Facial During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes to a mother’s body, both internally and externally. While pregnancy is a blissful experience, hormonal changes and changes in lifestyle can take a toll on the mother. The stress due to these changes can sometimes be visible on the face in the form of dark circles, rashes, flaky skin, oily or extremely dry skin. These skin issues can be quite distressing for expecting mothers.

Under such circumstances, it may seem like a good idea to get a facial during pregnancy to help regain the glow in your skin and boost your overall sense of well-being.

Is a Facial Safe While Pregnant?

A basic prenatal facial, which does not use harsh chemicals or heat therapy, is considered safe for pregnant women. It will act as a stress buster and refresh you.

It is important to understand that the skin absorbs everything applied to it, including chemicals. These chemicals can enter your bloodstream and, ultimately, your baby’s blood. Therefore, the application of chemicals to the face should be avoided.

So, can you get a facial while pregnant? The answer is yes, provided there is no use of harsh chemicals, no laser therapies or prolonged involvement.

Why is a Facial Beneficial in Pregnancy?

A facial in pregnancy will break the monotony of your pregnancy and give you some ‘me-time.’ This pampering session will rejuvenate your face and skin and relax you. Heat rashes, dark circles, oily or dry skin will tone down after a session of mild, chemical-free facial, thereby, uplifting your mood and giving you the much-deserved confidence.

Best Pregnancy Facials

Following are facials which are considered to be safe during pregnancy. However, it is best to consult your doctor before going for one.

1. Oxygen facial 

This facial regulates and improves the circulation of blood. It also helps in reducing wrinkles on the face.

2. Deep Cleansing Facial 

This facial is especially beneficial if you are suffering from acne. A deep cleansing facial involves gentle massage, extraction, and exfoliation, all of which are safe during pregnancy.

3. Hydrating Facials 

This will help if your skin is dry, as a hydrating facial will moisturise your skin.

4. Brightening Facial

A brightening facial can help combat dullness and pigmentation often experienced during pregnancy. It uses safe, pregnancy-friendly products to enhance skin radiance and even out the complexion.

5. Anti-Stress Facial

An anti-stress facial is designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This type of facial often includes gentle massages and calming masks that can help soothe both the skin and the mind during pregnancy.

Ingredients in Facials and Their Safety for Pregnant Women

During pregnancy, it’s essential to be cautious about skincare ingredients used in facials to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Here’s a guide to common facial ingredients, their potential concerns, and their safety for pregnant women:

What Should You Avoid?

While it is safe to get a facial done, ensure that you avoid the following face therapies as they can adversely affect you and your baby’s health:

• Extraction of blackheads and tightening pores
• Chemical peels and chemical masks
• Electric currents
• Plastic surgery
• Long massage sessions
• Heat or steam treatments

Even before going for an organic or herbal facial option, ensure that there is no ingredient in it that can cause allergies. Some moisturisers can contain soy-based components, which can cause skin irritation.

Tips to Have a Safe Facial During Pregnancy

While facials and pregnancy can go hand in hand, the following are tips to ensure a safe facial.

1. Inform the staff about your pregnancy at the time of making an appointment and ask them if they trained.
2. Inform the staff attending to you about your condition and ask them to be cautious.
3. Consult your doctor about getting a facial and visit only a reliable, clean and hygienic salon.
4. Verify the products being used and the ingredients they are made up of.
5. Understand the types of treatment and assess if they can have any negative impact.
6. Ensure that there is no use of chemicals, application of electric current or intensive massage.
7. Do not hesitate to stop the session if you experience any irritation or find that your instructions are not being adhered to.
8. Avoid using skin-lightening agents or products which contain salicylic acids. Avoid harsh bleaching agents or hair removal creams.

FAQs

1. What should I avoid in a facial when pregnant?

Avoid facials with ingredients like retinoids, high concentrations of salicylic acid, and chemical peels. These ingredients can potentially harm the fetus or cause skin irritation during pregnancy.

2. Can facials help with pregnancy-related skin issues like melasma and acne?

Yes, certain facials tailored for pregnancy can help alleviate skin issues like melasma (dark patches) and acne by using safe and effective ingredients that won’t harm the baby.

3. Is it safe to use steam during a facial while pregnant?

Steam can be used cautiously during a facial while pregnant, but it’s best to avoid excessive heat or prolonged exposure to steam, especially on the face and neck area.

4. Can I undergo a facial massage during pregnancy?

Yes, gentle facial massages can be beneficial during pregnancy to promote relaxation and improve circulation. However, ensure the massage is gentle and avoid pressure points that could potentially trigger contractions.

This was all about facials during pregnancy first, second and third trimesters. Getting pampered with a refreshing facial might excite a lot of pregnant women. It is better to be extra cautious and clear about the effects and side effects of getting a facial done before going for one and avoid if there is any contingency attached to it.

With a little care and precaution, you can enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenate facial during pregnancy.

References/Resources:

1. Bozzo. P, Chua-Gocheco. A, Einarson. A; Safety of skin care products during pregnancy (Canadian Family Physician); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/; June 2011

2. FDA Authority Over Cosmetics: How Cosmetics Are Not FDA-Approved, but Are FDA-Regulated; U.S. Food & Drug Administration; https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/fda-authority-over-cosmetics-how-cosmetics-are-not-fda-approved-are-fda-regulated

3. Jakharia-Shah N, Chadha. P, Watson. L; A review of the safety of common aesthetic procedures during pregnancy; International Journal of Pregnancy & Child Birth; https://medcraveonline.com/IPCB/IPCB-02-00035.pdf; August 2017

4. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy: FAQs; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Skin-Conditions-During-Pregnancy

5. Mitro. S, Johnson. T, Zota. A; Cumulative Chemical Exposures During Pregnancy and Early Development (Synthetic Chemicals and Health); Springer Link; https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40572-015-0064-x; September 2015

6. Lee. K, Korgavkar. K, Dufresne. R, Higgins. H; Safety of Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures During Pregnancy (Dermatologic Surgery); Wiley Online Library; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/dsu.12322; October 2013

7. Pampering in pregnancy: massages, facials and spas; NCT; https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/exercise-and-fitness/pampering-pregnancy-massages-facials-and-spas

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