Not all decorative cosmetics are safe for health. Store shelves are littered with cosmetics that can be harmful. Few people read the ingredients on the label before buying.

If the products were made only from natural ingredients, the shelf life would be very short and the price would be high. This is not beneficial for the manufacturer, so during production unsafe components are mixed with natural ones. And we use all these toxic substances every day: creams, hair shampoo, shaving foam, lotion, foundation, masks, etc.

The secret becomes clear

An independent study of more than 50 thousand cosmetic assets was conducted. As it turns out, many manufacturers do not reveal all the secrets of the components on the label, although they are not forbidden. Some cosmetic preparations cause allergic irritation of the epidermis and premature aging. However, it's not all that scary.

The bulk of products contain substances similar to hormones. They can cause infertility, obesity, premature maturation of the reproductive system, hormonal imbalance and even cancer (breast cancer, prostate cancer, etc.).

This does not apply to one-time use, but to long-term use of the product.

Hair dye

To ensure that the color lasts for a long time, ammonia is included in the paint mixture. It damages the hair structure. It is especially scary to overexpose the dye on the strands.

Sunscreen

If you look at it, UV filters are really dangerous. They penetrate deep into the epidermis and can cause cancer and hormonal changes.

The most popular UV filters are benzophenone and oxybenzone, octocrylene.

Nail polish

Its structure contains formaldehyde, which is dangerous for pregnant women, as it causes abnormalities in the embryo. The varnishes also contain dibutyl phthalate, which is banned in Europe. It harms the reproductive system, liver and kidneys.

Shampoo

Shampoos contain a very significant number of different harmful elements. For example, octinoxate, polymethyl methacrylate, formaldehyde (DMDM Hydantoin), methyl parahydroxybenzoate, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), silicones, parabens.

Such a combination of these components will have a detrimental effect not only on the hair, but also on the health of the body as a whole.

Deodorant

Among the components you can see aluminum (alumina), which blocks the work of the sweat glands. Scientists warn that the use of such deodorants is becoming a major factor in cancer. It is also worth mentioning parabens, triclosan, artificial dyes and others.

Body powder

It contains bentonite, which initially shows excellent results, but over time begins to clog pores and prevent the entry of ozone.

Products with fragrance

The products often cause allergic reactions. Potentially hazardous substances that are included in such products: perfume, linalol, limonene, hexylcinnamal, etc.

What criteria do you use to choose cosmetics?

Be sure to read the ingredients. You shouldn’t always trust the manufacturer; it’s better to look at the list once again. The ingredients on the jar are written in descending order; you need to study them from top to bottom.

List of safe cosmetic ingredients:

• Aloe vera.
• Jojoba oil, grape seed oil, almond oil, rosehip oil, shea butter.
• Mica will give your skin velvet, radiance and softness. Included in mineral cosmetics: foundations, powders.
• Citric acid and its derivatives (Isopropyl Citrate, Tributyl Citrate, Isodecyl, etc.).
• Hydroxyethyl urea/hydroxyethyl.
• Tocopherol acetate or vitamin E.
• Carbomer.
• Kaolin.
• Triethylhexanoin.
• Tropolone.

Those shampoos, shower gels, foams, toothpastes that are made on the basis of natural substances do not foam and do not have strong odors.

The price of natural cosmetics can be different, it all depends on the specific brand. Don’t be afraid of too small ingredient lists; such cosmetics will perform their functions perfectly.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Why are parabens dangerous in cosmetics?

Manufacturers of cosmetic products use very small amounts of parabens, which are mainly metabolized by skin enzymes and then excreted from the body in urine. Therefore, parabens are not dangerous.

Is benzophenone 3 dangerous in cosmetics?

1) According to scientists, benzophenones in sunscreens (along with three other active ingredients) cause bleaching and die-off of corals along the coasts of the seas and oceans.
2) The second reason for the controversy surrounding this substance was the fact that oxybenzone can cause allergic reactions, and when inhaling the vapors of benzophenone-3 concentrate, swelling of the throat. In some people from the study group who were diagnosed with photoallergic contact dermatitis, a negative skin reaction occurred precisely because of the presence of oxybenzone in cosmetics.
Benzophenone is considered a potential carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.

