When it comes to skincare during pregnancy, professionals advise caution, primarily due to the active chemicals involved in some treatments which could potentially impact baby’s health.
One particular treatment often brought into question is the HydraFacial – a non-invasive skincare procedure known for its resurfacing capability that results in radiant, hydrated skin.
But can you get a Hydrafacial while pregnant? This article explores this question thoroughly..
Can you get a hydrafacial while pregnant?
HydraFacial treatment is lauded for being a refreshing skin regimen that boosts confidence, consequently enhancing well-being. Even during pregnancy, it’s considered safe overall.
However, it’s crucial to inform your skincare provider about your pregnancy before starting the procedure. This heads-up is essential because there are parts of the HydraFacial treatment that should be tailored or even omitted for expectant mothers.
For instance, acid solutions or chemical peels usually involved in some steps of the procedure might have the potential to cause harm.
In summary, you can get a HydraFacial while pregnant with the assurance that it is generally safe for both you and your baby.
Make sure to communicate openly with your skincare provider, OB-GYN or dermatologist and inform them about your pregnancy before starting the procedure.
This way, necessary adjustments to the treatment can be made to promote safety.
What kind of facial procedures are safe during pregnancy?
While pregnancy brings about numerous body changes, it doesn’t mean you need to halt all of your skincare routines. There are several facial procedures that are considered safe during this journey.
However, bear in mind that increased sensitivity is common during this period and may require adjustments in your skincare treatments.
Here are some generally considered safe facial procedures during pregnancy:
- Hydrating facials
- Collagen facials
- Oxygen facials
- Steam facials
- Led facials
- Facials with fruit acid peels
Hydrating facials
Hydrating facial or hydrafacial, is one of the safest and most beneficial beauty treatments for pregnant women.
As hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy, skin can undergo unexpected changes, such as becoming excessively dry. It’s in these instances where hydrating facials can truly come to the rescue.
They are specifically geared towards replenishing moisture and nourishment to the skin. And they typically consist of several steps – cleansing, exfoliating, massaging, and the application of a hydrating mask.
These treatments are generally free from harsh or harmful chemicals like retinoids, salicylic acid, or certain types of parabens, which are considered to be potentially risky during pregnancy.
Instead, hydrating facials encompass mild and natural elements, often including hyaluronic acid—a naturally produced bodily substance which delivers a hydration boost to the skin.
Moreover, this type of facial does not involve aggressive applications or skin penetration tactics. It’s designed to be a gentle, soothing experience, thereby further reducing any potential risks or discomfort.
Benefits
- The most apparent benefit of these facials is their moisturizing effect. Hydrating facials can tackle skin dryness, leaving it very smooth, supple and refreshed.
- They can also improve skin complexion, tone and texture as well as perhaps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen facials
Collagen facials, as the name suggests, are facial procedures that typically involve applying a mask or cream fortified with collagen peptides to the skin.
Through this procedure, the skin’s moisture barrier can be reinforced, making it appear plumper, firmer, and more radiant.
The primary reason why this procedure is safe for pregnant moms lies in the nature of the collagen used in these treatments. It’s a substance naturally produced by our bodies.
This means the odds of having an adverse reaction to it are relatively low, compared to other facial treatments that utilize synthetic substances or strong acids.
In general, the collagen facial procedure involves a gentle application process with no aggressive techniques that could potentially harm the skin.
As long as moms-to-be are not allergic to any other ingredients used in the facial (it’s always a good idea to check), they can safely indulge in collagen facials.
Benefits
- The benefits of collagen facials are closely tied to the properties of collagen itself. Collagen can boost skin hydration, reducing roughness and enhancing elasticity. This could be particularly beneficial during pregnancy, where hormonal changes might contribute to skin dryness
- Moreover, collagen has been shown to improve wound healing — beneficial for those who may be experiencing skin disruptions or breakouts.
Oxygen facials
Oxygen facials are considered a safe facial procedure for pregnant women. They involve using a specialized machine to deliver pressurized oxygen infused with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients directly into the epidermis.
This treatment can help increase blood circulation and may potentially reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles.
As the skin is extra sensitive during pregnancy, oxygen facials offer a safer alternative for expecting mothers as they help maintain hydration by providing nourishment to the skin without causing irritation.
Steam facials
Steam facials revolve around the application of gentle, warm steam to the face. This process opens up the pores, aiding in the removal of dirt, oil, and impurities, and lending the skin a cleaner and clearer appearance.
They are considered safe while pregnant, primarily due to the simplicity of the procedure and the natural element involved—steam.
As there are no harsh chemicals or potential allergens typically involved in the process, the risk of adverse skin reactions is minimal.
