Safe Beauty Tips to Bring Out Maternal Glow

Laura Cone

Most pregnant women have such a maternal glow they don't need beauty treatments. Experts say the reason for that beautiful, rosy glow is an increase in blood flow during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, not all beauty treatments are safe to continue. Overall, it's best to avoid using chemical products and anything toxic that is absorbed through the skin. But even some natural beauty products may not be safe during pregnancy. Real labels.

Plastic surgery

Avoid cosmetic procedures during pregnancy since they involve the use of anesthetics. Breastfeeding moms should also hold off on elective surgeries since medication can pollute the breast milk.

Acne products

Some pregnant women experience acne during their pregnancy. Instead of using topical acne medication, opt for natural cleansing products. Avoid skin care products with salicylic acid and Retin-A. Follow a healthy diet to prevent breakouts during pregnancy.

A ban on Botox

Experts say it's best to temporarily hold off on Botox treatments during pregnancy. Resume treatments after breastfeeding. Most women of childbearing age don't even need Botox to look young.

Pedicures and manicures

While manicures are considered safe as long as manicurists use sterilized tools, I always avoided it during pregnancy. I felt nauseated being in a room with the smell of chemicals. Also, it's not safe to use nail polish during pregnancy since it contains phthalate, which causes brain defects in animal fetuses.

Most pregnant women know to avoid hair coloring and perms during pregnancy because of the chemicals. Treat yourself to a new haircut and sexy maternity clothes instead of coloring your hair.

In addition to a maternal glow, I noticed several ways my beauty was enhanced naturally during pregnancy. My nails grew thicker and stayed stronger. My breasts were fuller. The money I saved on makeup and hair I used for decorating the baby's room.

Sources:
Lauren Wiener "Pregnancy Pampering: What's Safe, What's Not," Parents website
Christine Lepisto, "10 Beauty Products You Must Ditch During Pregnancy," Treehugger website
Beth Iovinelli, "Best Face Forward: Safe Beauty Products for Pregnancy and Nursing," Babyzone

More from this contributor:

My Super Sized Pregnancy

Too Pumped For Pregnancy: How Exercise Affects Fertility

Rh Factor In Pregnancy: My Complicated Birth

Published by Laura Cone - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness, Business & Finance and Lifestyle

Laura Cone has been writing for more than 20 years. She has a bachelor s degree in English from Valparaiso University, Indiana.  View profile

28 Comments

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  • Jeanne Baney9/5/2011

    It's hard to comment but I enjoy all your Health & Wellness articles! You have some great advice here.

  • Phyllis Wheeler9/3/2011

    Glad your sister is ok ("My Sister Had Amoebas That Could Have Killed Her")... read all of your articles to date but a lot don't have comment sections (at least for me). Hope they start giving you more comment options :)

  • Charlotte Kuchinsky8/22/2011

    Nicely done!

  • Kitty Stevens8/18/2011

    I think that pregnancy is the best time in a woman's life for beauty. Great article!

  • Phyllis Wheeler8/17/2011

    :-)

  • Crystal Ray8/10/2011

    I certainly didn't have a glow with my last pregnancy - except for my red cheeks from the constant vomiting. I was sick everyday until the very end, and I ended up losing ten pounds. These are great tips!

  • Linda M. McCloud8/9/2011

    Great advice

  • Lori Gunn8/9/2011

    Good job!

  • Phyllis Wheeler8/9/2011

    PS Also enjoyed your article: "Natural Alternatives to Lunesta for a Good Night's Sleep" but the comment feature wouldn't work for me on that one today.

  • Phyllis Wheeler8/9/2011

    Love that you did this: "The money I saved on makeup and hair I used for decorating the baby's room."

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