Beauty Do’s and Don’ts During Pregnancy: From Eyebrow Microblading to Filler Injections

The good and bad of “beauty duringpregnancy”; from eyebrow microblading to filler injections

Pregnancy is a critical and significant phase for both the mother and the fetus. Women must take care of themselves and their babies during this time. One of the essential care aspects for pregnant women is avoiding certain beauty treatments and changes to the skin and hair that are considered off-limits during pregnancy.FetusAvoiding some beauty care or changes to skin and hair is among the beauty restrictions during pregnancy. The “beauty during pregnancy” practices should be conducted with greater caution and sensitivity. In this section of SelmaDerma, you will find complete guidelines on various beauty services from hair dyeing to temporary extensions, and more.Beauty during pregnancymust be done with great care and sensitivity. In this section ofSelmaDermayou will read comprehensive tips on performing various beauty services from hair dyeing to temporary extensions, and more.

Is gel andcollageninjections harmful during pregnancy?

Many women seek beauty and to enhance their appearance. One way to beautify the skin and reduce wrinkles is through gel or filler injections. The purpose of these injections is for beauty, youthfulness, volumizing the face, and addressing signs of aging or preventing them. Other uses of gel injections include application on the forehead, lips, under the eyes, buttocks, breasts, vagina, nose, chin, areas around the eyes, knees, back of the eyelids, and hands, and jawline shaping.

Collagen injections are a simple, safe, and non-invasive method that usually yields positive results; however, about 3% of people are allergic to collagen and may experience itching, joint pain, and swelling after injection. Therefore, a collagen test should be performed before the injection, and if the individual does not show any reaction after four months, the injection can take place. Doctors and plastic surgeons do not allow pregnant women to take this test.

One of the ingredients in gels is hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced in the body. Additionally, injected gels do not move within the body, and the amount absorbed into the bloodstream is minimal, making it seem that gel injections during pregnancy are not dangerous for pregnant women and their fetuses. However, it is recommended to avoid gel injections during pregnancy and for pregnant women to postpone them until afterpregnancyand breastfeeding to ensure safety for both mother and fetus.

If you become pregnant shortly after receiving a filler injection, there is no reason for concern, as the filler injection prior to pregnancy does not endanger the fetus, and five minutes after receiving Restylane or Juvederm, the fetus is no longer at risk.

What other beauty treatments are prohibited during pregnancy?

InjectionBotoxduring pregnancy

is used to smooth skin and eliminate wrinkles. Botox is a toxin, and its injection during pregnancy is not advised. Botox affects the nerve endings and prevents the contraction of muscles that cause facial wrinkles.

Botox injections during pregnancy may result in side effects such as premature birth,low birth weightof the fetus at birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and even fetal death.

If you received a Botox injection before becoming pregnant or during the first trimester without knowing about your pregnancy, there is a low risk to the fetus. A single dose of subcutaneous Botox does not enter the bloodstream and has no effect on the fetus; hence, there’s no need for concern, but once you learn that you are pregnant, avoid Botox injections.

The risks of tattoos during pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid getting tattoos. During pregnancy, blood flow and volume increase. For tattooing, the artist injects ink with a needle into the outer layers of the skin. The skin layers during pregnancy are swollen and filled with fluid, but after that, the swelling subsides, and the ink and lines drawn by the artist can change. Additionally, during pregnancy, the skin color of a pregnant woman can differ from normal, and after childbirth, the selected tattoo color may not match her skin tone.

Laser treatments during pregnancy

are absolutely prohibited as pregnant women’s skin is more sensitive than ever. Therefore, performing laser treatments for brown or red spots and skin lesions is not recommended.Additionally, pregnant women should not use laser therapy for hair removal. Waxing is a safe yet painful method for removing unwanted hair. Using depilatory products is safe if the timing mentioned in the brochure is followed and there is no sensitivity involved.Risks of manicure and pedicure, nail extensions, and nail polish during pregnancy

