Skin treatments & skincare that are safe during and post pregnancy
A quick guide to hormones
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Wondering what you can and can’t have done to your skin while pregnant or breastfeeding? Here’s the rundown on what’s safe for you and bubs, and what’s best to postpone.
Everyone pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or who has been pregnant will know it’s a stressful (but also incredible) experience. Part of the stress can stem from so many areas in your life needing an overhaul or tweak. From exercise to diet, and yes, even your skincare treatments, it can seem like there is no end to conflicting advice about what’s safe and what isn’t.
The main goal is to make sure that mum and baby are safe and healthy. So, if you’re concerned about whether or not you can get treatments done while you’re expecting or breastfeeding, we’re here to put your mind at ease with a comprehensive list of all the treatments available at Caci, and whether or not they’re safe.
Starting with the good news; here are the treatments that are safe to have while pregnant
Microdermabrasion
If you’re in need of some relaxation, or your skin is in need of a pick-me-up you can still enjoy your microdermabrasion treatments during all stages of pregnancy. Microdermabrasion is a completely non-invasive treatment that works to restore a youthful glow to the skin by gently removing the outer layer of the skin.
It’s basically like a gentle form of sanding for the skin, which will reveal a brighter, more vibrant complexion.
Hydradermabrasion with no current
The good news continues because the microderm’s relative, the Hydradermabrasion, is also safe for our expecting clients. This advanced exfoliating treatment works similarly to the microderm, but while also sucking away dry skin and impurities it simultaneously infuses the skin with a detox serum. Revealing fresh, clean hydrated skin with no downtime!
Sonophoresis Skin infusion with no current
The sonophoresis fans among us (all of us) don’t need to fret either. You can still have this fan-favourite treatment done, sans the current.
A quick guide to hormones
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Treatments to avoid while pregnant and breast feeding
Cosmetic Injectables
Botox® and Xeomin® injections are used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines. Our newest treatment Profhilo® - which is the ultimate injectable mouistriser.
It’s easy to see why these kinds of treatments would be appealing when you’re going through stressful times, however, in the interest of safety it’s advised to avoid getting Botox until after you’ve finished breastfeeding. But if you didn’t know you were pregnant and had a treatment don’t fret! There is no scientific evidence to prove it’s dangerous for the baby - especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
We recommend to also avoid it until you have finished breastfeeding.
Dermal Filler (Juvederm®/ Belotero®)
Dermal Filler works by having the filler product (at Caci, we use Juvaderm dermal filler and Belotero dermal filler) which is typically a clear injectable made from hyaluronic acid injected into the skin. Like Botox®, it’s advised to avoid it until you’ve finished breast feeding to be on the safe side.
Advanced Treatments
Our Laser Facials and VPL Laser Hair Removal, while the idea of having a skin resurfacing treatment or hair removal when pregnant sounds lovely, it’s recommended to avoid any type of laser treatment while you’re expecting. While research is again limited, at Caci we always suggest you err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of the baby. This being said we suggest saving your laser treatments as a special treat for after little one arrives.
Electrolysis and Sonophoresis Infusions with current
When addressing unwanted hair growth during pregnancy, you may look at things like electrolysis to deal with the problem. Electrolysis works by directing electrical currents into the unwanted hair areas which will disable hair follicles and prevent the hair from growing back. While this is undoubtedly an incredibly beneficial treatment, any use of electricity or electrical currents on the skin should be avoided while you’re pregnant. Again, research is limited but because our amniotic sac (where the foetus is) contains water, it can technically conduct electricity. So again, best to avoid it for the safety of the baby.
Because our signature Sonophoresis Infusion also uses soundwaves we also don’t suggest having this treatment done with the current during pregnancy.
Microneedling
Although microneedling treatments do not actually involve any lasers, chemicals, or electricity it is still best to postpone until after pregnancy. This is because microneedling works by creating small micro-injuries to the face which, in turn, boosts collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production. When pregnant, you want all your body's vitamins and nutrients to go to your unborn child. Some mums also say that the body’s healing process is slower when expecting, which could mean the face does not recover as quickly as normal.
LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy is a treatment that uses red and blue light to stimulate the body’s natural health process and kill bacteria. This makes it a fabulous option for people who suffer from a range of skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Again, there is no clinical research that proves LED light has any effect on the foetus, we still advise against LED light therapy during your pregnancy. It’ll be a lovely relaxing treatment to treat yourself to once your bubs has arrived!
