The Family Groove Fashion & Beauty

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG DEPUTY EDITOR AND BEAUTY DIRECTOR CHELSEA KAPLAN GIVES YOU
THE GOODS ON GETTING GORGEOUS

I feel really vain asking this, but can I get laser hair removal when pregnant? It’s not invasive, so it seems like it could be safe, but I just don’t want to risk anything.—Perrey, New York, NY
	As one who is obsessed with laser hair removal (it’s life-changing, ladies), I understand your desire to rid your bod of hair and enjoy smooth skin. Pregnancy, however, is a time to put the LHR breaks on, says Randy Fink, M.D., an OB-GYN in Miami, FL. “While the treatment itself doesn’t deposit any ingredients into your bloodstream, many doctors and spas recommend you use a topical numbing cream prior to the treatment, and this lotion, which does enter the bloodstream, is unsafe for a developing baby,” he explains. Even if you forgo the numbing cream, Dr. Fink advises you to still steer clear of getting zapped: “Doctors have yet to conduct a long-term study showing the effects of laser hair removal during pregnancy, but until we know for sure, it’s just not worth the risk.” As much as I love recommending that ladies do all they can to achieve hairlessness, doing all you can to ensure you have a healthy baby makes even more sense, no?

I’m in my first trimester and, admittedly, have been indulging my cravings a little too much. I’m only 8 weeks along, but I look closer to 14 weeks. Yikes! Is it safe to wear Spanx or other control-top undergarments?—Bonnie, Charlotte, NC

That first trimester figure sure can be vexing. You don’t look pregnant, but because you are, you’re probably a little bigger than normal. Clothes are tight, bras don’t fit quite so well….ugh. And though you might not be ready to broadcast your good news, you’re probably dying to do so just to prove to everyone that, in fact, you haven’t overdone it on the nachos. In cases where you actually have overdone it on the nachos, Spanx are a godsend (I also swear by the control-top granny panties from Bodyslimmers by Nancy Ganz). When you’re pregnant, however, midsection-slimming undergarments aren’t a great idea, says Joan Loveland, an OB-GYN in Washington, DC. “In your first trimester, your uterus still hasn’t emerged from your pelvis, yet you still shouldn’t be restricting the normal growth and expansion—even it means you look heavier—of that area,” she explains, adding, “While it may technically be safe, it’s not worth it to risk it.” No need to get totally depressed, Bonnie. Luckily for you and pregnant ladies everywhere, empire-waist tops and babydoll-style dresses (which also come in heavy fabrics for fall) are super hot. Grab a blousy top to hide your tummy until you can show it off hard-core when you pop.

Prior to getting pregnant, I was addicted to my Retin-A Micro—it got rid of my zits, my fine lines, gave me a glow that always earned me a ton of compliments. It truly was a miracle cream. After a recent trip to my doctor, she told me to stop using it. Now my skin is a zitty, uneven mess! Is it really and truly dangerous? Please say no, please say no, please say no.— Olivia, Richmond, VA

Retnoids, a type of vitamin A that speeds up cell division and prevent skin collagen from breaking down, are thought of as one of skincare’s most miraculous ingredients. They’re used to treat everything from acne to uneven skin tone to wrinkles and fine lines, and do a mighty good job in the process. Unfortunately for pregnant gals, however, experts like Leslie Baumann, M.D., a professor of dermatology at the University of Miami and author of The Skin Type Solution (www.skintypesolutions.com), recommends staying away from them when you’re expecting. “Oral retinoids, such as Accutane, an acne treatment, are known to cause severe birth defects, so you absolutely want to stay away from them,” she says. While retinoids have not been shown to cause problems in pregnant women when applied directly to the skin, Dr. Baumann still recommends steering clear from them. "There is no data to show that retinoids are harmful when used on the skin, but most doctors will still caution you from using them, just in the interest of being completely safe,” she explains. Unsure whether your favorite products contain retinols? Here’s what to look for on your label: Differin (adapelene), Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin), Retinoic acid, Retinol, Retinyl linoleate, Retinyl palmitate, Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene).

Click here to read all about Deputy Editor/Beauty Director Chelsea Kaplan's life with child in her blog,“I'm Somebody's Mother?”