Pregnancy is a special time. Expectation, excitement, but also mood swings, hormonal changes, and changes in body appearance. Despite the immense joy, there are days when we don't always feel great in our own skin, but there are ways to quickly improve our mood. For example, applying simple makeup that will accentuate facial features, highlighting your best features, and concealing some imperfections, including those that arose after pregnancy. But can you wear makeup while waiting, and later while breastfeeding? Are cosmetics safe for your baby?
Can you wear makeup while pregnant?
Let's start with a basic question: can you wear makeup while pregnant or breastfeeding? Do the cosmetics you apply to your face penetrate and harm your little one? It's true that ingredients in cosmetics penetrate the skin, so you should be careful about your cosmetic choices. The good news, however, is that using products from the "safe" list won't negatively impact your baby's development. Therefore, by paying attention to the ingredients, you can wear makeup without major concerns.
Which ingredients in cosmetics should you be more careful with while pregnant?
AHAs, salicylic acid, tetracyclines, and triclosan – these ingredients are most often found in anti-acne cosmetics, exfoliants, and soaps. AHAs that contribute to skin irritation and discoloration during pregnancy include glycolic, malic, lactic, mandelic, citric, and tartaric acids.
- some sunscreens - due to the particular sensitivity of skin during pregnancy, the use of sunscreens is even recommended. The safest are mineral sunscreens, such as zinc oxide (a physical filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA) and titanium dioxide (a physical filter that provides protection against UVB and, to a lesser extent, UVA). Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can also choose cosmetics containing both mineral and chemical filters. However, in the case of the latter, so-called penetrating filters, which enter the bloodstream (they are detected in breast milk), should be excluded. These filters include: Octyl Dimethyl PABA, Etylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (also known as Octylmethoxycinnamate), Benzophenone-3, Benzophenone-4, and 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor.
High concentrations of fluoride and certain vitamins – fluoride should also be avoided. Contained in high concentrations in toothpastes and mouthwashes, it has a beneficial effect on a woman's health but negatively impacts the health of the child. It's also best to avoid cosmetics containing high concentrations of vitamin A and its derivatives: retinol and retinoids.
- Certain essential oils, antioxidants, synthetic musk – essential oils should be used with particular caution during the first trimester of pregnancy. Studies show that some of them can induce early miscarriage and induce uterine contractions. Of course, we're talking about much higher concentrations than are typically used in cosmetics, but it's worth keeping this in mind. Lavender, chamomile, hyssop, rosemary, and parsley oils are particularly discouraged during this time. Cosmetics with antioxidants such as BHT and BHA (derived from petroleum) should also be avoided, as they can be carcinogenic and cause kidney damage. It's worth noting that in Poland, these are prohibited in children's products, but they are also common ingredients in adult cosmetics. Also, be wary of musk compounds, highly allergenic substances that easily penetrate fatty tissue and breast milk.
A Safe List of Cosmetic Ingredients for Expectant Mothers
So what cosmetics should you use? Those rich in natural ingredients, such as natural, pure oils, butters, and minerals. Even if plant extracts contain vitamins, their concentration is not high enough to harm your baby in any way.
Safe makeup = mineral makeup
Now that we've covered the dos and don'ts, let's get back to the topic of makeup. The safest choice during pregnancy and breastfeeding is mineral cosmetics. Why? Because they're based solely on a few natural ingredients.
By choosing mineral cosmetics, we're taking the best care of ourselves and our baby. So, feel free to choose from a wide range of breathable foundations, beautifying blushes, and powders that will mattify skin prone to excess sebum or brighten the skin of a sleep-deprived mother.
Magda Plewa , photographer and Instagrammer ( www.instagram.com/magda.plewa/ ). More thoughtful than romantic, she teaches how to take beautiful product photos that sell. She lives by the slow lifestyle, loves good vegetarian food, and enjoys relaxing with a book and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. In her private life, she is a happy wife and mother.