Chemical Peels
Any type of skin peel such as the Murad Technoceuticals Peel is also best to be avoided. While these treatments deliver incredible results, they also do contain high percentages of acids which could potentially be harmful to an unborn child if they enter into your bloodstream.
ChillSculpt
ChillSculpting works to contour the body using cryolipolysis that kills fat cells. While this fat-freezing technique is totally safe, it is advised to avoid having it done while pregnant. This is mainly due to the fact that the potential effects on the foetus aren’t well-documented and therefore it’s better to be safe than sorry!
ChillSculpt on abdomen
Because your body will change significantly after the miracle of childbirth, we recommend you don’t get ChillSculpt on your abdomen for 12 months post-pregnancy. This is because it’s best to see how your body is going to recuperate naturally first before seeking any form of cosmetic procedure. Don’t rush your body - all women take different lengths of time to heal and recover, and it’s best not to let that take away from the joys of being a parent.
ChillSculpt on other areas
For all the same reasons above, we don’t recommend getting ChillSculpt on any other areas of the body for at least six months postpartum.
A quick guide to hormones
In this article we will cover:
Which skincare ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy
While pregnancy glow is definitely a thing, not all of us will experience perfect skin when we’re expecting and it’s important to maintain good skincare habits. So here are all the ingredients that are safe to use in all stages of pregnancy. It’s important to check that all your products don’t include other harmful ingredients in them, and if in doubt - always consult your doctor before adding anything new to your routine!
Vitamin-C
We can hear the collective sighs of relief! Yes, everyone's favourite Vitamin-C is completely safe to use during pregnancy. It’s also a great way to brighten tired skin as well as help nuke any breakouts that might occur.
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum
Skinsmiths PRO Strength Vitamin C
Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
Niacinamide
What’s fast become the go-to ingredient for uneven skin tone, Niacinamide is also in the safe category. If you’re a big fan of this powerhouse ingredient before carrying a child in your womb, you can totally continue to use it during your pregnancy.
Skinsmiths Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is the gift that keeps on giving, and luckily for you, it’s the gift that also keeps on giving during pregnancy. This one is totally safe to continue to use!
A quick guide to hormones
In this article we will cover:
Which skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
While it’s largely unknown how much topical ingredients can actually make it into your bloodstream, there are a few ingredients to avoid while pregnant. The best port of call is always to consult your doctor if you’re wanting to introduce a new product into your repertoire, even if it’s a natural one! But, as a general rule, here are a few skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy…
Retinol
This one is bound to break a few hearts, but retinol or any form of Vitamin A is best to avoid during your pregnancy we regret to inform you. While the amount of retinol absorbed through the skin is likely minimal, it is still always best to err on the side of caution.
Use this instead… we usually tell our customers to opt for a glycolic acid instead to combat acne, and for anti-aging benefits - sunscreen is the most effective treatment anyway!
Speaking of sunscreen…
Sunscreen is an absolute non-negotiable when it comes to any skincare routine, but when you’re pregnant you might want to be a little bit pickier about which one you use.
Try to avoid chemical filters such as oxybenzone or avobenzone as these could be linked to hormone disruption.
Hydroquinone
Melasma and hyperpigmentation are often associated with pregnancy, and it’s totally normal to experience what is referred to as the ‘mask of pregnancy’. This will actually usually disappear all on its own after you’ve given birth, but some women may be tempted to treat it while pregnant. A lot of prescription topical treatments will include hydroquinone, which should be avoided when you’re pregnant.
Use this instead… instead opt for ingredients such as glycolic or sunscreen to help combat pigmentation until after the baby has arrived!
A quick guide to hormones
In this article we will cover:
Want to find out more about what is and isn’t safe during pregnancy?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are one of the most magical periods of your life, and we suggest you enjoy the process without stressing about how you look or how your body is changing. We love helping our pregnant and breastfeeding clients relax and feel their best, but we recommend less-invasive treatments during this period. Try opting for a relaxing and hydrating Hydradermabrasion, or a Blemish Control Facial if you’re experiencing breakouts (which is very normal during pregnancy!)
Once your baby is delivered safely and you have both recovered, we can’t wait to welcome you back with open arms for more intensive treatments! If you want to speak to a skin expert about any other concerns you have about your skin while you’re expecting, book a free consultation at your nearest Caci Clinic.
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