Pamper Yourself During Pregnancy

Do pregnant women really have glowing skin?

This is part one of a three-part series in which Dr. Jacobs shares some maternity fashion findings that she discovered on her recent trip to New York and London.

Bad skin happens to all women in various stages of life and pregnancy is not excluded. Dry skin, acne, blemishes and skin discolorations are common complaints among moms to be.

What's a girl to do and what are safe treatments during pregnancy? For starters, you can go get a facial!

Yes, moms-to-be can make a date with an esthetician. Being well-groomed is essential in both pregnant and non-pregnant phases of life.

I had the wonderful opportunity to receive a facial from Miriam Cardoss at Bliss Spa 49 at the W Hotel on Lexington Avenue in New York City recently and talked her about what expecting mothers can do.

“Because of hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, it is common for women to develop skin problems,” Miriam says. “Facials are great to treat the skin, are relaxing and can be performed throughout the pregnancy.”

She even discussed how leg, underarm, belly and bikini waxing is safe and convenient for clients because they just can’t reach those areas during pregnancy.

Many spas offer “pregnancy” facials, and if not available, it's quite easy for the esthetician to customize a safe skin treatment. Avoid certain chemicals during a facial such as vitamin A, salicylic acid and some essential oils.

Your doctor can provide information as far as what to avoid and what is acceptable. Certain types of microdermabrasion and chemical peels are safe because most of the abrasive materials are inert or inactive micro agents that are not absorbed by the skin.

These agents remove dead skin superficially and even out areas of skin discoloration.  Oxygen treatments for the face are safe, refreshing and destroy bacteria on the skin.

Drinking plenty of water and using moisturizers helps keep the skin hydrated and reduces dry patches on the face. If all else fails and one's skin is not "glowing," a trip to the dermatologist may be in order.