3 Beauty treatments to avoid when you’re pregnant
A little pampering when you’re pregnant is great, but some treatments can be harmful.
These are the top three beauty treatments to avoid when you’re pregnant:
1. Detoxifying body treatments
Tania Stevens, skin therapist and owner of Simply Skin beauty salon in Sonstraal, Cape Town, explains that detoxifying body treatments are stimulating and dehydrating, which is not good for you or your baby.
“Detox treatments also generally include some type of body wrap or heat treatment. These raise your core body temperature which may harm or distress your baby.”
Saunas, steam rooms, hot stone massages and sunbeds also raise your body temperature and should be avoided.
2. Chemical peels and dermabrasion
Hormonal fluctuations are par for the course during pregnancy. As a result, your skin may act out. “Dry skin, breakouts and pigmentation are all very common during pregnancy,” says Stevens. “My advice is to ride the wave. This too shall pass.
Keep your skin hydrated and healthy and focus on treating problems afterwards.
Most skin issues will resolve naturally once you’ve given birth anyway. Until then, stay well away from chemical peels and dermabrasion – the last thing your skin needs is a harsh treatment that could cause irritation or inflammation.”
3. Teeth whitening
Most teeth whitening preparations contain peroxide, a strong abrasive chemical. Peroxide is safe for adults in small quantities, but there’s so much we don’t know about the effect of substances on developing babies – is it worth the risk?
The American Dental Association confirms that questions have been raised about the safety of tooth whitening treatments for women who are expecting: “In the absence of such evidence, clinicians may consider recommending that tooth whitening be deferred during pregnancy,” the Association concludes.
So what treatments can you do?
Most facials, pedicures, manicures, massages and other popular treatments are safe when you’re expecting. Tell your beauty therapist that you’re pregnant when you make the booking so they can provide the necessary recommendations to ensure your safety and that of your unborn child.