A manicure is a beauty care method for hands, fingers, and nails that includes various stages likefilingand shaping the nails, removing excess skin and cuticles, hand massage, paraffin treatments, etc., which enhance nail strength and the beauty of hands. A pedicure is also a set of therapeutic, restorative, and beauty methods applied to the feet and toenails, involving steps like trimming toenails, removing the cuticle and excess skin around the nails, using masks, lotions, and therapeutic oils to maintain the moisture of the feet and nails,

massage

and more.Performing a manicure or pedicure during pregnancy poses no problems. When getting this treatment during pregnancy, ensure that the beautician sterilizes their tools after finishing with each client, or bring your own manicure and pedicure tools from home to avoid skin infections. The smell of manicure and pedicure products can causeheadachesandnausea during pregnancy.During pregnancy, after tidying up your nails, avoid applying nail polish as phthalates in nail polish may lead to brain defects in the fetus. Chemicals found innail polish

, nail polish removers, and others, such as methyl methacrylate and acetone (a chemical that breaks down into cyanide after ingestion), are dangerous and can cause multiple health problems, including skin irritation, contact dermatitis, rashes, toxicity, and even death. You can use strengthening and moisturizing solutions to combat dryness and brittleness of your nails during pregnancy.Nail extensions do not directly threaten the health of pregnant women or the fetus, but it is better for women to avoid nail extensions during pregnancy, as any chemical factor can affect cell growth and development, leading to adverse results. Moreover, if pregnant women are repeatedly exposed to solvents used in nail extensions, it can impact fetal growth and increase the risk of developmental delays and learning disabilities.Dyeing hair during pregnancyinvolves a combination of various chemicals. Most doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid dyeing their hair in the first trimester when the fetus is developing and most susceptible to damage, postponing hair dyeing to the second or third trimester. Pregnant women can use plant-based hair dyes for coloring their hair when necessary. During pregnancy,henna

and natural colors are also permitted, and pregnant women may use these products. While highlighting is safer during pregnancy as the dye contacts the scalp less.Side effects of using Retinol A cream during pregnancyIn anti-aging creams, acne treatments,

and over-the-counter serums, Retinol A, a type of Vitamin A, is used for improving skin tone and elasticity. Using Retinol A cream during pregnancy is forbidden, and the oral consumption of Retinol A can lead to severe congenital disabilities, including hydrocephalus (enlargement of fluid-filled spaces in the brain), microcephaly (small brain and head), mental disabilities, hearing and ear abnormalities, cleft palate,

and heart defects. The absorption level of topical Retinol A is lower than that of oral Retinol A. Pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant must refrain from using Retinol A products.

Disadvantages of skin lighteners during pregnancyPregnant women should not use skin lighteners like hydroquinone to lighten their skin. Hydroquinone treats pigmentation lesions and prevents melanin production. 35–45% of hydroquinone is absorbed when used topically, and using it during pregnancy may result in side effects such as congenital disabilities and low birth weight in newborns.The risks of hair extensions during pregnancy

are among the common questions you have for the pregnancy and baby section of SelmaDerma. Having thick and long hair is a desire for many, especially for those who place a high value on their appearance. In the hair extension method, additional special hair is added to enhance the volume and depth of natural hair using various methods. Hair extensions can be harmful to pregnant women. One method of applying hair extensions involves the use of glue, which contains a mix of cyclohexane, polysiloxane, toluene, and benzene, all known carcinogens that can lead to headaches and

dizzinessin pregnant women. Although attaching extensions to a pregnant woman’s hair using thin bands does not pose significant risks, this method can still lead todamage to the hair folliclesandhair loss.Using jewelry during pregnancyMany women enjoy wearing jewelry. The use of jewelry and certain metals like gold, silver, platinum, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, and rhodium during pregnancy can trigger different reactions in some women due to

hormonal changes.

Body swelling during pregnancy may also cause bangles or rings to become tight and difficult to remove, so it’s better for pregnant women to use jewelry with clasps during this time.

Using perfume during pregnancy

is not harmful to pregnant women or their fetuses; however, those pregnant women who are sensitive to perfume scents and experience asthma andshortness of breathshould avoid perfumes. Also, pregnant women who find certain chemical scents unpleasant due to hormonal changes can use natural and fragrant oils instead of perfumes.The risks of tattoos during pregnancyAesthetic considerations during pregnancyHair dyeing during pregnancyHair extensions during pregnancy

Botox during pregnancy

Disadvantages of Botox during pregnancyLaser treatments during pregnancyBeauty care during pregnancy

Beauty during pregnancy

Important beauty facts during pregnancy

Hair coloringHair dyeing during pregnancyMakeup during pregnancy