Skin care: read the label

Avoid these
  • Retinol or any "retin-" name (Retinol, Retinyl palmitate, Retinaldehyde, Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene) — vitamin A tablets cause birth defects, so retinoid creams are avoided too.
  • Hydroquinone (skin-lightening creams) — skin absorbs a lot of it, with no proof it's safe in pregnancy.
  • Strong salicylic acid (peels, strong creams) — it's in the aspirin family. A mild face wash is fine.
  • Oxybenzone (chemical sunscreen filter) — absorbed into the blood and may affect hormones.
Use these instead
  • Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) — helps prevent pregnancy dark patches (melasma).
  • Azelaic acid for pimples and dark spots.
  • Low-strength benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid for acne.
  • Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid for glow and hydration.
  • Gentle cleanser and a plain moisturiser.
Stretch marks
No cream can fully prevent them. A good moisturiser keeps skin soft and reduces itching.

Hair: colour, treatments and products

Okay, with care
  • Hair colour — wait until after the first 3 months. Use a well-ventilated room, gloves and a patch test. Highlights are better, as less colour touches the scalp.
  • Pure mehndi (henna) is fine.
  • Regular shampoo, conditioner and hair oil are fine. A regular anti-dandruff shampoo is usually fine; ask your doctor about medicated ones.
Wait until after delivery
  • Keratin, smoothening, Brazilian blowout — heating can release formaldehyde gas.
  • Rebonding, strong straightening, perms — harsh chemicals with little safety data.
  • Minoxidil (hair-fall lotion) — absorbed into the body. Not for pregnancy.
  • "Black mehndi" (contains PPD) — can cause a strong allergic reaction.
Postpartum shedding
Hair often looks thicker in pregnancy. Hair fall 2 to 4 months after delivery is common and usually settles on its own.

Facials and salon treatments

Safe
  • Clean-up or simple facial (no peel, no strong chemicals).
  • Threading and waxing — skin is more sensitive now, so test a small area first.
  • Manicure and pedicure in a well-ventilated place.
  • Gentle face and head massage.
Wait until after delivery
  • Chemical peels (salicylic, TCA, retinoid peels).
  • Laser (hair removal, skin resurfacing) — no safety data in pregnancy.
  • Botox and fillers.
  • Microdermabrasion and derma-roller — sensitive skin can get more dark patches.
  • Face bleach and skin-lightening creams.
  • Sauna, steam room, hot tub — overheating is not good for the baby.

4 things to do at the salon

A few habits that make any salon visit safer during pregnancy:

  1. Tell them you are pregnant.
  2. Choose a well-ventilated salon, away from strong smells.
  3. Ask for a patch test before any new product.
  4. After 20 weeks, don't lie flat on your back for long — ask for a pillow to tilt you to one side.

When to call your doctor

⚠ Get medical help if you notice:
  • Strong itching on palms and soles, especially at night, in the last 3 months
  • A rash with blisters
  • Swelling of face or lips, or trouble breathing after a product — go to hospital right away
  • Sudden swelling of face or hands with a bad headache or blurred vision