Use of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products During Pregnancy

The state of cosmetics that we use frequently in our daily lives cannot be underestimated. While we may feel good about our use of cosmetics, all these cosmetic ingredients need to be controlled. This is especially important during pregnancy. Chemicals in cosmetic preparations are released through the skin, mouth and inhalation, and all of these chemicals accumulate in our body and show harmful effects after reaching a certain threshold.
 
These chemicals in the mother's womb cannot be rendered harmless by the placenta, they directly enter the structure of the placenta and cause developmental disorders in many systems of the fetus, especially the endocrine system. For example, exposure to phthalates (2-ethylhexyl) or monoester metabolites (found in many cosmetics such as nail polish, cleansing lotions, soaps, cleansers, hair products, and air fresheners) can lead to fetal abnormalities. The chemicals taken into the body pass into the blood circulation in the womb and adversely affect the development of the fetus.
 
In a study, 4652 (47.9%) of 9710 pregnant women stated that they did not use cosmetic preparations during pregnancy, and 5058 (52.1%) stated that they used some cosmetic products during pregnancy. Considering these rates, it shows that women should be informed about the use of cosmetic products during pregnancy.
What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (ED)?
 
Endocrine disruptors are a group that can alter the function of the endocrine system and cause adverse health effects for the whole organism or its offspring or (sub)populations. While we may feel good about our use of cosmetics, all these cosmetic ingredients need to be controlled. This is especially important during pregnancy. Chemicals in cosmetic preparations are released through the dermal, mouth and inhalation, and all of these chemicals accumulate in our body and have harmful effects after reaching a certain threshold.
 
is chemical (natural, synthetic, industrial chemicals or by-products). Exposure to endocrine disruptors can come from a variety of sources, such as pesticide residues and consumer products used or found in our daily lives.
 
Endocrine disruptors disrupt natural hormone systems, and their health effects can be felt long after exposure has ended. Exposure to endocrine disruptors in the womb can have lifelong effects and may even have consequences within the next generation.
What is paraben?
 
It is used as a protective agent in personal care products such as moisturizers, deodorants, shower gels, body lotions and hair care products. Parabens have estrogenic (female hormone) and antiandrogenic (male hormone) properties. They are considered as endocrine disrupting chemicals and it is emphasized that they can cause health problems by entering the body's hormonal system in large quantities.
 
Phthalates
 
The toxic effects of phthalates have been investigated for years. Their acute toxicity is very low and the toxicity profile varies depending on the type of phthalate exposed, the route of exposure, and the age of exposure.
 
Studies have shown that phthalates and parabens cause miscarriage and stillbirths, low birth weight babies, and children with mental retardation during pregnancy. Exposure to phthalates during early pregnancy has been found to be associated with changes in thyroid hormones that lead to autism spectrum disorders and developmental delays.
 
General tips on the use of cosmetic preparations during pregnancy:
 
General health rule; healthy skin and a state of well-being. Therefore, attention should be paid to a balanced, nutritious diet, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water. It is certain that it is not possible to have a healthy skin and body with only cosmetic preparations and personal care products.
Before using cosmetic preparations and personal care products
The ingredient list on the labels of the products used should always be checked.
Care should be taken to use natural or organic products.
Even if it says Organic and Natural, product ingredients should be checked.
If you are going to have hair coloring or skin and body care procedures, inform your specialist that you are pregnant. Make sure the products you use during pregnancy are safe.
During pregnancy, the skin becomes very sensitive to cosmetics and personal care products and may develop a rash/inflammation of the skin (dermatitis).