There are frequently asked questions from pregnant mothers, such as whether they can wear makeup, dye their hair, do nails, go to the spa, and other beauty-related questions. These often concern whether these activities are safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if they pose any danger to the mother or baby.
Are cosmetics safe?
Branded or well-known cosmetics are produced to standard quality and mostly do not contain harmful contaminants. They can be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
According to current medical information, cosmetics have not been found to cause fetal malformations or abnormalities, nor do they affect development and growth. Some studies have found that using cosmetics (more than 5 days per week) is associated with low birth weight in infants, but the cause has not been clearly explained.
Other beauty products
Hair dye, nail polish, body lotion, sunscreen, perfume, and other external products, like cosmetics, have not been found to cause fetal malformations or abnormalities. However, caution is needed regarding allergies or skin irritation in mothers, which are common. The scent or vapors from these products may irritate the respiratory system, causing fatigue or difficulty breathing.
Want to get Botox, fillers, or laser treatments?
Some mothers worry about body changes during pregnancy, such as darkened skin spots, increased skin looseness, and more body hair. Mothers need not worry as most changes are temporary, and the body will return to normal after delivery. Therefore, there is no need to rush to correct these changes during pregnancy.
However, for mothers who feel it is truly necessary, these cosmetic procedures are generally safe. The substances injected are absorbed very little and do not pass through the placenta to the fetus or through breast milk to the baby.
Mothers want to be beautiful… How to do it most safely
Consult your doctor for appropriate advice. To reduce concerns, mothers should avoid using beauty products during the first trimester, when chemicals can have the greatest impact on the fetus, as this is the period when the baby’s organs are developing.
- Choose products made from natural ingredients, mostly labeled as Organic, Natural, or Pure
- Choose products free from ingredients that may cause allergies, irritation, or high absorption through the skin, such as Fragrance-free, BPA-free, No parabens, No phthalates, No DEA
Mothers can preliminarily check the safety of regularly used products themselves by referring to information from the EWG’s Skin Deep Database, which is a comprehensive and user-friendly resource that helps consumers make informed decisions about safe health products.
