With pregnancy comes a whole new set of challenges when it comes to beauty – suddenly you have to pay closer attention to ingredient lists and skin tends to go haywire due to hormones. To help us get a grip on the subject, here is a handy guide to safe skincare and treatments thanks to Dr. Catherine Stone from The Face Place.
Skincare
Vitamin A
Although vitamin A is essential for the health of your baby, very high doses – for example, used in Accutane and other acne medications – cause severe birth defects. But what about the use of topical vitamin A creams and serums? Dr. Catherine Stone says only 2-10% of a vitamin A cream is likely to penetrate the skin and even less is likely to enter the blood stream. For this reason, certain vitamin A creams will be safe to use during pregnancy. However, these should be considered on a case by case basis and discussed with your skin therapist and obstetrician.
Lactic peels
Lactic acid peels are known to help maintain cellular turnover and keep skin fresh and bright – the good news is they can be used throughout pregnancy. As long as they are 20 per cent strength or less, and still work for your skin through the crazy hormonal changes, lactic peels will help keep skin hydrated and maintain your ‘pregnancy glow’.
Treatments
LED Light Therapy
Referred to as Omnilux Light Therapy at The Face Place, these treatments help maintain moisture, collagen and glow. Light at different wavelengths is used to rejuvenate skin and recharge the mitochondria. According to Dr. Catherine Stone, these treatments are very gentle and considered safe for pregnant women, but it’s a good idea to get clearance from your obstetrician first.
Botox and filler
It is generally suggested that Botox and filler should be avoided when pregnant and until you have finished breastfeeding. Good clinics will give you this advice, as it isn’t ethical to conduct research on the effects of these treatments on pregnant mothers. However, don’t fret if you accidently have Botox or fillers while pregnant as there have been no reported issues.
PRP (Platelet-rich plasma)
Also commonly called the vampire facial, PRP is one treatment you can have during pregnancy – if you want to put up with the pain that is! As you can’t use the numbing cream when pregnant, it’s likely to be uncomfortable. But Dr. Catherine Stone says there is nothing your body can react to or reject, and nothing that causes serious long-term issues. Kim Kardashian famously had this facial while pregnant. It helps to improve skin texture and glow, thicken crepey skin, reduce hair loss, blend scars, and improve tissue rejuvenation. After pregnancy, women can have ‘The O Shot’ treatment to help improve scarring, loss of sensation, or leaky bladder.
Chat further with Dr Catherine Stone about pregnancy safe treatments here.