Methylparaben: why is it dangerous in cosmetics?

The main property of methylparaben as a chemical is that it is quickly and easily absorbed into human skin. Considering that methylparaben is included in tens of thousands of cosmetic products, a person regularly fills his body with this harmful substance.

Is Geraniol in cosmetics harmful?

In various sources it is called poison, allergen, irritant, etc.
1) In large quantities, geraniol can cause poisoning. Studies have shown that the average dose that can cause negative consequences, including death, is 3.6 g per 1 kg.
2) Any type of essential oil, including those containing geraniol, can cause irritation as an allergic reaction. As an allergen, it can only appear in people who have an individual intolerance to the component.
3) If it gets into the eyes, geraniol can irritate the mucous membrane, so it is necessary to protect the eyes from exposure to the substance. You should also refrain from getting this substance on damaged areas of the skin. At the same time, a high concentration of geraniol with prolonged interaction with the skin can lead to serious burns.

The harm about zinc oxide is nothing more than a myth. Of course, ingredient control is absolutely necessary: ​​it is extremely important both for consumers and for the cosmetics industry as a whole. As a cosmetic ingredient, it can be considered safe - there is precise scientific evidence for this. Zinc oxide, which is used in cosmetics, is a very pure compound with a low content of heavy metals that meets the requirements of the US Pharmacopoeia and the European Union. Zinc oxide is contraindicated in case of individual sensitivity.

Is lanolin in cosmetics harmful?

It is a natural component.

Is betaine in cosmetics harmful?

May cause an allergic reaction.

Is iron oxide in cosmetics harmful?

The harm of iron oxide to the body can also be expressed in the development of cancer, lead to heart defects and the progression of diseases such as diabetes.

What is the harm of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics?

The negative impact of this component extends not only to internal organs and systems. The condition of the skin is also at risk.
The use of phenoxyethanol in the cosmetics industry is discouraged and criticized because it is incredibly toxic. This substance is a real poison, which causes damage to the nervous and respiratory systems.

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“Come on, this is all nonsense - your natural cosmetics! Yes, without preservatives, cosmetics can be stored for a maximum of two days, and then only in the refrigerator!” - you can hear from defenders of classic cosmetics brands.

“Oh, why is it that cosmetics have such a long shelf life? Is it really organic?” - sometimes asked by those who prefer strictly natural care.

Is this familiar? Have you heard such remarks before? Or maybe you yourself have sometimes thought so more than once?

Friends, let's deal with preservatives in natural cosmetics!

Are there natural cosmetics without preservatives?

First, you need to understand 5 main points:

1. Preservatives are always used in natural cosmetics.
2. These are always preservatives allowed by eco-standards.
3. Only dry products (powders, dry masks or hair dyes) can do without preservatives.
4. The more water in the composition, the more preservatives are needed and the stronger they should be.
5. Oils or oil-based products may not contain preservatives, but they do have antioxidants (to keep the oils from going rancid or oxidizing), such as vitamin E.

Secondly, keep in mind that the packaging itself affects how many preservatives should be in the product. In a dark glass dispenser, the product stays “away from light and air” longer, so there will be fewer and weaker preservatives in such a product than in a product in plastic or in a jar.

Conclusion: to keep the product fresh longer, preservatives are used. It doesn’t matter what cosmetics are natural or not. But what preservatives are acceptable in natural cosmetics is another question.

Safe preservatives in certified natural cosmetics

You need to remember the preservatives that are safe, according to eco-standards. There are not many of them.

"Green" preservatives:

• Alcohol
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Sodium Benzoate
• Potassium Benzoate
• Denatonium Benzoate
• Benzoic Acid
• Lactic Acid
• Sorbic Acid
• Salicylic Acid
• Potassium Sorbate
• Calcium Sorbate
• Sodium Sorbate
• Sharomix (sharomix) 703, 705, 706, 721

What about classic cosmetics?

The question creeps in: if there are so many safe preservatives, then why are critical preservatives dangerous to health used in classical cosmetics?

1. Firstly, they are much cheaper than natural ones.
2. Secondly, they are easier to work with. It doesn't take much intelligence to preserve the cream with parabens or phenoxyethanol.

