Using hair removal creams when pregnant

Hair removal creams come in lotion, gel or aerosol form and act on the keratin levels in the air to cause breakage and removal from the skin. Research on how these chemicals impact the mother and developing foetus is limited, and therefore care should be taken in use.

These products should never be applied to the face or to wounded, unhealed skin. Similar to use of self tanning lotions, a “test patch” can be used to determine skin sensitivity. During pregnancy the skin sensitivity levels in women rise and can result in severe skin allergies and infections that may be harmful to the mother and unborn baby.

Using leg wax when pregnant

Similar to the use of hair removal cream, there is limited research on the impact of waxing during pregnancy and women become confused about whether to continue waxing as they usually do. The additional hair growth and skin sensitivity during pregnancy can add to the dilemma. Waxing the skin can become a lot more painful during pregnancy, causing periods of stress to the mother that can also affect the unborn baby.

Using a beauty clinic when pregnant

As the pregnancy progresses, pregnant women often find hair removal a challenge because of their bumps, additional weight, and difficulty in reaching the parts of their body where they want to remove hair. Some pregnant mothers then opt for the full beauty treatment before giving birth. Although the pregnancy should be obvious to the beauty clinician, it's still advisable to inform, question and discuss any concerns with them prior.

Using laser hair removal when pregnant

The laser hair removal process to remove unwanted body hair is electrolysis where laser light is used to deaden the hair follicle resulting in the hair removal. The main types of electrolysis include galvanic where a needle inserted into the hair follicle contains an electric current that deadens the follicle; thermolysis where high-frequency current vibrates, heating the needle that deadens the follicle; or a combination of galvanic and thermolysis.

Due to the shortage of studies pertaining to laser hair removal and pregnancy, it is best to avoid such electrolysis treatments during pregnancy, especially to hair on the face, breasts and tummy. Some women, although aware of risks, do proceed with electrolysis for hair removal before tanning. It is best to discuss any risks or concerns with a medical professional before proceeding, because advice can be provided for the pregnant mother's unique health circumstances.

As a result of the lack of research on impacts of hair removal products during pregnancy, it may be advisable to check the types of chemicals or laser methods used with a medical professional first, to understand any possible implications for pregnancy and birth.

Tanning and Pregnancy:

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• Tanning and Pregnancy
• Pregnancy: Hair removal before or after tanning
• Using hair removal creams when pregnant
• Pregnancy: Use of insect repellents when tanning
• Pregnancy: Skin sensitivity and itching when tanning
• Pregnancy and Sunbathing
• Pregnancy: Tanning, Heatstroke and Hyperthermia
• Pregnancy: Tanning and Heat cramps

• Pregnancy and Sunless Tanning
• Pregnancy and Tanning Beds
• Pregnancy and Tanning Pills
• Pregnancy and Fake Tans
• Pregnancy and tanning with Henna
• Sun, UV care and the law

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