Personal care during pregnancy

Cosmetics and creams

Most cosmetics (creams, makeup) can be used during pregnancy. Face cream and hand and body creams that do not contain any medicinal ingredients can be used safely. If you use a medicated cream, your doctor or pharmacist can check to see if you can continue using it while pregnant.

Hair products and treatments

Hair products and treatments including dyes, colouring shampoos, highlights, and perms are not dangerous to pregnant women or their fetus. However, if you use hair products as part of your work, discuss the matter with your health professional (see Health and safety at work).

Sunscreen

You are advised to use sunscreen when you go out in the sun. This is especially important during pregnancy because the sun can increase hyperpigmentation and pregnancy mask (see Hyperpigmentation).

Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Be especially careful to protect your face.

Insect repellent

To protect yourself from mosquito and tick bites, you need to use an effective insect repellent. Choose a repellent that contains DEET or icaridin. There are no contraindications to using insect repellents containing a maximum of 30% DEET or 20% icaridin during pregnancy. There is no evidence of a health risk to unborn babies.

You can also wear permethrin-treated clothing (e.g., sweater, jacket) to protect against tick and mosquito bites. Wearing treated clothing is not recommended when breastfeeding, however, as this brings babies in close contact with the product.

A few precautions

• Be sure to read the label to know how long the protection will last. Reapply only as needed.
• Apply the product to exposed skin only, and to wash off any excess.
• Wear long, light-coloured clothing and apply insect repellent to your clothing rather than directly onto your skin.
• If you prefer to use repellents containing natural products such as eucalyptus oil, know that but these are not effective against tick bites.
• The use of citronella oil or lavender oil–based products during pregnancy is not recommended. Their effect is short-term so you have to reapply often, thereby exposing yourself to the product in large amounts.

Laser hair removal and electrolysis

There have been no scientific studies done on the risk of electrolysis and laser hair removal for pregnant women and their unborn babies. As a precaution, it is recommended that you avoid these hair removal methods until after you give birth.

Tanning salons

Even though ultraviolet rays cannot reach the fetus, tanning salons are not recommended during pregnancy. The extreme heat you are exposed to during tanning sessions can significantly increase body temperature and harm your baby.