Are you trying to go organic during your pregnancy? You might be eating organic but what about the products you put on your skin? Just because they say natural or even organic, it certainly does not mean they are safe for you, much less for your tiny fetus. Personal care products are not regulated the same way that food items are. Please do not be naive. These products contain ingredients linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, developmentive and reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity, allergies, endocrine disruption, biochemical and cellular changes and more. The
Environmental Working Group
has put together a database of cosmetics, skin, hair and nail products with scores based on the toxicity of the ingredients with zero being the safest and ten the most hazardous.
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or lactating then go to your bathroom right now, grab every item that you use on your face, body or hair, bring them to your computer and go to
www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
. Type in each and every brand name and you will see exactly what you are putting into your baby through your skin. Unless you are using items that you are making in your own kitchen, then the results are sure to shock you.
So here it is, the winners and losers, safest and most hazardous. You can click on any ingredient name for full details of the dangers you are exposing yourself and your baby to. If you are interested in purchasing any of the top ten you can click the product name to go directly to Amazon or visit the
Natural Pregnancy Store
.
1.
BELLY OIL
The Winner:
Zenmomma Belly and Body Oil Mist
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Almond, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils (all of which are zero concern). Also contains TOCOPHEROL.
The Loser: Vitabath Moisturizing Dry Oil
Score: 8 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Contains ingredients that are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity and more. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), D & C VIOLET 2, and BHT.
Make your own:
Many women simply rub straight olive, almond, jojoba or other nut/seed oil directly on their growing tummy. You know you won't be harming your precious baby and it is much less expensive than commercially prepared products.
2.
STRETCH MARK CREAM
The Winner: Based on the products reviewed, there is no winner in this category, only losers. The lowest score in the entire category is a six and you should not expose your fetus to more than a zero or 1.
The Loser: Mustela Special Maternity Lotion, Stretch Marks Intensive Action
Score: 7 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persistence and bioaccumulation, biochemical and cellular changes and more. Some of the ingredients of concern: CETEARETH-33, FRAGRANCE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN and more.
Make your own
: Many experts claim that there is absolutely nothing you can do about stretch marks. They happen from the inside due to stress on the skin and they are actually inside out scars. It does not hurt to try to battle these pregnancy war wounds (unless you are using commercially prepared stretch mark cream). Try unrefined cocoa butter, vitamin E capsules, shea butter and wheat germ oil. Keep your skin healthy from the inside by drinking tons of water and getting plenty of E, C and Zinc from your diet as well as your prenatal vitamin.
3
.
SUNSCREEN
The Winner:
UV Natural Sport SPF 30+
Score: 0 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Zinc Oxide, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Sesame, Safflower and Macadamia Nut Oils.
The Loser: Coppertone Sunblock Lotion, UVA/UVB Protection, SPF15, Waterproof
Score: 7 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and non-reproductive organ system toxicity (among other things) OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), OXYBENZO (BENZOPHENONE-3) and FRAGRANCE.
Make your own
: Many natural health advocates including Dr. Mercola and Mike Adams, are loud and adamant detractors of sunscreen. They believe (and I agree) that the entire market is fabricated on nonsense and rather than preventing cancer, the chemicals contained in sunscreen actually cause cancer. While pregnant, please avoid putting commercial sunscreens on your skin at all costs. Yes of course you want to avoid getting sunburned but there are plenty of non-chemical ways to do that. Try wearing hats and long sleeve shirts and seeking shade. Do not spend hours baking in the sun.
Still want to use sunscreen? Check out Environmental Working Groups
Best
and
Worst
Sunscreen Lists.
4.
DEODORANT
The Winner:
Crystal Body Deodorant Spray Mist
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Potassium Alum and Water.
The Loser: Suave Silky Smooth Antiperspirant Deodorant Invisible Solid Silk Blossom
Score: 6 (Moderate Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients are linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, organ system toxicity and more. Ingredients of concern are: ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TRICHLOROHYDREX GLY, FRAGRANCE, BHT, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-8 DISTEARATE.
Make your own
: Sweating is healthy and totally normal! Anything that blocks your sweat glands or inhibits this natural detoxing action is very unhealthy. Additionally, the aluminum contained in antiperspirants has been linked to Alzheimer's and breast cancer among other things. Therefore please avoid anti-perspirants at all costs while pregnant. Being stinky does not bring a health benefit, but there are much more natural ways to remain clean and fresh without the use of dangerous chemicals on your skin. Some people swear that a raw/vegan diet keeps them so clean they do not need deodorant or shampoo. Other people only use soap and water and never complain of body odor. In addition you can try baking soda or deodorant crystals.
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