Having recently had a baby, means a full 9-10 months preggo plus another full year breast feeding, of having to change up my oh-so-loved beauty routine for products that are safe for your little bundle of joy. Pregnant or not, you already know there are several products, foods, spaces...that you either cannot engage in or are cautioned about while expecting and also lactating. One of those very important warnings comes with many of the products you might be using on your face, body, and hair.
The number one culprit (and my drug of choice) is Retinol. (See earlier post where I rave about Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion). Retinol is a no-no while pregnant, and its more harsh version Retin-A is completely off limits!! Now that's my recommendation as well as that of most doctors, websites, magazines, etc. However, for those with severe acne or other problems that require use of Retin-A you should consult your own doctor when a baby is on the way or even on the brain! While lactating, I researched Retinol again and found that topical, over-the-counter creams are fine but you should absolutely stay away from any pills or prescription strength products. Research also showed that topical retinol wasn't an issue during pregnancy...but I say, why take that risk?!
Another not so welcome guest at the baby table is salicylic acid. So basically most all acne products (that actually work) are best to avoid! Here's a good resource to show what's ok and what's not...
http://www.babycenter.com/0_safe-skin-care-during-pregnancy_1490031.bc?page=1
As far as makeup and hair products go...its the natural stuff that's best during this time.
So that means, NO....
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
So if you already use it...GREAT! If not...I'd make a switch for those 1-2 years or so.
YIKES...that was my first thought, and then I just went on and researched (like crazy) and tried different products that helped during this time. Did they work as well...No, but they did enough to make me feel like I was caring for my skin and for my baby! So here's a little list of products I used that were "switch-outs", meaning specifically and only for when I was pregnant. Although some of the makeup and hair products I still use. I linked the Sephora website on some of them so you can quickly read descriptions and reviews.
For facial skin care...cleansers, moisturizers, etc...
BELLI
http://www.belliskincare.com/exfoliator-body-lotion-wash-benefits.html
They make products specifically for pregnant women and they are a great alternative! Pricey...but worth it.
Fragrance...
LAVANILLA
http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=lavanilla&_requestid=195168
Several scents to choose from, a little fruity for my normal taste in perfumes, but good enough to add a scent to your body without adding harmful chemicals. They also have a baby care line that I still use for my daughter (again...pricey, but worth it)
Lipstick...
KORRES Mango Butter Lipstick
http://www.sephora.com/mango-butter-lipstick-spf-10-P199108
Some of the best mostly neutral shades, with lots of moisturizing power and without parabens, phthalates and sulfates.
Haircare...
Basically I'd just stick with something sulfate and phthalate free. Some good brands include
LIVING PROOF and ALTERNA
http://www.sephora.com/living-proof
http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=alterna&_requestid=197107
Check the product information section to make sure its free of the harmful stuff because not every single product in these lines is.
These are the main areas I felt required a "switch-out". (Don't forget about ammonia-free hair dyes which many salons now carry). I pretty much kept the rest of my makeup the same. However...for those that really want to re-vamp it all to a more natural routine...I'd try products by TARTE, KORRES, or JOSIE MARAN. Sorry...but I really DO NOT LIKE bareMinerals.
Hope this helps any mommys-to-be (or just put it away for the future :)!
The number one culprit (and my drug of choice) is Retinol. (See earlier post where I rave about Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion). Retinol is a no-no while pregnant, and its more harsh version Retin-A is completely off limits!! Now that's my recommendation as well as that of most doctors, websites, magazines, etc. However, for those with severe acne or other problems that require use of Retin-A you should consult your own doctor when a baby is on the way or even on the brain! While lactating, I researched Retinol again and found that topical, over-the-counter creams are fine but you should absolutely stay away from any pills or prescription strength products. Research also showed that topical retinol wasn't an issue during pregnancy...but I say, why take that risk?!
Another not so welcome guest at the baby table is salicylic acid. So basically most all acne products (that actually work) are best to avoid! Here's a good resource to show what's ok and what's not...
http://www.babycenter.com/0_safe-skin-care-during-pregnancy_1490031.bc?page=1
As far as makeup and hair products go...its the natural stuff that's best during this time.
So that means, NO....
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
So if you already use it...GREAT! If not...I'd make a switch for those 1-2 years or so.
YIKES...that was my first thought, and then I just went on and researched (like crazy) and tried different products that helped during this time. Did they work as well...No, but they did enough to make me feel like I was caring for my skin and for my baby! So here's a little list of products I used that were "switch-outs", meaning specifically and only for when I was pregnant. Although some of the makeup and hair products I still use. I linked the Sephora website on some of them so you can quickly read descriptions and reviews.
For facial skin care...cleansers, moisturizers, etc...
BELLI
http://www.belliskincare.com/exfoliator-body-lotion-wash-benefits.html
They make products specifically for pregnant women and they are a great alternative! Pricey...but worth it.
Fragrance...
LAVANILLA
http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=lavanilla&_requestid=195168
Several scents to choose from, a little fruity for my normal taste in perfumes, but good enough to add a scent to your body without adding harmful chemicals. They also have a baby care line that I still use for my daughter (again...pricey, but worth it)
Lipstick...
KORRES Mango Butter Lipstick
http://www.sephora.com/mango-butter-lipstick-spf-10-P199108
Some of the best mostly neutral shades, with lots of moisturizing power and without parabens, phthalates and sulfates.
Haircare...
Basically I'd just stick with something sulfate and phthalate free. Some good brands include
LIVING PROOF and ALTERNA
http://www.sephora.com/living-proof
http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=alterna&_requestid=197107
Check the product information section to make sure its free of the harmful stuff because not every single product in these lines is.
These are the main areas I felt required a "switch-out". (Don't forget about ammonia-free hair dyes which many salons now carry). I pretty much kept the rest of my makeup the same. However...for those that really want to re-vamp it all to a more natural routine...I'd try products by TARTE, KORRES, or JOSIE MARAN. Sorry...but I really DO NOT LIKE bareMinerals.
Hope this helps any mommys-to-be (or just put it away for the future :)!
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