Choosing The Right Products For You And Your Baby...
The most delicate skin of all is that of a newborn baby, soft and sensitive...Their skin deserves only the purest and natural products whilst mums' skin needs some TLC too! Hormone levels during pregnancy can cause the skin to become more sensitive and so here we share some helpful advice on how to look after yours and your baby's skin.
Research has found that certain chemicals can pass from mum to baby via absorption through the skin and into the bloodstream. Any chemicals that are in skincare products have the potential to harm your baby and so, we recommend that you stay clear of toxic chemicals and synthetic ingredients. The purer, the better! Thesis Baby Pure Cream is a good example of a 100% pure and safe baby cream that can be used by mummy too! This raw, toxic-free cream contains only pure organic oils and butters. Thesis organic face and body butter is silky, soft, rich and creamy without any added scent. Recommended for mothers-to-be, new mums, baby and children's skin as it is a safe and effective skin moisturizer. Contains no essential oils and is perfect for scent and fragrance sensitive people. Not a single nasty in sight!!
Aloe Vera is a fantastic product for mum's-to-be and babies. It is full of vitamin's A, B, C, and E as well as containing the minerals; potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, copper, sodium and many more which help with the healing of the skin. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties because it contains a number of enzymes that help reduce inflammation. The minerals and the enzymes work together in reducing inflammation in the skin. Aloe Vera gel is particularly good for sun burns helping to soothe the skin after too much sun exposure but it is very good if your baby suffers from eczema and also, helps with diaper rash. It will help soothe dry, itchy skin and offer some relief for baby. For mum's, aloe vera can be an excellent face moisturiser, body moisturiser and even a leave-in hair conditioner! Applied topically, aloe vera really is a little hero!
It's important to mention the benefits of wonderful Shea butter! This rich butter is perfect for pregnancy and safe for babies. Shea butter is rich in Vitamin A & E and offers intense nourishment for the skin. It is fantastic for those suffering with skin conditions such as Ezcema and perfectly safe for baby. It can soothe dry skin and restore elasticity so, it is great for helping with stretch marks and even sore nipples! It is a great all-rounder for mum and baby and has a comedogenic rating of 0 which means it is not pore-clogging so, an excellent face and body moisturiser. Unrefined, pure shea butter is always the the best quality.
During pregnancy it may be best to avoid any skincare products with a strong scent, including powerful essential oils that may cause some aggravation. Unscented products work to calm the skin and offer gentle care for anyone with skin that may be extra sensitive. A few examples of unscented products can be seen below and are products that are suitable for mum's-to-be especially during pregnancy.
The safest makeup to use during pregnancy is mineral makeup that does not contain talc, nano-particles or other synthetic preservatives. Pure mineral makeup is the safest choice for you and your baby. Mineral makeup sits on the skin and does not enter the bloodstream causing harm to yours or your baby's cells.
Avoiding certain ingredients in makeup and skincare is very important. Here is a list of some nasties to avoid!
*Rentinol - A synthetic derivative of Vitamin A (also, know as retinyl palmitate). Too much of this Vitamin A has been linked to early on miscarriages and malformation of the fetus. This ingredient is very often found in anti-aging cosmetics and skincare and helps with dry and flaky skin. It can be synthetic or naturally-derived from plants. However, it's probably best to avoid too much of either during pregnancy.
*Synthetic fragrance - This can include many carcinogenic and hazardous chemicals such as neurotoxins, respiratory irritants, solvents, aldehydes, petrochemicals, phthalates (which can act as hormone disrupters) and octoxynols (hormone disrupters).
*Synthetic preservatives - Such as Formaldehyde (a known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity and developmental toxicity), Phenoxyethanol (when absorbed by your skin, can lead to reproductive issues, damage to an underdeveloped fetus and is highly toxic if accidentally swallowed, with the brain and nervous system being affected), Parabens (causes reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption and skin irritation), Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone (harmful skin irritants) and Triclosan (this may reduce the levels of thyroid hormones that are important for fetal growth and development).
*Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate - These are common surfactants found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc.). These are sensitisers for mum and baby and best avoided. Sodium Laureth Sulfate has been linked to linked to cancer and birth defects.
*Toulene - This is a petrochemical solvent that can be toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects. During pregnancy be careful and avoid nail polish containing toulene entirely.
*Talc - Often contamintaed with asbestos as they are mined next to one another. There have been inconclusive reports that it could lead to respiratory disease. It is used in many mainstream cosmetic products as a filler but has been known to cause irritation and allergic reactions. Can cause respiratory problems if it enters the lungs, especially in babies.
*Polyethylene Glycol's (PEG's) - Used as thickeners/emulsifiers in cosmetic products. PEGs can cause irritation and systemic toxicity. They may also, be contaminated with carcinogenic ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. PEG compounds show evidence of genotoxicity if used on broken skin and research links PEG's to cancer.
*Phthalates - These are endocrine disruptors and can cause reproductive problems, hormonal problems and birth defects. They can interfere with male genital development, as well as increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
*Chemical Sunscreens - It is advised that women should avoid using chemical sunscreens during pregnancy as many contain Oxybenzone. This chemical filter permeates the skin, allowing it to be absorbed into the blood stream affecting fetal development. Oxybenzone is a known endocrine disruptor and can also, alter thyroid function.
*Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA) - These are surfactants and PH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development. Most commonly found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens.
We really feel it's important to choose beauty products that are as pure and natural as possible as these are a healthier option for both mum and baby. By avoiding products that contain toxic and synthetic chemicals (as mentioned above) and looking for purer skincare that's made of organic oils and butters with no nasties then both mum and baby will reap the rewards, noticing differences in their skin and most importantly general well-being.
We hope this blog helps all those lovely new mamma's and babba's out there and most importantly we hope you stay safe during these difficult times :)
Coco & Gizmo x