What You Should Know about Pregnancy and Makeup

Is it safe to put on makeup during pregnancy?

There is debate surrounding whether putting on makeup during pregnancy is good or bad. Most expectant mothers are usually wary of the chemicals used in making some of the cosmetics that they use for makeup. The circumstances surrounding the use of makeup during pregnancy for women remain confusing. Most women feel that makeup is the best way for them to help conceal their changing skin tone and woes. The problem is that some of the chemicals used in makeup creams can have adverse effects on the unborn baby’s development.

Using makeup during pregnancy is not a bad idea but much caution need to be taken when using some of those cosmetics out there. While choosing a cosmetic to use when you are pregnant, as an expectant mother should narrow in on the best you can choose from the park.

Cosmetics and the chemicals used in them with regards to pregnancy

There are numerous theories out there surrounding the use of cosmetics and the effects of chemical exposure during your period of pregnancy. Let’s take a more detailed look at some of the chemicals where concerns have been noted.

About hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a well known skin lightening agent that is popular amongst women who like to have lighter skin. While there is alot of speculation that the agent has chemicals in it that will be fatal to the fetus there is no concrete study that has proven this. However, a pregnant woman using any cosmetic containing the agent needs to use that cosmetic in moderation. This is due to the high rate at which the substance is said to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

About Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a chemical that is popularly used in various cosmetics. Tretinoin use during pregnancy has been linked with certain birth defects and therefore its use during pregnancy is not wise. Its absorption rate however remains minimal when applied topically on the skin.

About Phthalates

This is yet another common chemical that is used in most makeup products which may include lipstick, hairsprays, and even nail polish. Studies suggest that the chemical usually interferes with a woman’s hormones during pregnancy and therefore needs to be avoided for the period of pregnancy.

According to studies, mothers that put on makeup containing the chemical during pregnancy had their babies having a lowered IQ level. The studies suggest that the chemical can lower the IQ level of a baby by more than six points. To further complicate the issue is that babies whose mothers exposed themselves to high levels of the chemical are more likely to develop asthma by their eleventh birthday compared those who weren’t.

About clindamycin and erythromycin

Applying clindamycin and erythromycin topically by a pregnant woman may not cause any adverse effects to the unborn child. This is due to the fact that the skin poorly absorbs salicylic acid, which is a key ingredient used in most anti-acne products. Dihydroxyacetone, which is a color additive for most skin tanning products, is also not readily absorbed by the skin.

Sodium, calcium, and potassium hydroxide used in depilatory creams are also not harmful in expectant mothers. Sunscreens help to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and help prevent conditions i.e. melasma. This means that women can still continue to be beautiful without posing any threat to their unborn children.

When to be cautious

Because most cosmetics available in the markets are not subject to any regulation, gauging whether they are safe or harmful can be a Herculean task. To be safe during pregnancy if you need to use certain cosmetic products, you may need to check out for the following products:

Vitamin A

Taking vitamin A orally has got lots of benefits to the pregnant mother and particularly to their skin. There is, however, retinoids which are a synthetic form of vitamin A that is mostly used in cosmetic creams and pills. While such creams usually help to fight psoriasis and acne, retinoids can be very harmful to the unborn baby and may cause adverse effects to the developing fetus.

Vitamin K

You will find this vitamin in almost every skin lightening cream you will get in the market. This vitamin is good for your health as it helps in normal blood clott. When you are pregnant, you can be prone to blood clots. This is why when you are pregnant you should be careful not to use vitamin K products in excess during topical application to prevent too much of it from getting into your bloodstream because it could make the blood become too thin. If this occurs, it can be a source of complication to the fetus. However, it is important to get enough vitamin K during pregnancy because a deficiency in this vitamin can also cause problem.

Centalla Asiatica

This is an effective treatment for stretch marks but it also increases sensitivity to the sun’s rays and this may be a source rashes in expectant women. When taken orally, it brings a narcotic-like effect and it has been reported to cause miscarriages in some women. This is why this particular beauty chemical need to be avoided at all times during pregnancy.

Lead: 

It is advisable to protect the fetus growing inside of you by reducing your exposure to lead. This calls on you to avoid using cosmetics that are rich in lead and mercury especially if you are in your first trimester.

This is a guest blog entry.