Get Your Glow On!
With all of these changes, it’s hardly surprising that many women feel hormonal, stressed, and emotional. During this challenging time is when some good quality spa and at-home pampering should make all the difference.
There are lots of dos and don’ts while pregnant. Spa and skincare treatments are no exception. But depending on your pregnancy stage, we’ve put together a few lovely things that you might want to treat yourself to when the mom-to-be blues strike. