Hello! I'm not sure if this is the right board to post for this, so sorry in advance if it's not. MH and I are going to start TTC in April- so I've had my doc appts and asked my OBGYN a bunch of questions. I'm healthy and good to go. Some of the questions I was asking her about were about the safety of skincare/body products- she wasn't concerned about that other than me going off my prescription acne meds. I've read that I should be checking for parabens, SLS, and thousands of other "harmful ingredients". I've also read that it doesn't matter because the relatively small surface area they're used on and that not even all of that gets absorbed. What did you decide to do? Did you switch products- and if so to what? Any other advice you can give me at this stage? Thanks in advance!
Re: Pregnancy Safe Products?
I haven't changed any of my skin care products. If you are really worried I would ask for a list of products pregnant women should not use.
Personally, I wouldn't change anything until you get pregnant unless you prefer otherwise. It took us 3 years for DD and I am happy I chose to not change things 2 weeks out of the month (like no drinking after O), it kept me sane over the months & years.
I didn't actually start making the switch until after DS was born. I actually read an article last week about a study done in the UK on a bunch of women with breast cancer who had mastectomy's. They took breast tissue samples and found parabens from deodorant in the tissues. These preservatives mimic estrogen and could have contributed to the cancer. For two months now, I have been using my own deodorant, made from coconut oil, baking soda and cornstarch. It actually works better for me than any other deodorant I have ever used.
I use coconut oil as a moisturizer, and because it is naturally antibacterial/antifungal, it can help with acne. (I also use it on DS's occasional diaper rash, clears it up quickly without a bunch of unpronounceable ingredients.)
I've switched to Dr Bonners Castile soap as a body wash, and I use their baby wash on DS.
You can check products for safety on the cosmetics database (you can google it.) I found a safer shampoo and conditioner there.