𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐘

“The life of a mother is the life of a child. You are two blossoms on a single branch”, Karen Mazezen Miller

Pregnancy is beautiful. There is an iridescent glow, the mother-to-be is proud of her lustrous mane; she looks like a goddess in divine grace.

Nature gives its best to a lady during pregnancy in terms of beauty. Self pampering and giving attention to details enhances her attractiveness. However, experts are skeptical about using cosmetics and beauty enhancing chemical products during pregnancy.

Although, most daily use cosmetics are safe but there are many ingredients that one should be wary off during pregnancy for safety of the growing baby in the womb.

Here are a few products you should be well informed of before applying during pregnancy:

1. Hair dyes and hair straightening chemicals: As health experts, we are cautious advisors of string chemicals present in hair products during pregnancy. We believe that the fumes and chemical in the hair product can affect the baby in womb. In order to emphasize the concern, a hospital based case- control study was conducted in Brazil. The researchers were convinced that exposure to hair dyes and hair strengthening chemicals during pregnancy may be possible cause of leukemia in children at infancy. (Chemico-Biological Interactions, Volume 205, Issue 1, September 2013).
2. Skin lightening products: Topical application of skin lighteners may have toxic systemic effects. In a study 99 women in second and third trimester of pregnancy were randomly selected during their prenatal visit in a city called Dajar, Africa. Questionnaires were given asking about the use of skin lighteners along with their routine clinical examination. Researchers ensured follow-up until delivery and a morning blood sample for plasma cortisol levels was taken. Observations showed that 68 of the 99 selected women were habitual users if skin lighteners even during their current pregnancy. According to cosmetologists, the active ingredients to lighten the skin melanin are hydroquinone and highly potent steroids.

It was alarming to note that women using highly potent steroids, when compared with those who did not, had a  significant            lower plasma cortisol level and a smaller placenta, both being prime concern for low-birth-weight infants. Skin lightening            is a common facial care practice today and its use during pregnancy is best avoided because steroids may affect both                  maternal and baby’s health. (Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 101, Issue 2, 1            February 2007).

3. Retinols: This compound is found in anti-ageing creams as well as sun screen lotions Dermatologists remind that retinol is easily absorbed by the skin and increases the rate of turnover of skin. These are not recommended products during pregnancy due to associated risk of retinoid embryopathy (The New England Journal Of Medicine, Volume 313, 1985).
4. Acne Ointment: Skin breakouts are common in pregnancy. Many women restore to anti pimple creams or acne ointment. We are apprehensive about any product that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
5. De-pigmentation creams: Many women suffer melasma pigmentation on face during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations. Topical applications containing hydroquinone are best avoided during pregnancy due to possible side-effects on the baby

Personal hygiene and looking attractive is important during pregnancy. Nevertheless, going Au-Natural and staying as organic as possible will certainly help you ensure a wholesome development of the baby and assure your maternal well being. So, being snobbish about your cosmetic care is the right attitude during gestational months. Use all natural products and use less of chemicals, parabens, ammonia, sulphates and strong perfumes as well as essential oils as much as possible. Use natural talcum powders as anti-perspire agents and pure coconut oil or almond oil for skin moisturizers. Organic rose water or aloe vera gel work best as skin toners and cleansers. Home made face packs and hair masks are suitable remedies for beauty therapy and avoid chemical as much as possible during all three trimesters. Your baby will be grateful to you, ever.