Safe Beauty Treatments for Pregnant Women

Many people are seeking safe beauty treatments for pregnant women. Owing to conflicting information, most women still don’t know whether it’s safe to use their daily beauty products or not. These women may seek out expert advice from their hairdressers, beauticians, and nail technicians. However, due to the lack of adequate research, even experts in the beauty industry are not certain which beauty treatments are absolutely safe during pregnancy.

Safe treatments

Fortunately, there are a few beauty treatments that are considered safe when performed under certain conditions. Most of these include using in-expensive, scent-free, non-aerosol products that are suitable for infants and young children. Some involve forgoing part of the standard treatment. Some treatments can only be done during certain trimesters of the pregnancy. All of these treatments should be done in well-vented areas, and should only be given by professionals specifically trained in working with pregnant clientele. Here is a list of treatments that are considered safe:

Facials:

Safe, as long as harsh peels and microdermabrasion are avoided. The mother to be should be propped up with pillows during her second and third trimesters. Laying flat on her back can make a pregnant woman dizzy. The aesthetician should be informed of any major aversions to smells. Alternative: use an egg white facial for oily skin rather than a product that remains in contact with the skin for longer periods.

Hair care:

Avoid single process hair dyes and highlights, especially in the first trimester. It may be safe to use highlights in the second and third trimesters. However, it is well-known that pregnancy hormonal changes can cause unexpected results from hair dyes and perms. Be sure you’re in a well-ventilated area when you apply hair spray, hair dye, and perm chemicals. It should also be noted that occupational exposure in hair salons has been linked to many birth defects, including an association of hair spray with deformity in male reproductive systems.

Massages:

Massages are safe to have throughout a pregnancy. However, there are certain pressure points which can induce contractions, as well as certain essential oils that can cause birth defects, premature labour, or pregnancy complications. Due to the possibility of phthalate absorption, it’s best to use unscented oils, creams, and lotions during the massage session. Burning incense or scented candles should also be avoided to reduce the chance of phthalates being inhaled.

Nail care:

Manicures and pedicures may be done throughout the pregnancy, as long as no chemicals or microdermabrasions are used. This means avoiding nail polish, nail polish remover, and nail extension applications. Although few chemicals can penetrate the nail bed, they can be inhaled as fumes. It’s also highly important to avoid possible staph infections by ensuring the equipment and water used are very clean. It should also be noted that although there hasn’t been any published studies, there have been many anecdotes regarding stillbirths, birth defects, and developmental issues among nail salon employees. However, most of these came out before the manufacturers reduced their usage of dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene.

Tanning treatments:

Tanning treatments should be limited to fake tans that can be applied as a mousse, cream, or wipe, and should only be given during the second and third trimesters. Do a test patch first, even if the product has been used before, as pregnancy can make a woman more sensitive and cause allergic reactions. Always purchase fake tan products from reputable suppliers and never use tanning pills or injections.

Tattoos:

Tattoos should be limited to those done with natural henna (not synthetic black henna). They should only be done during the third trimester.

Waxing:

Waxing is fine if the pregnant woman is used to the pain, but shouldn’t be done otherwise. Intense pain can induce contractions, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Waxing should only be done during the first and second trimesters. It’s not good for an expectant mother to go into contractions if she’s not past the 37-week mark. You may also want to remember that her skin will be more sensitive and more prone to irritation while pregnant.

Other recommendations

Hairdressers, beauticians, and nail technicians should encourage their pregnant clientele to change to inexpensive, unscented, non-aerosol products during their entire pregnancy. The women should be encouraged to use products specifically designed for infants and young children. They should also recommend reducing the number of products used for daily personal beauty routines. It’s also important to remember that although these treatments are considered to be safe, no one can guarantee their safety. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that all professionals working in the beauty industry carry extra professional and product liability insurance if working with pregnant clientele. Even during the generally safe beauty treatments for women, something can go wrong on an individual basis.