Can I get Botox if I'm pregnant? Use retinol? Get a manicure? Myths and truths of pregnancy

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Until the time comes, we don't think about it, it's reality. We have to see ourselves in front of a positive Predictor to ask ourselves if the cosmetics that are our ABCs in our daily beauty routine are suitable during the nine months of waiting. I haven't experienced it in my own head, but I have experienced it in someone else's: my friends, my sisters-in-law and all acquaintances that I have 'at hand' and are expecting a baby, sooner or later send me the long-awaited WhatsApp of, in order, what can be applied to avoid stretch marks as much as possible, which inevitably follows if they can continue using their creams, if you can dye your hair -an ancestral doubt in this matter of beauty and pregnancy...- and so on and so on, both weighty doubts and false myths or gossip.

What cosmetics to use during pregnancy and what treatments to do (or not) is essential for the safety of the mother and the fetus, so turning to experts (not just any word of mouth) is essential. And that's what we've done.

What Happens to Your Skin and Hair During Pregnancy

Before we get into flour, let's remember what surprises the skin can give us when expecting a baby. "Pregnancy is a time of great hormonal movement and hormones are probably the agent that most alters the condition of the skin. That is why it is so common to feel dehydrated skin or to show acne breakouts, you can even go through the two phases throughout the nine months," sums up Estrella Pujol, founder of the Oxigen beauty center (Barcelona).

And how does our hair live it? Because it has always been said that the mane also lives a state of good hope in pregnancy. The hormonal revolution that this stage represents, as Pujol pointed out, "has a very positive effect on alopecia and hair in general, although it is somewhat variable", corroborates Dr. Javier del Boz, a member of GEDET (Spanish Group of Aesthetic and Therapeutic Dermatology of the AEDV).

However, the dermatologist warns that pregnancy hair can be a mirage, because after giving birth, "there is usually an interruption in hair growth, and it is common for a few months after childbirth to fall out, which can be intense. In order to minimise this disorder, different aspects must be taken into account when carrying out proper hair care throughout pregnancy".

Once the foundation has been clarified, we move on to the cosmetic, aesthetic and hair doubts that may arise in the nine months of waiting.

Retinol, banned in pregnancy: alternatives and green lights

And let's start with a highlight, one of the most frequently asked questions, since retinol is one of the anti-aging active ingredients par excellence due to its proven effectiveness, and therefore, one of the most popular. Can we still count on it in our daily routine?

"Retinoids are the great assets to avoid during pregnancy, because at least at the systemic level (when taken orally) they damage the embryo," explains Dr. Maite Truchuelo, a member of GEDET. "They are absolutely forbidden since they are teratogenic substances, that is, they cause fetal malformations," insists Dr. Diana Camacho, dermatologist at the International Dermatological Clinic (Madrid).

And what cosmetic alternatives can be used instead of retinoids? "As anti-inflammatories, we can use niacinamide, which is a very interesting active ingredient because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as a certain depigmenting activity," says Truchuelo. In the same vein, the doctor adds: "Kojic acid, gothic or azelaic acid (the latter to control acne and the pregnancy cloth), which prevents blemishes, lightens the skin tone, brightens...". More? "Other active ingredients that work as epidermal renovators are glycolic acid or lactic acid, which promote smoother skin skin, have anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing activity and strengthen the skin barrier," he adds.

In addition, "sunscreens, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be used without any problem," Camacho adds.

However, just as retinoids are a big no-no, we should also "avoid the use of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and hydroquinone," Camacho points out.

Estrella Pujol also says that in her beauty center they never recommend products that contain essential oils because of their potency and their high penetration rate that would allow them to reach the bloodstream. On the other hand, she does suggest "for dehydrated skin, incorporate mists with hyaluronic acid, which can be reapplied throughout the day whenever necessary in complete safety, both to refresh if you feel a slight flush, and to moisturize the skin if you feel dehydrated".

Hair for nine months, but dyed or not?

"In general, pregnancy has a very beneficial effect on the hair, so during pregnancy it is not usually necessary to carry out specific hair treatments," says Dr. Javier del Boz.

According to the dermatologists of the Pedro Jaén Group, one of the most widespread concerns among pregnant women is whether they can dye their hair – it is not surprising when it is estimated that up to 80% of women have done it at some point in their lives, according to 'The bible of hair care' (Zenith) by Dr. Claudia Bernárdez.

Although many coloring products contain hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and other chemicals, their concentration is not significant enough to pose a problem for the fetus; Absorption through the scalp is minimal and is very unlikely to reach the placenta. However, and due to a very strict precautionary principle, the Pedro Jaén Group recommends postponing hair coloring until the third trimester.

In relation to hair treatments frequently used for alopecia, "during pregnancy it is recommended to avoid the use of topical and oral minoxidil or finasteride, as well as dutasteride, spironolactone, cyproterone acetate or bicalutamide. Antiandrogen injections should also be avoided, but they are compatible with platelet-rich plasma injections, if deemed necessary," explains Del Boz.

Around with manicures...

It is known that when it comes to giving birth, it is best not to wear makeup, as these are great tellers of problems in the body, in addition to the fact that the polish interferes with the measurement of oxygen in the blood. Perfect. And the previous nine months?

"There is no risk of using any type of manicure during pregnancy," says Dr. Diana Camacho. Of course, there are factors that must be taken into account, because, regardless of the pregnancy, the problem with permanent manicures is that some patients develop contact allergies to substances that contain these enamels called acrylates, without the option of being able to take medication to remedy them. "These allergies produce intense reactions with the formation of wounds around the nails and total or partial loss of the nails. In addition, the continuous use of manicures and acetones to remove the nail polish can damage the nail plate in such a way that it acquires a yellowish hue and becomes weaker," the expert continues.

Botox in pregnancy: yes or no?

Finally, there will be touch-up regulars who wonder what to do with injectables during pregnancy. "It is likely that it is safe to use hyaluronic acid during pregnancy, but since no studies are done on pregnant women, its use is not recommended like other types of fillers," explains Diana Camacho.

The same happens with Botox, contraindicated during pregnancy precisely because of the lack of studies on the subject, "it is true that it does not seem to affect the baby, but we must prioritize the safety of the mother and the fetus at this important stage," stresses the expert.

If we continue in the field of aesthetic medicine, lasers, focused ultrasounds, and radiofrequency are not recommended either.

In conclusion, there is nothing like listening to Tatiana Recuero, Director of Training at Elizabeth Arden, "in pregnancy you don't have to innovate: if you haven't dyed your hair, for example, in your life, don't let this be the time to try it...".

• beauty
• Pregnancy