As women, we usually try to look our best, and being pregnant is no exception. However, we need to be extra careful when choosing beauty products while pregnant because most of the cosmetics out there contain chemicals that may be harmful for both the mom and the baby. This is the case with most nail polishes, which contain toxic ingredients that you should avoid. Read on for all the details.
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Most nail polishes contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens and camphor. However, three chemicals found in nail polishes have become known as the "toxic trio" because of how harmful they could be. They are formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
In its toxicological profile for toluene, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) states that this chemical "may have an effect on your nervous system (brain and nerves)" and that "high levels of toluene exposure during pregnancy, such as those associated with solvent abuse, may lead to retardation of mental abilities and growth in children. Other health effects of potential concern may include immune, kidney, liver, and reproductive effects."
As for formaldehyde, ATSDR's toxicological profile reads, "The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have characterized formaldehyde as a human carcinogen based on studies of inhalation exposure in humans and laboratory animals."
Lastly, DBP is banned from use in cosmetics in Australia and the European Union as it "may cause harm to the unborn child" and present a "possible risk of impaired fertility".
It is important to clarify that these dangers and diseases are caused by the constant exposure to high quantities of these toxic chemicals. When painting their nails with regular polish, the levels to which pregnant women are exposed are too minimal to cross the placenta. However, is it worth it to expose ourselves to these harmful chemicals while expecting? The answer is no!
Moreover, long exposure to the "toxic trio" could cause immediate effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulty, coughing and eye and throat irritation. These effects may be even worse for a pregnant womon, specially during the first trimester. Also, the direct contact with these chemicals may cause skin irritation and rash.
Therefore, using organic and/or vegan beauty products that don't contain any kind of harmful chemicals is better for pregnant women.
So, when choosing a nail polish while pregnant, make sure to choose brands that are free of toxic chemicals. I recommend brands like Butter London, ella+mila, Deborah Lippmann (one of the pioneers on non-toxic nail polishes) and 7True, which does not contain any of the seven harmful chemicals mentioned above.
Always remember that it is possible to stay beautiful while choosing products that won't present a risk for you unborn child.