By the way, about parabens

Despite the fact that the EU Commission classifies methyl and butyl parabens as safe (in the prescribed concentration!), other organizations, for example, BUND (Union for the Protection of the Environment and Nature, Germany) classify parabens as hormonally active ingredients that accumulate in the body and act in it like hormones.

These are the parabens that have been banned in the EU since 2014 by the EU Commission:

• Isopropylparaben
• Isobutylparaben
• Phenylparaben
• Benzylparaben
• Pentylparaben

These are prohibited in children's cosmetics under a diaper for children under 3 years of age:

• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben

In addition to parabens, there are a number of critical preservatives and antioxidants that are used in classic cosmetics.

Critical preservatives:

• 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol)
• 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (Bronidox)
• Diazolidinyl Urea
• Imidazolidinyl Urea
• Quaternium-15
• DMDM-Hydantoin

These ingredients are donors of carcinogenic formaldehyde. This means that in case of improper storage, hypothermia, overheating, etc. they can release formaldehyde. BHT and BHA (antioxidants) are also potentially carcinogenic. BHA is a hormonally active substance.

Comparing the compositions

Let's take two products as an example, two face creams and simply compare the preservatives in them.

Preservatives in L’Oreal Nutrissime face cream:

• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Imidazolidinyl Urea
• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Benzyl Benzoate

We see that the cream contains only critical preservatives - parabens, formaldehyde donors.

Preservatives in Levrana cream:

• Tocopherol
• Lactic Acid
• Benzyl Alcohol

The cream uses vitamin E, lactic acid and benzyl alcohol as preservatives - all permitted by eco-standards.

As you can see, there are preservatives both here and there. But in the first product these are critical preservatives, and in the second they are safe, permitted even by eco-standards. That is, this cream could easily receive an eco-label.

So, we realized that preservatives are also used in natural cosmetics. Only softer and safer in terms of environmental standards.

Depending on the consistency and packaging, the product may contain more or less preservatives. But they must be there. If it is not a dry product or oil.

Again, the shelf life of the product depends on the amount of preservatives - in natural cosmetics it can be from 3 months to a year (or even two years if unopened). If the cosmetics are dry (for example, dry masks-powders, shadows, powder), then the period may be much longer.

BHT, the English abbreviation for butylhydroxytoluene (from “butylated hydroxytoluene”), is a substance that can often be found in many cosmetics. Should you be wary when you see such a name, or is there nothing scary about it?

When buying cosmetics, especially from the luxury category, each of us wants to know that she will be using a high-quality product made from expensive ingredients. The same applies to products for children: such cosmetics, by definition, must be absolutely safe. However, cosmetic brands that do not contain preservatives at all can be counted on one hand, because, as a rule, such beauty products do not last very long.

What is butylated hydroxytoluene?

Butylated hydroxytoluene is one preservative that is definitely worth paying attention to. This substance, which is a synthesized analogue of vitamin E, is also known under the code E321. Its main property is antioxidant, due to which BHT provides inhibition of the oxidation processes with oxygen of any product, and, as a result, extends its shelf life.

Where is butylated hydroxytoluene found?

BHT can be found in creams, lipsticks, soft makeup pencils, baby oils, and many foods. Butylated hydroxytoluene is used not only in cosmetology and food production, but also in the oil industry, for example, for the manufacture of rubber products, motor oils, jet fuel and other petroleum products.

Since butylated hydroxytoluene has an antioxidant and regenerating effect, medications are also produced based on it. Ointments with this substance heal wounds, treat burns and frostbite.

Benefits and harms

The debate about the benefits and harms of butylated hydroxytoluene has been going on for about 40 years. On the one hand, BHT provides a long shelf life for any product and promotes tissue regeneration. On the other hand, it can cause allergies, urticaria, dermatitis, and has a risk of malignant tumors.

In some countries, this drug is prohibited in the food industry. As for the cosmetics industry, there is no official ban. But it’s still worth paying attention to where this substance ranks in the composition of a cosmetic product. Typically, preservatives like BHT have the effect of accumulating in the skin. Therefore, you simply should not abuse cosmetics with this substance, and if we are talking about lipstick, you should not “eat” it. As for children's cosmetics, it is better to avoid products that contain butylated hydroxytoluene altogether.

