If you're a mom-to-be, you may be wondering what skin products you can use so the baby doesn't get harmed. There are so many options in the market. Their complex ingredient lists are full of toxic chemicals. As such, finding the right products and herbs for pregnancy-safe skincare can be scary.
keeping baby (and mom) safe
You deserve love and pampering without any harmful substances causing harm to your baby. Here are our tips for choosing pregnancy-safe skincare products that will put your mind at ease and keep you looking your best.
What To Avoid
1. NAIL CARE
In case you didn't know, our nail beds are alive and permeable. That's how harmful chemicals like toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde get absorbed into our bodies.
Even natural nail polishes may contain ingredients that aren't adequately tested. They also emit toxic fumes that are known to cause reproductive system problems.
2. SPRAY TANNING
Sunless tanning makes no sense. Why would anyone want to spray on fake sunshine? These formulas contain an ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which is an ingredient found in spray-on tans. It's considered safe for external use but remember the beauty industry is largely unregulated.
One study shows that inhaling this chemical causes primary DNA damage. Why not choose the safer alternative and sunbathe 15 minutes a day, with proper sun protection? You'll receive the incredible benefits of vitamin D essential for the baby's bones.
3. SKIN LIGHTENERS
Expectant women often experience the Pregnancy Mask- dark pigmented patches on the face. These color changes are caused by hormones that increase the production of melanin.
Bear with this condition since it's only temporary. Skin lighteners contain hydroquinone, which disrupts hormones, causes cancer and organ toxicity.
4. CHEMICAL FRAGRANCES
Artificial fragrances contain a myriad of plasticizing chemicals called phthalates. They're added to perfumes and skincare products to make them stick to the skin. Avoid these chemicals that cause congenital disabilities and disrupt hormones.
Replace them with pure, therapeutic grade essential oils diluted in a carrier oil.
5. HAIR DYES
Hair dyes are full of carcinogenic ingredients. These dyes remain on the scalp long enough to absorb into our skin. Some of the harmful chemicals include Arylamines and PPD (p-phenylenediamine). Arylamines increase the risk of bladder cancer, while the latter causes reproductive/developmental toxicity and cancer.
6. PARABENS
Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl) are found in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, lotions, foundations, etc. They are hormone disruptors that mimic estrogen in the body.
These chemicals are banned in all of the E.U. countries. Make sure you read product labels thoroughly before coating your skin with these harmful ingredients.
7. CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN
Oxybenzone (also listed as benzophenone) is the culprit to watch out for. It's found in both conventional and 'natural' sunscreens. It causes developmental toxicity and hormonal disruptions. A safer option is mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide.
8. SALICYLIC ACID AND RETINOIDS
These compounds are generally used for exfoliation, anti-aging, and acne treatments. However, they're unsafe for pregnancy. Salicylic acid used in high doses has been shown to cause pregnancy complications and defects during birth.
Retinoids too have been linked directly to congenital disabilities and miscarriages. Avoid these names as well: beta hydroxy acids or BHA, retinol, isotretinoin, tretinoin (retinoic acid, retin-A), and alitretinoin.
What To Do
REDUCING THE APPEARANCE OF STRETCH MARKS:
Stretch marks usually form as your belly and breasts grow. To mitigate their appearance, eat a nutrient-rich diet, incorporate dry brushing, stay hydrated, and keep your skin moisturized constantly. We love recommending our Awakening Organic Body Lotion, enriched with cypress, lemon, and mint essential oils.
FOR OILY SKIN:
You may develop more oily skin as the months pass. Not to fear, Sole Toscana Skincare is here!
For oily skin types, our products contain active and balanced formulas. Our Rosewater Wellspring Cleanser is an excellent first step to removing oils and impurities. For a moisturizer, we recommend using our Rosehip & Calendula Triple Cream, which replenishes moisture without clogging pores.
AROMATHERAPY:
Essential oils are a controversial subject. Most of them are generally safe to use during pregnancy. They shouldn't be used undiluted directly on the skin since they're potent plant extracts. We suggest consulting your midwife or healthcare professional to be safe.
PREGNANCY-SAFE SKINCARE OPTIONS:
There are several pregnancy-safe options, including neroli, lavender, eucalyptus, sandalwood, geranium, frankincense, bergamot, patchouli, tea tree oil (not in labor), and spearmint.
AVOID THESE:
The following are emmenagogues (menstruation promoters) thus are not considered safe: marjoram, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, juniper, ginger, jasmine, myrrh, peppermint, rose, and cinnamon.
A cool option is to use essential oils diluted in a warm bath. Doesn't that sound heavenly?
Are Sole Toscana Skincare products pregnancy-safe?
Yes! Our products are entirely safe for use during pregnancy.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Some herbalists recommend that pregnant women avoid using pure essential oils (on their own). However, when they're blended you don't inhale the oil directly, nor are you putting a lot of it on your skin.
Also, many of the toxicological studies done on herbs are looking at a toxic ceiling—not the minute amount we have in our products.
We hope our article helps you make the best choices for you and your baby! Always do your research and look into ingredient lists to make sure you are avoiding any hazardous chemicals.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Skincare Team