However, it is still essential to ensure that the steam’s temperature is at a comfortable level to prevent any possible skin burns
Benefits
- Beyond cleaning the pores, steam facials can help stimulate blood circulation and promote a healthy complexion.
- Additionally, the warm steam can provide a calming effect, potentially helping to reduce stress levels.
- For pregnant women specifically, another reported benefit includes relief from respiratory problems like chest congestion.
LED Facials
LED facials utilize different colors of light to target various skin conditions. For instance, red LED light is believed to help stimulate collagen production, which can combat signs of aging.
On the other hand, blue LED light is thought to destroy acne-causing bacteria.
The safety of LED facials primarily lies in their non-invasive and chemical-free nature. These facials do not involve any damaging ultraviolet rays and do not cause thermal damage.
Consequently, pregnant women can use LED facials without worrying about potential harm to their sensitive skin, which could arise from harsh chemicals or more invasive procedures.
Benefits
Aside from being a suitable option for managing the hormone-triggered acne during pregnancy, red LED light therapy can reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis, resulting in more youthful-looking skin.
Facials with fruit acid peels
Facials with fruit acid peels leverage natural acids to help refresh and renew the skin. These peels work by loosening dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, revealing a fresher, smoother layer of skin underneath.
The safety of fruit acid peels can generally depend on the type of acid used.
Some sources suggest that certain fruit acids such as lactic acid found in some fruits and milk can be considered acceptable during pregnancy.
However, it’s always important to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new skincare treatments.
Even natural or seemingly mild treatments can cause unexpected reactions, particularly as pregnancy can make skin more sensitive than usual.
Benefits
If deemed safe by a healthcare provider, facials featuring fruit acid peels can provide several potential benefits such as smoother skin, a brighter complexion, and reduced prevalence of skin issues like blemishes or uneven skin tone.
It is worth restating that while facials with fruit acid peels may provide potential benefits, they should only be used with the clearance of a healthcare professional due to the heightened skin sensitivity that can occur during pregnancy.
What facial treatments should be avoided during pregnancy?
It’s essential to avoid certain facial treatments and skincare ingredients that could potentially harm the developing fetus or have unknown risks.
Here are some facial treatments and ingredients that are typically advised to be avoided during pregnancy:
Microdermabrasion: This procedure uses tiny abrasive crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the skin.
While there’s limited evidence of harm, it’s generally recommended to avoid aggressive microdermabrasion treatments at this period, as they may cause skin irritation or inflammation.
Facials with chemical peels
Those that use acids like salicylic, glycolic or tretinioin, and chemical peels like hydroquinone and isotretinoin should be disregarded.
These ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect the baby. It’s advisable to avoid them thoroughly.
Injectables and fillers
Cosmetic injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers have not been extensively studied for their safety in pregnancies.
It’s advisable to postpone these treatments until after childbirth and breastfeeding.
Laser and intense Pulsed Light treatments
Laser and IPL treatments can generate heat and may affect skin pigmentation. The safety of these treatments has not been conclusively established among expectant mothers.
It’s generally recommended to avoid such treatments.
Hot Waxing or Sugaring:
While not completely dangerous, Hot wax treatments can cause skin irritation and sensitivity, which may be more pronounced during pregnancy.
If you opt for waxing or sugaring, ensure the wax is at a comfortable temperature and inform the technician that you are pregnant to take necessary precautions.
Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS):
EMS devices, which use electrical currents to stimulate muscles, should be used with caution. These devices may have unknown effects on the developing fetus.
Can you get a hydrafacial while breastfeeding?
Yes, you can generally get a HydraFacial while breastfeeding. The safety of getting a hydrafacial while breastfeeding is generally considered to be higher than during pregnancy, as fewer substances are known to pass through breast milk compared to the placenta.
However, it is important that you communicate your breastfeeding status with your aesthetician or dermatologist. This advance notice will ensure that any products used during the procedure are safe and suitable for you at this stage.
Final verdict on Can You Get A Hydrafacial While Pregnant?
While HydraFacial are known for their safeness, gentle, non-invasive procedure and wide-ranging adaptability for various skin types, they may not always be the ideal choice for every pregnant woman.
Some experts including myself, however, recommend a more cautious approach; advising that you postpone such treatments until after childbirth due to factors like uncertain nature of ingredient absorption from topical skincare products, and possible mistakes from the skincare provider during pregnancy.
It is important to remember that every pregnant woman is unique in her own way and so no matter what type of treatment you are considering, it is advisable to first seek advice from your OB-GYN, who knows you better than anyone else.
Trust me, they help guide you through treatments that are safe and those to stay away, based on your individual health history and current condition.
References:
Everyday Health (What Is a Hydrafacial? How It Works, Benefits, and Risks) & National Institutes of Health (Facial sporotrichosis during pregnancy. A therapeutic …)