How often and how carefully do you read the information on the label before buying cosmetics? Manufacturers' promises, as a rule, are not enough to provide confidence in the safety of a particular product.

Researchers say that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in various cosmetics are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, hormone disruptors, and so on. It is strongly recommended to avoid cosmetics containing these substances.

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants , used as a preservative in the production of lipsticks, moisturizers and some other types of cosmetics. They are also used as food preservatives.

These substances may cause an allergic skin reaction. It is classified as a possible human carcinogen and may also disrupt the action of hormones in the body.

In laboratory conditions, long-term exposure of mice and rats to BHA and BHT caused liver, thyroid, and kidney problems and had negative effects on pulmonary function and blood clotting. In some cases, BHT promoted tumor growth. There is still very limited evidence indicating that BHT can mimic estrogen and prevent the expression of male sex hormones, which leads to reproductive dysfunction.

The use of these substances is quite tightly regulated in some regions. For example, EU regulations prohibit the use of BHA as a fragrance additive in cosmetics. Laws in the US state of California require manufacturers to place warnings on packaging of cosmetics that contain BHA that this ingredient can cause cancer.

P-phenylenediamine and other dyes derived from coal tar

These substances are designated on the packaging by the letters C.I. and the following five-digit numbers. They are widely used in the production of cosmetics, especially hair dyes.

Coal tar is a mixture of various chemicals derived from petroleum. Dyes derived from coal tar are potential carcinogens; In addition, they may contain small amounts of heavy metals, substances that are toxic to the brain. Some of these dyes are used in making lipsticks and food products.

Laboratory studies have shown that p-phenylenediamine is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Another study found that women who use hair dyes for a long time increase the likelihood of developing cancer of the lymphatic system. However, these findings have not yet been reliably confirmed, and many dyes derived from coal tar are still widely used in the production of cosmetics.

Diethanolamine (DEA)

DEA and its compounds are used primarily for the manufacture of soaps, cleansing gels, and shampoos. These substances may cause mild to moderate irritation to the eyes and skin. Exposure to high doses of DHEA caused liver cancer in experimental animals. and precancerous formations in the skin and thyroid gland . In addition, when interacting with nitrites contained in some cosmetics, DEA can form nitrosamines, which are potential human carcinogens.

Dibutyl phthalate

Dibutyl phthalate is used as a paint solvent and is also included in nail polishes as a plasticizer.

Dibutyl phthalate is absorbed through the skin. It can enhance the ability of other chemicals to cause genetic mutations, although it is not itself a mutagen. Laboratory experiments have shown that dibutyphthalate can cause developmental defects, changes in testicular and prostate cells, and reduce the number of sperm in semen. In many countries, the use of dibutyphthalate is strictly limited by law.

Formaldehyde-releasing substances

These substances are indicated on the packaging as:

• DMDM hydantoin;
• Diazolidinyl urea;
• Imidazolidinyl urea;
• Methenamine;
• quaternium-15;
• Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.

They are used in the production of many cosmetics. These substances are dangerous because they slowly and continuously release small amounts of formaldehyde. They can evaporate when you use cosmetics, and the main risk of cancer from exposure to these substances comes from inhaling formaldehyde. Some researchers suggest that formaldehyde from cosmetics may be absorbed through the skin.

In the EU, the packaging of cosmetics containing more than 0.05% of formaldehyde-releasing substances must be labeled accordingly (“contains formaldehyde”).

Parabens

Parabens are used in the production of cosmetics as preservatives and fragrances. They easily penetrate the skin and can disrupt hormone function; in particular, parabens mimic estrogen, the main female sex hormone. These substances have been found in breast cancer tissue, leading to speculation that parabens may be linked to cancer development. In addition, it is believed that parabens may interfere with reproductive function in men. However, so far these are only assumptions that have not received strong evidence, and the use of parabens in the manufacture of cosmetics is only limited, but not prohibited.

