Pregnancy and breastfeeding - How does it affect your injectable and skin treatments

Attention all mums and mums to be! Congratulations on expecting!

You have probably been adapting your lifestyle for the health of your little one during this period. So as if giving up alcohol, runny poached eggs and sushi weren't enough, you may also have to change how you look after your skin in this period too! We will be looking at injectable and in-clinic skin treatments as well as how to adapt your skincare at home.

Injectable treatments

Any form of injectable treatment is prohibited during this period. Whether you have regular anti-wrinkle injections, soft tissue filler, PRP, mesotherapy or skin boosters, this must be put on hold during your pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding. There hasn't been enough research to show that these are safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and let's be honest, it would be extremely unethical to start the research now!

Chemical skin peels

Avoid having chemical skin peels during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. These are in-clinic treatments which contain a high percentage of acids which can penetrate to deeper layers of the skin and also enter the bloodstream.

Microneedling

Although this treatment does not require the use of any chemicals, it is not recommended whilst pregnant and breastfeeding. Microneedling is a treatment that causes micro-injuries through multiple needle punctures and relies on the skin to start its healing process as a way of boosting collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production. When you are pregnant, the vitamins and nutrients in your body are reserved for your unborn child, so your body's healing process could be slower than usual. You could end up with unwanted pigmentation as a result. We also apply a numbing cream for comfort, which contains lidocaine which is not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Skincare ingredients you should avoid while pregnant:

Unfortunately, the adjustments continue with your at-home skincare regime. These are some common ingredients that you should avoid, which may be found in your skincare:

• Any form of Vitamin A derivatives, which are commonly known as Retinol, Tretinoin, Retinoic acid, Retin-A
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Salicylic acid
• Glycolic acid
• Hydroquinone
• Essential oils

The information regarding chemical sunscreen remains controversial; research has shown that the chemicals in the sunscreens do enter the bloodstream; however, have demonstrated no harm to the unborn baby. Due to the chemicals entering the bloodstream, some may choose a physical form of sunscreen during the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Recommendations during pregnancy

Your skin can do weird and wonderful things during this period. However, it isn't all bad news; your "pregnancy glow" may be all that is needed. Here are some of my skincare top tips you can consider while you are pregnant:

• Switch to mechanical exfoliation. As most AHAs and BHAs are off-limits during this period, it may be easier to use cloths or scrubs as a way of exfoliation. Despite this, lactic acid is one of the acids that is considered to be safe to use, so if your skin reacts well to this acid, there is no harm in continuing to use it. Remember, do not over-exfoliate as this can irritate your skin.
• Using an antioxidant such as vitamin C- these are considered safe to use and can optimise your skincare regime. They are best used when applied during the day and under your sunscreen.
• Don't forget your sunscreen - You are at a higher risk of developing hormonal induced pigmentation, so your sunscreen will be essential if you want to keep this minimal.
• Moisturise your whole body regularly to minimise the appearance of stretch marks.
• Don't forget to look after your body and mind - drink plenty of water, relax and have a balanced diet.