Cosmetic treatments to use during pregnancy and ingredients to avoid

During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through many changes, requiring adjustments in skin care routine to protect the health of mom and baby. It is crucial to know which cosmetic products are safe and which ingredients should be avoided.

Cosmetics to adopt during pregnancy

During pregnancy, many future mothers become aware of the risks associated with toxic substances present in conventional cosmetics. The baby indirectly absorbs everything consumed, including food, alcohol, tobacco, as well as components of household products and cosmetic care that enter the bloodstream. Some of these substances are suspected of being endocrine disruptors, thus disrupting the hormonal system, while others may be allergenic or irritating.

By opting for organic and natural care, future mothers reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors and chemicals. Organic cosmetics are not only effective and pleasant to use, but they also guarantee a safe composition thanks to rigorous label audits which restrict the use of certain processes and ingredients. However, it is recommended to choose products specially designed for pregnant women to ensure optimal safety.

The mother-to-be's care routine

1. Natural and gentle face cream :
• Opt for a gentle daily moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin.
2. Anti-stretch mark massage oil :
• Organic natural oils help prevent stretch marks by nourishing the skin and helping to regain its elasticity.
3. Gentle and nourishing shower gel :
• Use a very gentle, pH neutral, sulfate-free product to avoid irritation.
4. UVA and UVB sun protection :
• Choose less allergenic mineral sunscreens, as well as high SPF50 UVA and UVB protection. Pregnant women are very sensitive to the effects of the sun, find our article here .

The importance is to carefully check the composition of the treatments used. They should be gentle, non-aggressive and as natural as possible. Prefer products intended for sensitive skin, which is often more reactive during pregnancy.

Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is essential to pay close attention to the ingredients of the cosmetic products you use. Certain components can have harmful effects on the health of the mother and the baby. Here is a list of the main ingredients to avoid to ensure a safe skincare routine during this sensitive period.

Endocrine disruptors Exposure to endocrine disruptors can lead to malformations, autism, diabetes, obesity, and premature puberty. Their exact role in these diseases is still being studied.

• Bisphenol A (BPA) : Already banned.
• Parabens : Allergic risks, potentially carcinogenic, disrupt estrogens.
• Phthalates : Affect sexual development and reproduction.
• Phenoxyethanol : Carcinogenic risks, fertility risks, toxic for the fetus.
• Triclosan : Disrupts estrogen and other hormones.
• BHA (salicylic acid) and BHT : Carcinogens, disrupt estrogens, allergens.
• Alkylphenols : Disrupt estrogens, risks for DNA.
• Others : Benzophenone, oxybenzone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, resorcinol, cyclopentasiloxane, buthylphenyl methylpropional.

Essential oils

• Most are prohibited, especially those based on ketones. Avoid them as much as possible, and if in doubt, consult a doctor.

Solar filters

• Endocrine disruptors: Benzophenone (oxybenzone), homosalate, 4MBC, octylmethoxycinnamate, OD-PABA, octocrylene.

Other ingredients to avoid

• Retinoids (Vitamin A) : (Retinol, Retin-A, Tazorac) May cause birth defects. To be strictly avoided.
• Alcohols : (Alcohol or Alcohol denat) Dry and irritate the skin. Fatty alcohols (e.g. cetearyl alcohol) are safe.
• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers : (DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15) Carcinogens, irritants.
• Sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate : Irritating foaming agents.
• Thiazolinones : (methylchloroisothiazolinone) Strongly allergenic.

Taking care of your skin during pregnancy requires special attention to the ingredients of cosmetic products. By choosing natural care and avoiding certain components, you can preserve your health and that of your baby. Stay informed and always choose tested and safe products. And don’t hesitate to share this article with other future mothers.