"Is it safe to get a facial when you're pregnant or trying to conceive? What about other skin treatments?"
If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive and aren't sure if your beauty and skin regimens are still safe, it's great that you're thinking twice.
Luckily, you don't have to steer clear of treating yourself to facials altogether. But although most topical creams are safe, there are some indulgences that you'll need to avoid when you're expecting. Those include facials featuring ingredients that are not safe for pregnancy, such as retinoids or high doses of salicylic acids.
You might also want to avoid electric stimulation for deep cleaning and Botox, and check with your practitioner before booking a laser treatment or microdermabrasion facial (some experts say they're off-limits, while others say they're safe in some cases).
Safer facial options during pregnancy include hydrating facials, collagen facials, oxygen facials, steam facials, LED facials, and facials that feature fruit acid peels and extractions.
If you're thinking about getting pregnant and currently using any acne treatments such as Accutane or Retin-A, you'll need to stop at least a month before you actively try to conceive (since you never really know just when conception is actually going to occur).
Luckily, there are steps you can take to tame breakouts naturally, including drinking plenty of water and keeping your face clean. Using an oil-free moisturizer is important, since an overly dry face can actually be more prone to breakouts (adult acne needs a gentler touch).
Your diet plays an important role too: Foods high in essential fatty acids, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, niacin and vitamin A help keep your skin looking healthy and pimple-free. (Just never take those vitamins in a pill form beyond your prenatal vitamin without the okay of your doctor; some, like vitamin A, can be dangerous for your baby.)
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Be sure to ask your practitioner about any facial treatment before and during pregnancy. If they tell you to err on the side of caution, it's always better to opt out.
Enjoy!
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