WE ALL know that pregnancy is a huge blessing, it is that stage when a woman can feel a miracle of a new life physically within her body. But let’s be honest, along with those beautiful and magical moments, it is also that time where a woman is faced with difficulties and sacrifices. Yes, we totally get it! You have already given up your nightly get-togethers with your friends, and you’ve also said your goodbyes to your favorite sushi and cocktail. Now, you’re also questioning why you should temporarily skip your beauty routine when you’re at that time where you need it the most because, admit it or not, not every expectant mother would have that pregnancy glow during those nine months.
Go for safe cosmetic products
During pregnancy, it is important to take note of what we should and should not ingest—primarily for the baby’s sake. But we should also consider what we apply to our bodies. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a process called dermal absorption in which a chemical from the outer skin can be transported or absorbed to the inner skin and carry it all the way into the bloodstream. Studies show that the absorption of chemicals through the skin can happen without noticing it. If these chemicals find their way to your bloodstream, then there are chances that these chemicals will reach the baby especially when you are breastfeeding.
Many women apply cosmetic products that contain potentially harmful chemicals and without much care if some of those chemical ingredients end up in the bloodstream. Dr. Davis Chan Yung, a dermatologist and founder of Apex Dermatology Institute, a Dermatology clinic that provides services in medical and cosmetic dermatology found in Tsim Sha Tsui, an urban area in Kowloon, Hong Kong, stated that it is a long journey for those chemicals to find their way past your skin because of the skin’s several layers—the epidermis, dermis (where the blood vessels, hair follicles and sweat glands are) and the hypodermis. In other words, some substances do make their way to the blood vessels and enter your bloodstream. The small amount that is absorbed by your skin is hard to quantify and the harmfulness of those chemicals may still depend on a few factors.
Even so, when you’re pregnant, it is still best to be extra careful about what you apply to your body to avoid certain risks that may affect the baby.
What you can try
Being pregnant can certainly affect a woman’s body in many ways you wouldn’t imagine, and it may stress you out. Still, this shouldn’t be a hindrance to wanting to take care of yourself and your appearance. While it is true that some cosmetic products contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to pregnant women (anti-aging ingredients like Vitamin A and retinol, and other harmful chemicals like parabens formaldehyde, and phthalates), there’s also a plethora of all-natural, gentle and organic options you can choose from. After all, the more you feel like you are beautiful, the more you become happier!
Here is a gathered list of cosmetic brands that are safe for maintaining that glow during pregnancy:
1. VMV Hypoallergenics
A derma-based brand that is made by a Filipina. Staying true to its brand name, it is hypoallergenic which is ideal for sensitive skin and so, contains zero toxic chemicals which is good for the baby. Their makeup products are also Paraben-free and fragrance-free and use USDA-certified moisturizing organic virgin coconut oil, anti-bump monolaurin and antioxidants without common allergens.
vmvhypoallergenics.com
2. Juice Beauty
A brand that was founded by Kahren Behnke, a serial wellness entrepreneur, who had developed an interest in personal care products with her first pregnancy. Juice Beauty’s products are made with ingredients from local West Coast USDA Certified Organic farms and do not use synthetic fragrances that are commonly present in other beauty brands. Healthy for the baby and free from toxins.
Juicebeauty.com
3. Inika Organic
Inika Organic is an Australian brand that is guaranteed to use certified organic ingredients (aloe, Tamanu oil, green tea extract and many more!) found in nature that are free from artificial fertilizers and synthetic chemicals that may harm your baby. They are also 100 percent cruelty-free and certified vegan with the UK vegan society, which means their products do not contain animal derivatives.
Inikaorganic.com