FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: Is it really okay to use skin care and makeup during pregnancy?

I've been receiving a lot of questions lately concerning whether or not pregnant women can use makeup and skin care. No question in particular to highlight, but this is my collective response to all the Fan Mail Fridays I have received over the last few weeks about certain products being pregnant woman- friendly.

Photo credit: Google

IS IT OKAY TO USE SKIN CARE AND MAKEUP DURING PREGNANCY?

The answer is yes, but with conditions and precautions.

Yes especially with makeup. In general, makeup products such as mascara, powder, foundation, lipstick, and concealer are safe to be used by pregnant women; as long as it's meant to be applied on the face, then that means it's very safe. It's a different story however if you are using fake makeup or makeup with questionable manufacturing processes so it's always best to use genuine and credible brands.

One concern that I always see is Paraben and preservatives in skin care that can cause harm and birth defects to unborn children. I have read articles about this (like this one from a trusted source) and the consensus is there is not enough evidence that link Parabens to birth defects because for one, the amount of parabens and preservatives used in general cosmetics is minute; minute enough to not even penetrate your skin. The only way to be negatively affected by Paraben is to ingest TONS of it.

And surprise, surprise; SOME OF THE FOOD YOU ARE EATING HAVE PARABEN AND PRESERVATIVES!

Now when it comes to skin care, pregnant women can still use skin care products, but they have to be a bit more careful with this one.

Basic skin care and skin care with plant- based ingredients are generally okay, but skin care with general compounds, if used without physician's guidance and in large amounts can be harmful to the unborn child.

Here are some skin care ingredients that pregnant women should be wary of:

1. Salicylic Acid

2. Retinoids

3. Benzoyl Peroxide

4. Hydroquinone

5. Injectibles

6. Formaldehyde

Some doctors say that pregnant women should not avoid these compounds all together because there are some who are advised to take products with low concentrations of these compounds to help manage rosacea, acne, and excessive oiliness brought upon by pregnancy. But the main point is, NEVER USE ANY PRODUCTS WITH THESE COMPOUNDS WITHOUT GETTING A CLEARANCE FROM YOUR DOCTOR.

If you also have a sensitive pregnancy, best to consult with your doctor and have them help you design a beauty regimen that is safe.

Hope this helps! Happy weekend!

**Got a burning question on beauty, makeup, skin care, fragrance, blogging, fitness, relationships, career, or anything under the sun? Email me at martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com, send me a message via CONTACT FORM, or shoot me a message at THE BEAUTY JUNKEE OFFICIAL FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.