Decorative cosmetics and body care products should make us more beautiful and healthier. Consumers often fall for the trick of advertisers and purchase a similar product without studying its composition at all. Meanwhile, doctors and scientists claim that cosmetics contain substances that can have an extremely negative impact on health. There is also the other side of the coin: in pursuit of fashionable “ECO” and organic products, we begin to believe in rumors about the dangers of those components that have been used for decades in the production of cosmetics and, in fact, are not at all dangerous to human health.

Let's try to figure out which substances in cosmetics can actually be harmful to us and which ones cannot.

Main components of cosmetics

There are a number of components that are necessarily present in every cosmetic product. These include:

• natural fats – cocoa butter, fish oil, lanolin and others;
• synthetic (or semi-synthetic) fats – for example, castor oil, chitosan, gelatin and others.

The task of these components is to maintain the level of moisture in the skin and its fat balance, nutrition. They are perfectly preserved on the surface of the skin and, in theory, should cope with the assigned tasks. But if cosmetic products were chosen incorrectly, then these same components have a negative effect - they stop/slow down the respiratory processes in the skin, disrupt the state of its water balance and the processes of removing harmful substances from cells.

Another main component is emulsifiers , which provide a uniform consistency of the cosmetic product. If their quantity is too high, then the use of such cosmetics leads to drying of the skin, a feeling of tightness appears, the surface begins to peel off - all this brings quite uncomfortable sensations.

The basis of any cosmetic product is biologically active substances . They are designed to enhance the effect of the product, or themselves have a beneficial effect on the skin. But the problem is that it is biologically active substances that can cause a powerful allergic reaction, so when choosing a cosmetic product, be sure to look at the contraindications for use and study specific biologically active substances.

To give a cosmetic product a pleasant aroma, manufacturers must use fragrances . They only perform a role flavoring , but often it is they that cause outbreaks of an allergic reaction that occurs in a severe form. Here you need to take care of yourself - study the composition of the cosmetic product and rule out allergies to certain fragrances.

Usage preservatives It is also mandatory in cosmetics - they allow you to extend their use. Conscientious manufacturers use high-quality certified preservatives, but there are also those who prefer the lower quality of this component - in this case, money is everything for them. And such low-quality preservatives can damage skin cells! What applies to preservatives in cosmetics:

• antioxidants – they slow down the aging process of fats in cosmetics;
• bactericidal components – they destroy those pathogenic microorganisms that can get into cosmetics from the outside;
• prooxidant inactivators – they slow down the aging process of almost all ingredients.

Ingredients in cosmetics that can cause allergies

Allergenic components in cosmetics can be both natural and synthetic ingredients. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend studying the composition of cosmetic products rather than buying widely advertised ones.

Vaseline (Petrolatum) and liquid petrolatum (Paraffinum liquidum)

In general, these products are made from petroleum products, including white and yellow Vaseline. White Vaseline always goes through many stages of purification and is absolutely harmless to health. But yellow Vaseline is of much worse quality and can cause an allergic reaction - it is usually added to the cheapest cosmetics.

Talc

This component is actively used not only in the manufacture of cosmetics, but also in pediatrics. But if talc is used too often, it can cause dry skin, allergic reactions and even provoke the development of cancerous tumors - these data were published by American researchers. Thus, scientists have discovered that regular application of powders containing talc to the female genital area increases the risk of developing uterine cancer https://site/rak-shejki-matki/.

Antibacterial substance Methylchoroisothiazolinone

Even if the concentration of this substance in a cosmetic product is insignificant, it can have an irritating effect on the skin - redness, itching, peeling and small rashes will be constant when using such cosmetics. The maximum recommended concentration of this substance in rinsable cosmetics is 0.1% by weight of the product, and in products left on the skin for a long time - 0.05%. In the EU countries and the USA, the permissible concentration even in rinsable products is even lower - 0.0015%.

Interesting! In Japan, this preservative is allowed to be used only as a component of wash-off cosmetics.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Such components include, for example, lactic acid. Alpha hydroxy acids are used to additionally cleanse the skin surface of dead cells and dead epidermis. But in addition to such a positive effect, these same substances can disrupt the protective barrier of the skin, and this already leads to the development of other skin diseases.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers that alpha hydroxy acids may increase photosensitivity to the sun.

Cosmetics containing alpha hydroxy acids should be recommended for use by specialists, and used only in strict accordance with the instructions for use.

