Pregnancy and cosmetic products: ingredients to avoid
During pregnancy or breastfeeding, health professionals recommend that women avoid certain activities and strongly advise against the consumption of certain products (tobacco, raw fish, alcoholic beverages, caffeine, fermented foods, etc.). ). Did you know that certain ingredients frequently used in the cosmetic field are now part of this list? Indeed, as we discussed in this article , the skin acts like a sponge, and the components contained in the products applied to it do not always only remain on the surface. This is even more critical when pregnant or breastfeeding, as these ingredients can enter the bloodstream, cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus or end up in breast milk. This is the reason why some of these components should be avoided during this period.
Ingredients to avoid before, during and after pregnancy
On average, a woman uses up to 12 personal hygiene products per day, exposing herself to nearly 170 different components. Even if each compound taken individually presents little or no danger at the dose used, interactions are possible between the ingredients of the same or several products, which can generate a cocktail of compounds whose effects are often unknown. The use of cosmetic products on a regular basis and over a prolonged period also results in direct and continuous exposure to these components, thus increasing the dose to which an individual is exposed. Here are the ingredients to avoid if you are planning to be pregnant, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as well as some tips for recognizing them.
Parabens, recognized endocrine disruptors
In the category of endocrine disruptors, parabens are the best known representatives. They are used as preservatives in certain foods, cosmetics and personal hygiene products to increase their shelf life. They are also found in hair dyes . However, long-chain parabens can cause medical problems. Indeed, they disrupt the endocrine system, responsible for the production of hormones, and can harm the reproductive system and the development of infants. These compounds are absorbed through the skin , metabolized by the body, and then released into urine and bile.
How to recognize them? Ingredients whose name ends in -paraben or -paraben, for example: methylparaben, ethylparaben, benzylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben (the last four are the long-chain ones, more problematic).
Essential oils, not as innocent as they seem
Essential oils have interesting properties, but we must not forget that they come from a very concentrated and complex mixture that can contain up to 200 different molecules . This is why the risks of allergies or skin irritation , often called "contact dermatitis" or "skin sensitization", are higher. Since certain essential oils are abortifacient or neurotoxic, the majority are prohibited during pregnancy , and some are even prohibited during breastfeeding, because their use is not recommended for young children. Indeed, as they reach the bloodstream, they can cross the placental barrier or end up in breast milk.
How to recognize them? “Essential oil of”, “ essential oil of” . They may sometimes contain the following compounds, which are volatile cosmetic allergens listed by the European Commission: limonene , linalool , citronellol , citral , eugenol , methyleugenol , farnesol .
Synthetic perfumes and fragrances: phthalates in abundance
Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates, other known endocrine disruptors that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled due to their volatility. They are thus found inside our body, and pregnant women and newborns are no exception. Accused of disrupting the hormonal system, they are associated with abnormal reproductive development in male babies. In addition to fragrances, phthalates are also used in nail polish and some personal care products as a plasticizer.
How to recognize them? Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diocyl phthalate (DOP), or simply: fragrance, perfume, perfume …
Retinol and retinoids: anti-aging and anti-acne, but when you are pregnant, you have to be wary of them
Retinol and retinoids are forms of vitamin A often used in anti-aging products and acne treatments. In fact, they are effective in reducing the signs of aging by stimulating cell renewal. To fight acne , they can either be used on the skin (topical medication) or ingested (generally acting medication). Used in too large quantities, however, they can cause irritation to facial skin, which is often more sensitive and reactive during pregnancy . Vitamin A being fat-soluble, it accumulates in fats instead of its excess being eliminated through urine. Ingestion of too large a quantity during gestation can therefore be toxic and cause developmental problems or malformations in the fetus.
How to recognize them? Retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate , retinaldehyde , vitamin A, vitamin A derivatives, vitamin A derivatives .
Formaldehyde: its name is not the only thing that scares you...
In addition to containing phthalates, nail polishes are also formulated with formaldehyde , which is used as a hardening agent. This is classified as a proven carcinogen for humans (nasopharyngeal cancer by inhalation). It is also important to be wary of formaldehyde releasers, ingredients added to slowly convert to formaldehyde. These liberators thus play the role of antimicrobial preservative in certain cosmetics.
How to recognize them? Formaldehyde , benzylhemiformal , diazolidinyl urea , DMDM hydantoin , imidazolidinyl urea , quaternium-15 , 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 , 3-diol , sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (the last seven are formaldehyde releasers).
Why are Omy tailor-made treatments safe during pregnancy?
Omy personalized products are tailor-made, that is to say, they are specially formulated according to the needs of each person. Since they go directly from the laboratory to your home, without stopping on store shelves like most cosmetics, their shelf life is not the same. In fact, standard cosmetics are formulated with chemical preservatives allowing them to last longer. At Omy, a prebiotic ferment called Lactobacillus , completely safe, is used as a natural preservative for several treatments. As these are already colonized by a harmless bacteria, the growth of those which may prove harmful is disadvantaged. Some Omy products are even preserved with sorbic acid , a naturally occurring preservative.
To provide an anti-aging effect to tailor-made treatments, hyaluronic acid, in the form of sodium hyaluronate , is added to the customizable bases of day creams, night creams and serums. It is a molecule that is found naturally in our body and which helps capture water and keep it on the surface of the skin. Since its quantity decreases with age, we see the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Adding this ingredient to treatments therefore helps maintain healthy, hydrated and plump skin. A lipopeptide which is also found naturally in the skin, but whose synthesis decreases over time, can also be added to all personalized products . In fact, the active ingredient Fe slows down the sagging of facial skin and restores a firmer and smoother appearance, in addition to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These compounds pose no risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Omy tailor-made treatments do not contain synthetic perfumes, artificial fragrances or essential oils. Their delicate scent comes from natural essences composed of plant extracts derived directly from raw ingredients (rose, vanilla or mango). The scent of your personalized products is therefore less intense, because it is entirely natural.
We hope that this article has informed you about the ingredients to avoid before, during and after pregnancy , but that it has also reassured you about the safety of Omy tailor-made treatments. Containing no parabens, essential oils, synthetic fragrances or retinoids, they are safe for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, we will answer them with the greatest pleasure!
Photo credit: Anne-Marie Turcotte
