Beauty Products and Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy
Women are wondering which beauty products and treatments to avoid during pregnancy. Some beauty products may not be safe to use while pregnant due to the chemicals they’re made with. Some treatments should be avoided due to risky chemicals or for other reasons. Since most women don’t know which products and treatments may be harmful, they frequently leave it up to their beauticians, hairdressers, and nail technicians to determine what’s safe.
Treatments to be avoided
In order for beauticians, hairdressers, and nail technicians to determine what’s safe, they must first know what to avoid themselves. This knowledge may be hard to acquire though, even for very experienced professionals in the beauty industry. Due to the lack of adequate research, there are not many high-quality sources of information available to anyone. However, the little bit of information that is available has led experts in various fields to recommend that these beauty treatments to be avoided during pregnancy:
Acne treatment
It’s best not to leave breakouts untreated due to the scarring untreated acne can result in. However, most topical and oral treatments are prohibited during pregnancy. Easily accessible over-the-counter anti-acne creams should be avoided, and professional care should be sought from a dermatologist. Especially avoid any acne product containing: Salicylic Acid, BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), Retinol A, Tretinoin, Isotretinoin (Accutane), Benzoyl Peroxide, Sodium Sulfacetamide, Hydrocortisone (corticosteroid), and any other member of the Retinoid family not already mentioned. Also avoid chemical peeling and D’arsenval acne treatments.
Hair care
Avoid single process hair dyes throughout pregnancy, but especially in first trimester. Avoid any hair care product or treatment that may expose the expectant mother to inhaling fumes or absorbing chemicals through the scalp. Avoid using scented products during the pregnancy, but especially during the first trimester. Pregnancy hormonal changes may cause hair dyes and other products to have unusual, mostly unwanted results. Hair dye has been known to be found in women’s urine after it has penetrated the scalp and may cause birth defects and harm foetus development.
Hair removal
Most hair removal products contain thioglyclic acid and fragrance which may contain phthalates. Since thioglyclic acid is an aggressive chemical and phthalates have been linked to male reproductive deformities, it’s best to avoid using hair removal products, especially during the first trimester. Laser hair removal treatments are definitely unsafe for unborn children due to the numbing cream and laser lights used in the process. The lasers lights may cause the disruption of chemical molecules inside the expectant mother’s bloodstreams, which enable the molecules to penetrate the placenta. Note that this does not rule out shaving!
Nail care
There are a few types of nail care treatments that should be avoided due to the chemicals in the products used. For instance, nail polish remover may be harmful due to the methyl methacrylate and acetonitrile ingredients. Applying nail extensions nail decorations, and artificial nails should definitely be avoided.
Tanning treatments
Tanning treatments should be avoided or at least limited to fake tans that can be applied as a mousse, cream, or wipe. Sun beds should be avoided throughout the pregnancy, as elevated body temperatures can endanger the baby. Intense UV exposure from sun beds may also cause skin discoloration. Spray-on tanning products may contain Dihydroxacetone (DHA). Although DHA may not be absorbed through the skin, it may be inhaled when particles get into the air. Studies have suggested that DHA may be mutagenic and can cause primary DNA damage. Pregnancy can make a woman more sensitive and cause allergic reactions. Always purchase fake tan products from reputable suppliers and never use tanning pills or injections.
Tattoos
Tattoo dyes are not regulated the same way cosmetics are, and very little research has been conducted as to their safety for pregnant women. Since traditional tattoos involve the use of needles and direct contact with the bloodstream, it’s highly recommended that expectant mothers skip getting a tattoo. It’s also recommended that laser tattoo removal treatment be delayed until after delivery. This is because it may cause the azo dyes to split into carcinogenic amines in the bloodstream. It’s also important to remember that a woman’s skin may loose its elasticity and become overly dry during pregnancy, which may lead to scarring easily.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening treatments are not considered safe or unsafe due to the lack of research available. However, many dental experts suggest waiting until after the delivery. This is because gums may become more sensitive and prone to bleeding due to hormonal shifts.
Basically, any treatment which may expose the pregnant woman to inhaling or absorbing chemicals, scents, and fumes should be avoided completely during the entire pregnancy, but especially during the first trimester. Also, any beauty treatment that cause the woman’s core temperature to rise or exposes her to intensive heat should be avoided. Steam baths, hot tubs, saunas, and Jacuzzis need to be avoided.
Moreover, any treatment which may accidentally induce contractions or cause allergic reactions should be completely avoided throughout the pregnancy. Any intense pain can cause contractions, especially in the first and third trimesters. Certain essential oils can induce contractions or cause miscarriages, so be extremely cautious when using products containing essential oils. Since each pregnancy is different, it’s best for pregnant women to consult with their obstetrician to confirm a treatment is safe. What may be safe for one pregnant woman may not be safe for another one. The current health conditions of the expectant mother and her baby are the main factors that determine which beauty products and treatments should be avoided during pregnancy.