Borax

This component is used in a number of countries not only in cosmetics, but even in food products and medicine. However, scientific research has proven that borax can have a negative effect on the functioning of the body as a whole and is generally a toxic product.

On December 16, 2010, sodium tetraborate (borax) was added as a "substance of high concern (SVHC)" to the list of highly hazardous substances candidates. This list is part of the EU rules on the registration, evaluation and restriction of chemicals, and the addition is based on the revised classification of borax as toxic to reproduction category 1B under the CLP Regulations. Once listed on this list, all substances and mixtures imported into the EU that contain borax must be labeled with the warnings “May cause harm to fertility” and “May cause harm to the unborn child.”

Lanolin

Let’s make a reservation right away – this high-quality component used in the manufacture of cosmetics is absolutely harmless to humans. But here’s the problem - when using low-quality lanolin that has been contaminated with pesticides, a powerful allergic reaction can develop and rashes will appear on the body.

DMDM Hydantoin

This substance serves as a preservative in cosmetics; it provides a means that has an antimicrobial effect and prolongs the use and storage life of cosmetics. The problem is that this same substance can cause allergic reactions, has an irritating effect not only on the skin, but also on the human respiratory tract, and negatively affects the condition of the mucous membranes.

Components in cosmetics with toxic effects

Some cosmetics also contain toxic substances that can have a destructive effect on the entire body. Experts recommend completely stopping the use of such cosmetics, or consulting a cosmetologist about the correct use.

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)

This drug has a powerful antibacterial effect and is used in the manufacture of liquid cosmetics - lotions, gels, shampoos, foams and more. But, according to certain scientists, it is this component that is capable of destroying nerve cells, including those of the brain. To be fair, it is worth noting that the results of these studies have been repeatedly disputed, however, the debate is still relevant.

By the way, consumers often confuse the presented drug with Methylchoroisothiazolinone, but their actions are different - the latter only dries the skin and mucous membranes and has absolutely no effect on nerve cells.

Triclosan

This product belongs to the group of antibacterials; it can be used in making soap or in toothpastes as an antiseptic. But the fact is that Triclosan can cause inflammation of the skin and has a toxic effect on hormonal balance and reproductive functions in general. Experts recommend using cosmetics with this component strictly as prescribed by a doctor.

Triethanolamine

It is used to achieve the desired pH level in cosmetics - everything seems to be within the acceptable range. But if you use cosmetics with such a component for a long time (this is mascara, sunscreen and nourishing creams), then the body’s immune system will suffer and will have a negative effect on the skin and respiratory tract. There is evidence of a connection between this substance and the risk of cancer.

Important: as is the case withDEA, the carcinogen is not MEA itself, but nitrosamine, a substance that is formed as a result of the chemical reaction of MEA with other chemically active substances.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (or BHT)

This substance is strictly prohibited in some countries - for example, Japan, Australia, USA, Sweden. Some manufacturers use this component as a preservative - it binds with oxygen and prevents the rapid oxidation of fats included in cosmetic products. There is still controversy surrounding the carcinogenic effect of BHT.

Instead of a conclusion

All publications on the Internet and loud statements from TV screens must be treated sensibly. Verify information before making any decisions. Products marked “ECO”, “Organic”, etc. They are more expensive than the means we are used to, however, their safety and effectiveness, as a rule, have not been confirmed by anything, as well as the harm of some components that for some reason are considered dangerous.

Some sources even list salicylic acid as a carcinogen. But no studies on this matter have been published over the past few years, which means that such an opinion is hardly worth trusting. Of course, salicylic acid can have a negative effect on the skin - it dries it out, which provokes the appearance of early wrinkles and areas of irritation, but this is not a reason to talk about its carcinogenic effect.

In one article, unfortunately, it is impossible to cover absolutely all the harmful components that may be included in cosmetic products. Therefore, we recommend visiting a cosmetologist and consulting with him about the use of this or that cosmetic product. Moreover, such advice applies not only to synthetic products, but also to those made from natural ingredients - too often even they cause allergic reactions. When it comes to choosing products for children, especially the first year of life, you need to listen to the advice of your pediatrician.