Looking fabulous is important. 

You still want to be your flawless self throughout pregnancy, but it seems like every time you hit the salon, someone is asking you whether or not it’s safe. You find yourself lost on Google, looking up ingredients and second-guessing everything you picked up on that Sephora shopping spree.

So, are your beauty treatments pregnancy safe?

Gel Mani/Pedis

It turns out that gel nail polish is potentially toxic to your baby. Dangerous compounds can be absorbed through your nail beds. 

Instead of gel polish, opt for a regular manicure or pedicure (or choose a specialty prenatal pedicure) and choose colors that don't contain dibutyl phthalate, DBP, toluene or formaldehyde. Avoid hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and even possible skin cancer by drying your nails in front of a fan instead of a UV light. 

Waxing and Sugaring

You can still go bare and silky smooth while pregnant. Waxing and sugaring are perfectly safe during pregnancy—plus, the added convenience of having someone else do your bikini or Brazilian is priceless. It can be tough to reach and see once your belly grows.

Your skin may be more sensitive than usual though, meaning the hair removal process may be more painful and result in more irritation. Try applying witch hazel before and after waxing and follow any after-care guidelines from your esthetician.

If you’re planning to have your lady bits groomed before your baby’s birth, aim for a 7-10 days prior so that your skin has time to heal and isn’t further irritated by all the goings-on of birth. 

Teeth Whitening

You may want to wait until after your baby is born to have a smile that matches your pregnancy glow. The chemicals in professional and over-the-counter tooth whitening products may not be safe during pregnancy.

According to Dr. Yazdan of The Center for Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry, in Newport Beach, CA, “Undergoing dental treatments while pregnant is something that’s usually restricted to necessary or preventative procedures, such as cleanings or treating a toothache. Extra precautions are always taken to ensure the safety of both mom and fetus, so elective services like whitening should be delayed.”

Whitening toothpastes that use baking soda are still safe.

Tanning

If bronze skin is part of your signature style, you'll be wondering about the safety of tanning. While tanning beds and outdoor tanning are always considered unsafe due to the increased risk of cancer, you can opt for self-tanning products like St. Tropez. Keeping your more sensitive skin in mind, always do a patch test first. 

Sunscreen is suitable for use during pregnancy.

Facials 

You can still get a facial while pregnant, and it's a great way to practice self-care and decompress. Avoid harsh treatments like chemical peels, salicylic acid, or laser procedures and instead opt for extractions or treatments using glycolic, lactic, or alpha hydroxy acids. 

Many Orange County spas offer specialty facials for moms-to-be. Gregorie’s has locations in both Newport Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita and offers a variety of prenatal services including massage, pedicure, and prenatal facials.

Fillers and Botox®

Dr. Hootan Daneshmand, an Orange County board certified plastic surgeon, says “Those who should not have Botox® Cosmetic include those who are pregnant, […] women trying to become pregnant, or women who are breastfeeding.”

Botox and dermal fillers haven't been approved for use during pregnancy, so it's best to hold off on these treatments until after your baby arrives and you have finished breastfeeding. Besides, most of these treatments won't completely lose their effects right away.

Lash Extensions

When researching this article, we were super nervous that we would have to break the news that eyelash extensions were off limits. So many of our clients love their lashes!

Most professionals agree that lash extensions are a non-toxic and safe procedure. Your lash extension professional will likely recommend glue for sensitive eyes during your pregnancy. Be sure lashes are applied in a well-ventilated space.

Lash extensions do require you to lie on your back for long periods. Talk to your lash extensionist about lying on your side, reclining, using pillows, or taking frequent breaks as needed.

The hormones of pregnancy can cause you to become sensitive to the adhesive your lash professional uses, even if you have been getting your lashes done for many years. Hormone changes may also reduce your retention rate.

Nine months can seem like a long time to go without your favorite beauty treatments, but we promise it'll be over before you know it. By replacing your usual beauty treatments with safer alternatives or swapping them for prenatal massages and facials, you'll still feel like a 10!