When you’re pregnant there are so many rules that you have to follow regarding the health and wellbeing of you and your baby. Every pregnant woman deserves to look and feel her best, but conflicting beauty advice can be somewhat confusing.

To help you navigate this exciting time, we’ve gathered some useful tips on tanning, mani/pedis and massages during pregnancy, and we answer some common questions from our clients.

1. Replace sunbeds with self-tanning lotions

High doses of UV radiation can cause the most harm to an unborn baby. And as you may already know, indoor tanning beds actually have a much higher concentration of UV than the outdoors. Because of this, anyone who is pregnant should avoid tan beds completely, during their entire pregnancy.

The best way to tan whilst pregnant is to do it without any sun at all, in the form of self-tanning skin care. By doing this, you will avoid unnecessary UV radiation exposure and sun exposure that can cause stress to your body. Organic and natural products are a good choice as they tend to have less synthetic ingredients that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Make sure to be mindful of the ingredients that you will be putting on your body when pregnant, as changes in hormone levels can cause skin sensitivity or irritation. In particular, look out for the ingredient Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This is actually a positive ingredient and is thought to only absorb into the first layer of skin, meaning that it won’t reach or affect your baby.

Although self-tanning lotions are recommended during pregnancy as a safe alternative to the sun, make sure to avoid spray tans. This is because they contain chemicals that are easily breathed in when sprayed and may reach your baby when inhaled.

2. Opt for regular nail polish over gel or acrylic

There is no reason why you can’t have a manicure, or a pedicure, when you are pregnant. However, there are some nail treatments that are more preferable and user friendly.

Gel nails are incredibly popular as they produce long-lasting, tough and durable nails. However, there have been concerns raised about the curing of these nails with UV light. Although only a tiny amount of UV light is needed, not much is known about the prolonged use of having these type of nails applied.

The use of acrylic nails while pregnant is deemed safe, BUT there are some things you need to be aware of. For example, these nails can be made from MMA (methylmetacrylate) which is not recommended while pregnant. There are also some concerns surrounding the glue that is used and the fact that acrylic nails pose a high risk of growing fungal infections. So, they are probably best avoided too.

Similarly Shellac is is cured in the same way as gel nail polish, so raises the same concerns about the use of UV light. Coupled with this is the fact that shellac is not recommended for pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy, because it is difficult to remove. The nails need to be soaked in acetone for at least 20 minutes, and if you need a c-section, then this is something that is best avoided.

Instead, opt for regular nail polish. Nail polish is generally safe to use as long as it is applied in a well ventilated room. Today’s modern range of nail polishes are chemical free and pose no risk to you or your baby’s health. When it comes to nail polish remover, you are best using one that is acetone free. Our Sparistas always have a range of nail polish colours to suit your style.

3. Consider a pregnancy massage

Massages can be especially helpful when pregnant, and can help to reduce pain and discomfort, especially as your body changes and develops. Pregnancy massages help to increase blood circulation, increasing oxygen to both mother and baby, and also help to decrease swelling of the joints during pregnancy. Our clients have claimed that these massages can help to relieve lower back pain, and reduce muscle pain and headaches.

At USPAAH, we offer special pregnancy massages tailored for pregnant women, and our Sparistas are highly trained to provide pre-natal massages to an outstanding quality.

4.Invest in a high SPF daily face cream

Unwanted skin pigmentation (sun spots) can develop a LOT faster when you’re pregnant, especially in the first 3-5 months. In addition UV radiation in the first trimester of your pregnancy can impact the brain development of your unborn child. In fact, the initial 8 to 15 weeks of pregnancy are high risk in this sense.

Experts recommend upping the SPF protection level of your daily face cream to at least 50 to protect from the harmful effects of the sun, and if you happy to be jetting off to a sunny baby moon, wear SPF of least 50-100. In addition, UV rays can cause a break down of folic acid in pregnant women which is an essential supplement for your baby, helping them to develop a strong and healthy nervous system. So make sure to top up on folic acid for yours and your baby’s health.

How can USPAAH help during your pregnancy?

Whether its nails, a facial or a massage you are after during your pregnancy, our Sparistas are trained to help.

Simply download the app here and book your treatment any time between 7 am and 10 pm, within the hour, or up to three weeks ahead. Oh, and don’t forget to use code NEW10 for £10 off your first booking!

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