Go natural for that glow

Megha Dua

Pregnancy is a fragile journey for many women marked with many lifestyle changes. There’s usually a list of important dos and don’ts given by doctors and elderly women around you. Instructions and advice normally include having a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. Nowadays, many doctors hand an additional list to avoid some skincare products. 

As pregnancy triggers hormonal changes in the body, women may face skin problems like acne, skin darkening, appearance of spots, etc. So why do obstetricians tell you to stop using some products during pregnancy even though these products have been working for your skin in the past? Many skincare products use toxic chemicals like retinoids, tetracycline, salicylic acid, Isotretinoin and other beta-hydroxy acids, sulfates, phthalates, toluene, aluminium chloride hexhydrate, parabens and formaldehyde, etc. There can be many harmful health consequences if a pregnant woman uses such products. 

There are numerous studies showing how constant exposure to these common skin-care ingredients can cause serious issues like birth defects and blood toxicity. So how should a pregnant woman keep her and her baby safe from the ill-effects of these products? The answer is simple: Investigate, Chuck Out and Change!

Investigate: Before buying any product, check out its label. If any of the above-mentioned products have been used, don’t buy. 

Chuck out: Carefully check all products which you have been using before pregnancy. Immediately chuck out those which contain these ingredients. 

Change: Replace such products with safe, natural and chemical-free alternatives.

Use of natural and organic beauty alternatives has been proven beneficial for pregnant women in multiple studies. As these are made from natural and chemical-free ingredients, these do not cause any complications and hinder foetal development. So, mums-to-be, pamper yourself naturally and without putting your baby at any risk. 

— The writer is founder, Nuluv