Pregnancy brings in various changes in your body, both internal and external. External changes like belly bulge and weight, etc., are a part of pregnancy. The hormonal changes that happen in your body can lead to more hair growth. This is called pregnancy induced hair growth, due to increase in hormones called androgens. This usually starts during the second trimester (fourth month) and the hair growth on the face is more on the lips, chin and cheeks. Pregnancy already needs a lot of feel-good factors and surroundings. You sure want to look and feel the best. Bleaching is the most common treatment for facial hair. It lightens the pigmentation of facial hair. But is bleaching facial hair during pregnancy safe? Research has not been done yet to prove if this beauty practice is safe, so a strong standing that bleaching facial hair can cause harm to the baby cannot be concluded. But it certainly is recommended to avoid doing it during pregnancy. Most experts advise against the idea of applying any kind of chemical topically.
Avoiding Facial Hair Bleaching During Pregnancy
The first trimester is a crucial period of organogenesis for the baby. Your unborn may be at maximum risk in the first trimester. You do not want the chemicals and fumes to cause any harm to the baby. So it is wise to rest your bleaching routines during the first trimester at least. Anything that you apply on your skin has the possibility of seeping in through the pores and entering your body, though a very tiny amount has a possibility to seep through. The smell and fumes of the chemicals used can also be inhaled and may pose danger. You might want to consider other options like waxing, tweaking and shaving. Moreover, you may have sensitive and itchy skin during pregnancy, so you might want to hold on till a few more months, before bleaching.
Tips for Bleaching Facial Hair During Pregnancy
The most important aspect to understand is your skin type. The rate of absorption will be different for each skin type, and science has yet not proved whether is it safe to bleach hair during pregnancy. As mentioned above, during pregnancy, the skin is sensitive due to the hormonal changes, so you need to be extra careful. Take care of the factors mentioned below if you decide to bleach facial hair during pregnancy.
- Bleach is after all a chemical. You may want to consider bleaching in the second trimester instead of the first. Also, consulting a dermatologist can be helpful.
- Rinsing your face with cold water before bleaching can be considered, as this will close the open pores slightly. So there is very less chance for the chemicals to enter the skin.
- Try to get the bleaching done from a professional, and if you are bleaching at home, wear good gloves to avoid chemicals on your fingers and hands.
- Use good quality and branded facial bleaching creams rather than the cheap ones available.
- Before you start, read all the instructions and safety warnings on the manufacturer's instruction leaflet of the product.
- Make sure you sit in a very well ventilated area, so there is less accumulation of concentrated chemicals and fumes.
- Due to the fact that the skin can be more sensitive during pregnancy, perform a small patch test first, even if you have used the same bleaching cream before you were pregnant.
- Strictly, do not bleach in case you have any skin rash, swelling or broken skin.
- Do not leave the bleach cream on for a long time. It is best to keep it for the minimal time that is necessary.
Pregnancy is the most delicate phase and needs the most of care and concern. Beauty and care is important, but surely not above your baby's health.
