Find out whether it's safe to use hair removal cream when you're pregnant, which safety precautions to take, and which other hair removal methods are suitable during pregnancy.
Pregnancy means you may need to make a few basic lifestyle changes – like which foods you can and can't eat, as well as other activities that you can and can't do.
When it comes to beauty treatments, you might be unsure about whether it's safe to continue using the same products that you usually do.
If you're worried specifically about whether it's safe to use hair removal cream when you're pregnant, we've got all the information you need below.
Excess hair growth is a side effect of pregnancy hormones, and it's totally normal during pregnancy. You might find you have darker, thicker body hair, as well as hair growth in new places
Of course, you don't need to remove any body hair, but if you want to then these changes might mean that hair removal is on your radar even more than it usually is whilst you're pregnant. Find out about using hair removal creams during pregnancy below...
Can you use hair removal cream when pregnant?
Yes, hair removal cream is safe to use during pregnancy, according to the NCT.
You can find hair removal cream in most supermarkets, including brands such as Veet, Nair, Nuonove, Skin Doctors and Woowoo, with shops like Boots also creating their own. Hair removal cream is ideal for legs, underarms and your bikini line.
You can shop for hair removal cream here at Boots.
Hair removal creams, also known as depilatory creams, work by breaking down the proteins of the hair (aka the keratin structure). This thins and dissolves the base of the hairs so that they're weak enough to break off when the cream is wiped away.
This means that hair removal cream is painless, unlike other hair removal methods like waxing, so it can be a good option during pregnancy. However, you might find that your skin is more sensitive than normal during pregnancy, due to changes in your hormone levels – so your skin might still feel sensitive to hair removal cream.
Lots of brands will offer sensitive skin options, though, which you might prefer to use during pregnancy.
The other main thing to consider when it comes to using hair removal cream during pregnancy is the smell – as hair removal creams don't tend to smell particularly nice. Your sense of smell can become stronger during pregnancy, which means the scent of hair removal cream may make you feel nauseous.
If you struggle with the smell, try opening lots of windows while you use the cream, and don't use too much.
You may also struggle with balance and flexibility when trying to apply hair removal cream in hard-to-reach places during pregnancy. Spray on hair removal foams, like the foams available from Veet, are a good option that don't require you to bend over too much.
One perk of hair removal creams compared to shaving is that your hair should grow back slightly softer and finer than it does with shaving – however, it won't be as soft or fine as usually happens with waxing.
Safety precautions for using hair removal cream during pregnancy
It's always recommended to test products like hair removal cream on a small area of your skin first, to see if you have a reaction. You can just apply the product to a small part of your skin, and wait for 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
Alternative hair removal methods during pregnancy
If your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, you might prefer to use a different hair removal method instead of hair removal cream.
Some other options that are safe to use during pregnancy include:
Shaving
Shaving hair is safe to do during pregnancy. However, if you have sensitive skin you might want to opt for a shaving foam or cream designed for sensitive skin.
Plus, you may also struggle to balance when shaving during the shower (sit down if you need to), and shaved hair will grow back quickly – so you'll need to do it often if you want to keep hair away all the time.
The Braun Silk-Epil Lady Shaver is an electric shaver and trimmer in one, which you can use on legs, bikini line and under your arms. See more details here at Amazon.
Tweezing
For individual straggly hairs, you can use tweezers. You won't need to use any products or creams that may cause irritation, which is a plus.
Waxing
One downside of hair removal cream is that results will only last for a few days, as the hair isn't removed at the follicle. With waxing, hair removal will last for much longer – up to four weeks – which is ideal if you don't want to keep shaving or using hair removal cream all the time during your pregnancy.
However, you may want to avoid waxing if you're got sensitive skin during pregnancy – or you can choose an at-home wax that's suitable for sensitive skin.
Hair removal methods NOT suitable during pregnancy
While most hair removal methods are suitable to use during pregnancy, laser hair removal is NOT suitable to use when you're pregnant.
The NHS says that laser hair removal isn't suitable for pregnant women, so it's best to avoid this method until after your pregnancy.
Take a look at : Foods to avoid in pregnancy: your definitive guide
Unsure what's safe to eat during pregnancy? These are the foods and drinks you should avoid or cut down on to protect your baby.
Looking for more information on your wellbeing during pregnancy? Read our articles below or share advice with others in the forum.
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