Is Facial Bleaching Safe during Pregnancy

Beauty treatments during pregnancy

Pregnant women generally begin to have hair growth on the cheeks, chin, and lips especially in the second trimester. The psychological and physical changes happen to a very expectant woman. It may not be hair growth but there will be definitely something different. Hormones are responsible for all these changes and the facial hair. Despite the pregnancy, expectant women like to look good and feel good. One of the challenges they have to face is to get rid of the facial hair through bleaching. Unfortunately, they are uncertain about the safety of facial bleaching during pregnancy.

So, is facial bleaching safe?

Research has found facial bleaching to be safe. Facial bleaches have not been found to cause any harm to either you or your unborn child. There are two main chemicals contained in facial bleaches:

Dilute hydrogen peroxide which is rapidly broken down this causing no harmful effects on your baby
Ammonium hydroxide which reacts with the hydrogen peroxide to produce the bleaching effect.

The safe side is always avoiding any chemicals when you are pregnant because your actions will have an effect on your baby. Since we have established that facial bleaching is safe, how then do you go about it?

Do not bleach your skin in the first trimester because is the critical stage of fetus development. Neither should you bleach in the third trimester because that is a delicate period as well. You are only left with the option of bleaching during the second trimester.
You should only use facial bleaches if your healthcare provider approves of it.
Don’t go for cheap brands because they may contain some harmful chemicals. Go for established brands.
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before you bleach.
Due to your condition, you may be unable to do the bleaching yourself. Enlist the help of a professional.
Don’t use facial bleach if you have a skin condition because your skin could be easily irritated.

Facial bleach is still a chemical so if you have natural alternatives, use them.

You can use a mixture of honey and lemon and apply it on the area you would like to bleach.
Tomato juice works similarly to lemon and honey in clearing facial hair
Another mixture would be papaya and milk.
You can choose to shave, tweeze or wax. These methods don’t involve chemicals.

These are completely natural alternatives that reduce the risk of absorbing any chemicals in your skin and transferring them to your baby.

IS DYEING HAIR DURING PREGNANCY SAFE?

Bleach poisoning

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you might be suffering from bleach poisoning and need the attention of a doctor:

Breathing difficulties including wheezing
Chest tightness
Breath shortness
Skin rashes
Nausea and vomiting

Facial bleaches are still chemicals and will always have a risk. Therefore, if it is not a life or death matter, don’t do it. Go the natural and safe alternatives. You should expect hair growth to increase during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes. But after six months, it will all clear up. So, if you are still reserved about using facial bleaches, wait till your hair growth returns to normal.