Pregnancy is accompanied by a list of instructions intended to preserve the health of the mother and the unborn child: the future mother must not eat raw meat or fish, must zap alcohol, must quit smoking, must avoid sources of pesticides and endocrine disruptors…
A new study, carried out by Rutgers University (in the United States), looked at the impact of beauty products used during pregnancy. For this, the American scientists collected blood samples from 1070 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 and living on the island of Puerto Rico; these were invited to complete questionnaires concerning their usual beauty products.
Choose natural products, especially for the hair
Verdict? The researchers (who published their work in the specialist journal Environmental Research) observed that the regular use of hair cosmetics (dyes, bleaches, lacquers, conditioners, straightening products, etc.) was associated with lower blood levels of steroid hormones. However, these hormones (among which are estrogens and progesterone) are necessary for the smooth running of pregnancy and the development of the fetus.
The American researchers therefore recommend that pregnant women favor natural beauty products (such as henna or natural dyes) which have a less significant impact on the endocrine system – an advice which concerns hair products in particular.
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