pregnancy, but you will also have the pregnancy glow. So, you can say a big ‘no’ to blushes, foundations, concealers, and kajal and still look beautiful! Here are a few tips to help you look stunning without makeup.

• Eat healthy food, drink fresh fruit juices and eat lots of green veggies. All these foods nourish the skin and make it look fresh and young.
• Take the right supplements. Vitamin C, E, or Biotin help retain moisture and give the skin a fresh glow.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin supple and hydrated. Water will flush out the toxins and keep your skin healthy.
• You can apply organic moisturisers to minimise pores and reduce fine lines.

FAQs

1. What are some skincare and makeup concerns during pregnancy, and how can they be addressed safely?

Common concerns include acne, melasma (dark patches), and increased sensitivity (9). To address these concerns safely, use gentle cleansers, non-comedogenic moisturisers, and mineral-based makeup. Consult with a dermatologist for personalised recommendations.

2. How does pregnancy affect skin, and how might makeup routines be adjusted?

Pregnancy can lead to changes in the skin, such as increased oiliness, dryness, or sensitivity. Adjust makeup routines by opting for gentle, hydrating products and avoiding harsh ingredients like retinoids or salicylic acid.

3. Are there any specific makeup ingredients known to be beneficial for pregnant moms?

Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E can benefit hydration and skin health during pregnancy. Look for makeup products containing these ingredients to support your skin’s needs while expecting.

Makeup and pregnancy can coexist safely with proper precautions and ingredient awareness, ensuring expecting mothers can enjoy beauty routines without compromising their health or the well-being of their developing baby. All women are beautiful, and it is not makeup that makes you look your best, but your inner beauty makes you what you are. Many beauty products can harm your baby, so avoiding using them during pregnancy is best. However, if you need makeup, look for organic products and play safe.

References/Resources:

1. Bozzo. P, Chua-Gocheco. A, Einarson. A; Safety of skin care products during pregnancy; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/

2. Personal Care Products and Cosmetic Use During Pregnancy; March of Dimes; https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/blog/personal-care-products-and-cosmetic-use-during-pregnancy; November 2022

3. Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding; NSW; https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/groups/Royal_Hospital_for_Women/Mothersafe/documents/skinhaircareandcosmetictreatmentsapril2021.pdf

4. SAFE USE OF COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS DURING PREGNANCY; International Forum for Wellbeing In Pregnancy; https://www.ifwip.org/pregnancy-cosmetics/

5. Chemicals to Avoid When You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding; NRDC; https://www.nrdc.org/stories/chemicals-avoid-when-youre-pregnant-or-breastfeeding; October 2022

6. Toluene; Campaign for Safe Cosmetics; https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/toluene/

7. Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives; Campaign for Safe Cosmetics; https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/

8. Putra. I. B, Jusuf. N. K, Dewi. N. K; Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products During Pregnancy; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884185/

9. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy

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