Photo: Luigi & Iango
Expectant mothers are confronted by a list of dos and don’ts when they first announce their happy news. Keeping up with skincare in particular can fall by the wayside, with uncertainty around active ingredients and formulas meaning that sometimes it’s just easier to err on the side of caution. But, there’s no reason why women in any stage of pregnancy shouldn’t be able to take continuous care of her skin, with facials easily adaptable to fit into a maternal skincare routine says Mae Romero Do-Thanh, founder of Dubai skin clinic, The Branding Room. “Some women are very lucky to have a pregnancy glow throughout their expectancy. Some of us, not so much.” Do-Thanh says that there are options to help keep your skin in check even during the ups and downs of pregnancy hormones, with facials and body treatments that are completely suitable for pregnant women, using pregnancy-safe formulated products. “These products are proven to not cause any negative and unwanted side effects to both mum and the baby,” she explains. “Getting treatments done may help one ‘feel herself’. With all the changes that a pregnant lady is going through, doing a little bit of self care may make a world of difference in one’s state of mind.”
Mae Romero Do-Thanh. Photo: Courtesy The Branding Room
The best rule of thumb is to focus on cleansing and hydrating treatments while pregnant, to avoid irritating already sensitive skin. “Expectant mothers should just keep it simple,” agrees Do-Thanh. “Their skincare routine can be pared down to the basics. Without active ingredients, they can focus on keeping their skin hydrated and moisturized.” Due to fluctuating hormones, the common skin issues that expectant mothers may develop, particularly on the face, are acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation known as melasma. Break-outs are more likely to occur in the first trimester, thanks to that initial sudden shift of hormones. A skin clearing facial is a simple, yet effective way to deep-cleanse the skin, and clear away excess oil and stubborn blackheads and blockages. Do-Thanh recommends The Branding Room’s Clear Skin Facial (AED575), using iS Clinical products. “This is an exfoliating facial that’s good for deep cleansing. The facial includes a thorough cleanse, a clarifying masque treatment, an exfoliating masque treatment, extractions if wanted or needed, facial massage for lifting and drainage, a cooling and hydrating masque treatment, and products application.”
Clear Skin Facial. Photo: courtesy The Branding Room
For melasma, it’s recommended that treatment be delayed until after giving birth, when the pigmentation has eased off and more active ingredients or laser treatments can be used to target the area. In the meantime, avoid excessive sun exposure to help mitigate hyperpigmentation. Do-Thanh also suggests that products using essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy. “Any treatment that heavily relies on essential oils should be avoided. Not only can they be sensitizing, but they may also cause allergic reaction and be overly stimulating. Some essential oils are known to induce miscarriage or early labour,” she warns. Pregnant women should also avoid irritating microdermabrasion and chemical peels, and retinoids which are derived from vitamin A, and can cause birth defects.
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