Camas, WA
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it isn’t always fabulous when it comes to how it can affect your appearance. In addition to weight gain and stretch marks, it isn’t unusual for moms-to-be to develop rashes, acne and dark blotches, known as melasma, on the skin. If you’re wondering what beauty treatments are safe during pregnancy, we have good news. It is still safe to enjoy many of your regular skin and beauty treatments while pregnant, and there are many options to help deal with changing skin during your pregnancy. There are, however, a few exceptions and all beauty treatments should be discussed with your OBGYN.
Botox can pose a concern for pregnant women. Because the effects on your baby aren’t fully known, most medical professionals recommend that pregnant women avoid Botox for the duration of the pregnancy. In addition, many of the same specialists suggest that chestfeeding mothers also wait to have Botox until they are done chestfeeding their child. Skin by Lovely advises against receiving injectable treatments while pregnant or chestfeeding.
Like Botox, dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, have not been tested for safety in pregnancy. Therefore, licensed aesthetic injectors will not advise patients who are pregnant or chestfeeding to get dermal filler treatments. If you have questions, we recommend speaking with your OBGYN.
There are conflicting views on whether a chemical peel is appropriate for a pregnant woman. First, it is important to note that chemical peels come in varying strengths with some removing just the top layer of skin and others going much deeper to penetrate and remove acne scars and lines. Therefore, the overall safety of a chemical peel might depend on the type you plan to undergo. Overall, however, it is suggested that women who are pregnant or nursing avoid chemical peels.
Many of the skin care products you use regularly will be fine to use throughout pregnancy. In fact, using moisturizers and sunscreen is strongly recommended, particularly to preserve the elasticity of your skin. However, there are some products that you may wish to avoid for the duration of your pregnancy. Retinoids, though being a wonderful anti-aging tool, should be be avoided while pregnant. If you have questions about your skin care ingredients, we recommend speaking with your OBGYN or an aesthetic medical specialist for assistance.
Melasma causes brown and gray patches to appear on the skin and often on the face. Although it can occur on anyone, melasma is very common among pregnant women, and it is even nicknamed the mask of pregnancy. One way to prevent or limit melasma is to stay out of direct sunlight or wear a physical sunscreen regularly as sun can greatly impact pigmentation. A topical Vitamin C product, such as our own Refinement Vitamin C Serum, may also be effective in reducing the look of melasma. Be sure to check with your OBGYN about specific active ingredients in any skin care product you choose. Keep in mind that melasma is often temporary. Hormones readjust after giving birth and your skin pigment may return to its pre-pregnancy state. In the meantime, concealers and foundations can hide melasma if it is unsightly, and chemical peels can be used to help correct uneven skin pigmentation after you’ve given birth and are done chestfeeding.
When you are pregnant, retain that glow by choosing only the safest beauty treatments for your skin. To find out more about what beauty treatments are safe during pregnancy, contact Skin by Lovely at our locations in Santa Monica, California, or Portland, Oregon.
