Clean Beauty for Black Maternity
The concept of "clean beauty" has become increasingly popular over the years, with people becoming more aware and conscious about what they put on their bodies. This awareness has been heightened in pregnant women, as they strive to ensure that whatever products they use pose little or no risk to both themselves and their unborn child.
However, while clean beauty may be accessible to many ethnicities, it is not always readily available for Black women - that includes those who are expecting.
Let’s explore the need for clean beauty options customized specifically for Black maternity and why it should become a priority for the industry.
Clean beauty products have gained traction because they don't contain harmful chemicals and toxins that may be detrimental to one's health. However, despite the positivity surrounding this movement, it still faces some hurdles.
For Black women who are expecting, the availability of clean beauty products can be limited or non-existent. This is because most of the products available in the market are either geared towards non-Black women, or they do not specifically include ingredients beneficial for Black skin and hair types.
Studies carried out have shown that Black women are more likely to use beauty products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as heavy metals, parabens, and phthalates – chemicals that are harmful to the body even in small amounts.
Furthermore, Black women tend to use beauty products such as hair relaxants and vaginal douches that carry a higher risk of these chemicals being absorbed into their system.
This is particularly worrisome during pregnancy, as exposure to EDCs can have adverse effects on fetal development and lead to birth defects. Additionally, Black women have reported experiencing more adverse health effects related to chemical exposure from beauty products than women from other races.
Therefore, it is essential for the industry to create clean beauty products designed to cater to the specific needs of Black maternity. Moreover, color has been shown to play a crucial role in product design and consumer perception.
In conclusion, the lack of clean beauty products catered towards Black maternity is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. The detrimental effects of exposure to EDCs during pregnancy cannot be ignored, and it is imperative for beauty companies to create safe and effective products tailored specifically for Black women's skin and hair types. By doing so, not only are they ensuring the safety of expecting mothers and their babies, but also promoting inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry. It is high time for companies to prioritize clean beauty options created with Black maternity in mind – a step towards creating a more equitable society where everyone has access to quality health care products regardless of race or ethnicity.