Pregnancy Beauty Do's and Don'ts

PREGNANCY BEAUTY DO’S AND DON’TS
FROM MANICURES TO HAIR DYE TO OFF-LIMIT MEDS AND CHEMICALS, THE LIST OF
THINGS TO POTENTIALLY AVOID DURING PREGNANCY CAN BE CONFUSING. SKINCARE
EXPERT DR. JEANNETTE GRAF FILLS YOU IN ON WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Pregnancy Beauty

Navigating the no-no’s and yes-yeses of pregnancy is often a dizzying task.
As a general rule, pregnant or nursing mothers are advised to stay off of all
medications unless absolutely necessary. The decision to treat should always
be made by your doctor, who must determine if the benefits outweigh any
potential risks. Prenatal vitamins are almost always recommended, while
other supplements should not be taken without consulting with your doctor first.

In fact, most medications and supplements are not well-studied when it comes to safety in pregnant women. Often, the safety depends on when during pregnancy the drug is administered. For example, the side effects of tetracycline and related antibiotics are harmful during the second trimester of pregnancy because that is when the baby’s teeth are being formed, and tetracycline binds to the calcium, causing permanent staining of teeth. Accutane, on the other hand, is known to cause severe birth defects from the time a pregnancy test is positive—that’s why two forms of birth control are required to prevent pregnancy during Accutane treatment.

Below I answer the common—and vital—questions that moms-to-be have asked me many times over during my tenure as a dermatologist.

Can I color my hair?
While there are really no conclusive studies regarding hair dye, many of the chemicals used in permanent as well as temporary hair dyes are considered harmful if ingested. That is why using a vegetable-based color or a natural color, such as henna, is recommended. Highlights, which do not come into contact with your scalp and therefore are not absorbed in any way, are also fine.

Can I get my nails done?
Using nail polish remover and applying nail polish are considered safe during pregnancy.

What type of hair removal is safe?
Hair removal through waxing or electrolysis is considered safe during pregnancy. Chemical depilatories, on the other hand, contain chemicals, such as calcium thioglycolate that can result in allergic reactions, chemical irritation and potential absorption through the skin. It is best to avoid them during pregnancy and nursing. Laser hair removal should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing since any effects of laser light during these times are not known.

Can I get laser treatments for brown spots and blood vessels?
Laser treatments of any sort should be performed after delivery. Although it is probably safe to do a small spot or area, the effects of the treatment are still largely unknown. In addition, due to the hormonal and growth changes during pregnancy, it is advisable to wait until after for best results.

Can I get a microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliation in which tiny spherical crystals are whisked over the skin and vacuumed away. This procedure is perfectly safe during pregnancy.

Can I get a chemical peel?
Glycolic acid or other AHA peels, such as lactic acid, are safe during pregnancy. It is better to have buffered peels, which are gentler on the skin. Salicylic acid peels or BHA peels should be avoided during pregnancy since the absorption of salicylic acid (aspirin) should be avoided.

Can I have Botox injections?
Botox injections should not be given to pregnant or nursing women.

Can I have Restylane injections?
It is best to avoid any injectable, such as Restylane, Perlane,Juvéderm, Collagen, Radiesse, etc., while pregnant.

Is sunscreen safe to use during pregnancy?
There are no reports of problems in pregnant and nursing women using sunscreen. In fact, with the elevated risks of skin cancer and cosmetic worsening of conditions, such as melasma from UV exposure, the use of sun protection is essential.

Can I use benzoyl peroxide for my acne?
Although there are no studies about benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy, if it is used during pregnancy, it should be only the occasional dab.

Can I use a dandruff shampoo to treat my flakes?
Shampoos for dandruff that use coal tar or salicylic acid should not be used during pregnancy, since anything applied to the skin can potentially be absorbed. Shampoos that use selenium sulfide are safe to use during pregnancy as a shampoo only. Shampoos that use use zinc pyrithione, such as Head & Shoulders, are safe to use during pregnancy.

Is the element sulfur safe?
Sulfur, not to be confused with the oral antibiotic Sulfa, is perfectly safe for use during pregnancy. It is helpful in treating conditions like acne, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.

Is Vitamin A in skin care products safe?
Even though there have been no reported problems associated with the use of topical vitamin A products during pregnancy, they are not recommended. The A list includes prescription products like Retin-A and Tazorac as well as over-the-counter retinol products.

GET READY TO UP YOUR LOOK
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Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, FAAD, is a leading skin science expert, board-certified, clinical and research dermatologist. A top industry expert, published author and National Institute of Health award winner, Dr. Graf combines minimally invasive office procedures with effective skincare products and nutrition and lifestyle counseling to elicit both an inner and outer beauty from each of her clients. To get your glow, go to www.askdrgraf.com.