Tips for your pregnancy beauty routine

Now that you are pregnant, you should re-look at your beauty routine. Many beauty treatments are packed with chemicals that can be potentially harmful to your unborn baby. Your skin is your largest organ, and what you put on it gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream. If it reaches the bloodstream, it can reach the placenta.

So, for the next nine months, it is best to be cautious. This is not to say you have to go completely “au naturalle" while you are expecting! You need only make a few adjustments to how you care for your beauty during pregnancy. Here are some quick tips.

Don’t bleach your teeth

The active ingredient in teeth whiteners is peroxide, which is safe for adults – in moderate doses You can even swallow small amounts of peroxide without any side effects. However, there have not been sufficient studies done on professional teeth whitening products to prove it safe to use while pregnant. To be on the safe side. avoid these products and opt for whitening toothpaste instead.

Use hairsprays, nail polish and hair dye wisely

It is a widely debated issue on whether the use of nail polish and hair dyes is safe during pregnancy. Some experts say they are okay to use in moderation. When using nail polish or hair dyes, be sure to apply them in a well ventilated area to avoid inhaling any chemical fumes. The same applies to hair spray, but to be on the safe side, rather use hair gel or mousse.

Ban Botox

Botox, which is responsible for smooth, wrinkle-free brows across the globe, should be completely avoided during your pregnancy. Even the spokesperson for Allergan, the company responsible for Botox, advises against its use for pregnancy mummies. Beauty during pregnancy should not be taken to such extremes.

Look at the labels

Acne cream and anti-wrinkle products are prominent features in any beauty regime. However, your doctor will advise you against using many of these products, since they contain potentially harmful chemicals like acutane and salicylic acid. Natural oils containing Vitamin E and Omega 3, 6, and 9 are practically unsurpassed in helping the skin to maintain its elasticity, which can prevent stretch marks and wrinkles, without any of the potentially dangerous side effects.

Focus on your assets

When you are feeling bloated or less than radiant, focus on your assets you love. Draw attention to you lips by applying a vibrant colour, or highlight your eyes with a complimenting shade. Why not learn a few make up tricks to accentuate your beauty during pregnancy. For instance, learn to slim down your face by using your blush to create an illusion – apply a darker shade of blush right under your cheekbones, and a lighter shade to the apples of your cheeks. Don’t forget to blend.

Be sun-shy

It is very common for pregnancy mummies to develop dark spots on their skin, thanks to hormonal changes. Unfortunately, direct exposure to sunlight can trigger it, or exacerbate existing spots. If you have to be in the sun, be sure to wear a large brim hat, and be generous with your SPF cream.

If in doubt, ask. Get advice from your doctor, your dermatologist and your beauty therapist if you need any pointers on pregnancy friendly cosmetics, products and beauty treatments. Just because you are expecting does not mean your beauty routine needs to go out the window. Simply apply some caution, moderation and common sense.

Written by

Reinette Robbertze

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