Beautiful skin? Amazing hair? 10 myths and truths about beauty during pregnancy

Experiencing all the delights and all the not-so-delicious sides of her first pregnancy, Marília Mendonça vented in her stories on Instagram the other day: “I’m waiting for the moment when the pregnant woman looks beautiful. Can you tell me what week it is, what month? I look like a 12 year old girl with pimples”.

There really is this belief that pregnant women are more beautiful, with skin and hair in their best shape. But is this absolutely true? Does it work for all women? We spoke with a team of experts to unravel the mysteries of beauty during pregnancy.

The list of myths and truths was prepared and answered with the help of Adriana Rochetto Assalin (dermatologist at Alta Excelência Diagnóstica), Andressa Amorim (gynecologist, obstetrician and mastologist), Gabriela Bezerra dos Santos (gynecologist and obstetrician, specialist in fetal medicine at Salomão Zoppi Diagnostics) and Jurandir Passos (gynecologist and obstetrician, specialist in Fetal Medicine at Delboni Auriemo).

Skin texture gets better in pregnancy

TRUTH. Estrogen and progesterone levels increase during pregnancy, as they are essential hormones for fetal development. As a very positive side effect, they influence skin hydration, improving its texture: the skin becomes softer, with more vigor and a natural glow.

Acne disappears during pregnancy

MYTH. This is totally unpredictable. When it comes to women who already had acne before becoming pregnant, it may be that there is an improvement in the skin condition and it may be that the condition worsens. And there’s no way to predict that; Hormones work in unique ways in each organism.

Hair is stronger and shinier (as well as falling out less) during pregnancy

TRUTH. For starters, the pregnant woman’s metabolism is faster, which makes the whole organism work faster. Consequently, hair grows faster than normal. In addition, the action of estrogen and progesterone that we talked about in terms of the skin also has a capillary effect: the hydration provided by the hormones leaves the strands brighter and with a much healthier appearance.

It’s also the hormones that ′′ hold ′′ the hair on the scalp and make it less fall; During pregnancy, most hair is in the anagen phase (growth) and very few in the telogen phase (fall). This is rebalanced about three months after giving birth – that is why postpartum hair loss is common; she is hormonal and has nothing to do with breastfeeding, as many women believe.

Oils prevent the formation of stretch marks on the belly in pregnancy

MYTH. There is no scientific evidence that creams, oils or any other moisturizing products prevent the formation of stretch marks anywhere on the body, whether a pregnant woman or not. But they can be a hope, yes.

What happens is that, during pregnancy, there is a stretching of the skin – the belly and also the breasts and hips – faster than the production of collagen and elastic fibers by the body, and this causes a rupture that leads to the formation of stretch marks. . More hydrated skin is more elastic, so there is a chance that the application of moisturizing creams, oils and lotions will compensate for the need for collagen and elastin and prevent such breakage.

It’s not a guarantee, but it doesn’t hurt to try either. 🇧🇷

All pregnant women develop spots on the skin of the face

MYTH. Although the percentage is high – statistics point to something between 50% and 75% – not all pregnant women will develop melasmas (brown spots) on the skin of the face and in the body folds.

It is not yet known whether the cause of the appearance of melasma is genetic or caused by increased hormone production, but it is known that spots are associated with sun exposure. Therefore, use sunscreen daily and give it a helping hand to join the percentage of pregnant women who do not suffer changes in skin pigmentation.

The spots that appear on the face of some pregnant women disappear after giving birth

MYTH. Melasma can persist even after childbirth. It is estimated that in 90% of cases the spots disappear, but in 10% they remain, and from there it is necessary to proceed with an adequate treatment in the dermatological office.

Some beauty products should be avoided during pregnancy

TRUTH. Retinoic, salicylic and glycolic acids, common in skin creams and lotions, can cause fetal malformations. The same goes for products containing ammonia, benzene, camphor, urea and lead, normally used in anti-acne and anti-aging products. And it’s always good to ask the obstetrician accompanying the pregnancy if there are any other specific restrictions, as different health conditions can cause reactions to other actives.

Pregnant women cannot dye their hair or use toner, or make highlights or any other type of coloring

MYTH. From the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy, toners without ammonia and henna can be used, and both highlights and dye can be done as long as a distance is kept from the scalp – leaving one or two fingers of natural root, therefore.

Pregnant women cannot do waxing with hot wax

MYTH. They can, and it is even the most suitable method. The blade carries a high risk of infection due to possible cuts, the laser is contraindicated as it increases the risk of stains. The only care to be taken with hot wax is its temperature: pregnant women’s skin is more sensitive and can suffer from the product being too hot. Discuss this with the epilator before starting.

Pregnant women should not use colored nail polish

MYTH. Nails absorb virtually nothing, so there’s no problem with passing colored enamels. In the third trimester, it is good to check with the obstetrician about the oxygen saturation measurement scheme during childbirth in the chosen maternity hospital: if using a finger oximeter, the dark enamel can interfere. If it’s another method, nail color won’t make any difference.