Is it safe to use sunscreen during pregnancy? Know these skincare secrets and myths

The ‘pregnancy glow’ is unmissable when a woman is overwhelmed with joy and happiness as she gets ready to welcome a baby. This is also the time when she goes through a zillion emotions and physical changes. There are many myths related to pregnancy health care; while some have no scientific backing, some may be partially or fully true. Skincare during pregnancy is important to maintain a healthy glow. However, there are some skincare myths too that need to be discussed in detail. Here are a few skincare secrets and tips that would help you look and feel amazing during pregnancy.

Hair removing
It is a common myth that pregnant women should not remove their body hair. However, there is nothing wrong with removing body hair during pregnancy using safe methods. Hair removal products that are extremely harsh on the skin or may cause burns should be avoided. Lots of high-quality, safe products are available in the market that would help pregnant women remove their body hair comfortably. Similarly, eyebrow threading too is safe during pregnancy if done using soft cotton thread.

Hair colouring
Pregnant women are often advised not to colour their hair. Doctors too say that it is safe to stay away from hair colouring during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. The chemicals in the pigments may affect the growth of the foetus during the initial stages. However, you could safely use hair colours that are mild or natural colouring products if you struggle with greying. While using hair colour make sure that the colour is applied only on the hair strands and not on the scalp. The chemical pigment shouldn’t touch the skin on the scalp. Meanwhile, it is safe to stay away from hair treatments like keratin and rebonding during pregnancy.

Skincare
Pregnant women should strictly avoid skincare products that contain vitamin A. It is a main ingredient in anti-ageing creams and acne treatment. Besides, skincare products that contain ingredients like hydroquinone, arbutin and heavy mineral makeup should be avoided during pregnancy.

Can you use sunscreen during pregnancy?
Health and skincare experts say that pregnant women too should use sunscreen when they are directly exposed to the sun. A good quality sunscreen would protect the skin from sunburns and allergies. However, it is safe to completely avoid using chemical sunscreens during pregnancy.

It is a well-known fact that each person has a unique skin type and texture. So, it is important to choose a skincare routine that suits your skin type. It is not ideal to completely stop using skincare products during pregnancy, thinking that they may be unsafe. Avoiding skincare during pregnancy may affect the health of your skin, especially when it is going through a lot of changes. Some products may cause allergic reactions during pregnancy. So, doing a patch test or consulting an expert before using skincare products is important. You should seek the doctor’s advice before making any major changes in your skincare routine during pregnancy.