What Make-Up Products To Use During Pregnancy
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It’s out with the old and in with the new when it comes to make-up during pregnancy. Revamp your collection of cosmetics with items that are free of harmful chemicals. Remember, it’s not just your health that’s at stake here but that of your baby’s too.
Moms-to-be know what to eat, what to drink and what foods to stay away from to keep themselves and their unborn babies healthy during pregnancy. But what about make-up? Cosmetics can contain toxins that aren’t just harmful to you, but to your child as well. Knowing what to look out for in cosmetics during pregnancy can help you make the right purchases, so you can look your best without paying a dangerous price for it.
Look for Phthalate-Free Make-up
Phthalates are plasticisers, and their use is widespread. They’re found in nail polishes, perfumes, shampoos, air fresheners and many other products. They’re strongly believed to be endocrine disruptors that interfere with the normal functioning of hormones. While it’s a little difficult to find make-up products that don’t contain phthalates, you can look for those, that are marked phthalate-free. Read the cosmetic ingredients labels and check if the product is phthalate free.
Choose Formaldehyde-Free Products
If falsies are a regular part of your make-up bag, make sure the glue you use is free of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is also found in hair straightening solutions. This chemical may have its uses as an antimicrobial, but it’s also been linked to some types of cancers. It’s an allergen too. Of course, the amount of Formaldehyde found in cosmetics is very small, but it’s wiser to go for products that don’t contain it at all. Formaldehyde may not be listed among ingredients for most make-up products, but you can look out for chemicals such as Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl urea, 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol), and Hydroxymethylglycinate, which are all formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.
Say No to Parabens
Parabens have been added to make-up for decades now, as they act as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria. Unfortunately, they’ve received a bad rap in recent times with some researchers believing that they may be linked to breast cancer. While results aren’t conclusive, it’s better to be cautious and choose pregnancy make-up products that are free of parabens. Do the same for other cosmetics like body lotions and deodorants too.
Opt for Toluene-Free Make-up
Toluene can be found in nail and hair products. Like phthalates, they are endocrine disruptors. They are also immune disruptors, so an exposure to Toluene could hamper foetal development. Look for make-up products that clearly state that they’re free of this ingredient.
Chemicals are present in a staggering number of products today, and it’s impossible to avoid most of them. What you can do is limit your make-up during pregnancy to those that don’t contain them. This way, you’ll rest easier, and so will your baby!
