Cosmetics to banish during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is essential to take good care of your skin and your body. But be careful, because some beauty routines can be harmful to the development of the fetus, especially if they include chemical or harmful products. In this article, we will break down for you the cosmetics suitable for pregnancy, and the ingredients it would be better to avoid for your health and that of your future baby, due to the presence of endocrine disruptors or harmful chemicals.

Aluminum salts in cosmetics

Aluminium salts are present in the vast majority of spray or stick deodorants sold in supermarkets, but they are also found in skincare products and cosmetics various. Choose a deodorant without aluminum salts to reduce neurotoxic effects for the baby: the wording "aluminum chloryde" on the back of deodorants and other products cosmetics and skincare will indicate the presence of these aluminum salts.

Watch out for endocrine disruptors in cosmetics

Endocrine disruptors are a real scourge, as they are present in many products cosmetics sold in supermarkets. During pregnancy, there is an increase in hormone production and therefore a higher risk of being sensitive to endocrine disruptors. Among the most widespread endocrine disruptors are phthalates, triclosan, and parabens. You can easily spot them on the labels of your cosmetics under the following names: “methylparaben,” “propylparaben,” “isobutylparaben,” “butyl parahydroxybenzoate.”

The formaldehyde and ammonia in hair dyes or nail polish

Certain hair dyes contain harmful substances for both the pregnant woman and her baby: fumes from some dyes, along with the risk of exposing the skin and scalp to potentially toxic harmful substances, can cause malformations, growth delays, or hormonal disorders. Fortunately, some natural hair dyes can be an excellent alternative: don’t hesitate to discuss it with your hairdresser to choose the solution best suited to you and your baby.

Be careful, because ammonia and formaldehyde are not only found in chemical hair dyes: they are also present in some nail polishes.

Benzophenone-based sunscreens

Certain sunscreens are made with benzophenone, which is recognized as an endocrine disruptor, in the same category as phthalates, triclosan, and parabens. You should pay close attention to sunscreen labels: if they indicate the presence of “benzophenone,” “homosalate,” “4MBC,” “octyl methoxycinnamate,” or “octyldimethyl PABA,” they should be avoided, especially during pregnancy.

Certain essential oils

The use of essential oils should be avoided at least during the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition, essential oils containing ketones are strongly discouraged or even prohibited for pregnant women due to the increased risk of causing a potential miscarriage. It is therefore advisable to choose vegetable oils instead, which are less toxic and more suitable for the baby's health: avocado oil, for example, is an excellent alternative thanks to its moisturizing properties.

How should you care for your skin during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes physical changes. To care for your skin, what could be better than products made with natural ingredients? Caffeine, although a pregnant woman should avoid consuming it to limit stimulation of the nervous system, can however be used on the skin to firm it and make it soft. Don’t forget: treat yourself to moments of relaxation, for your well-being and to protect your skin. We recommend the Irrévérence Bath Ritual Set from Terre De Mars: enriched with aloe vera, caffeine, and rosemary, this set will restore vitality and strength to your body and hair.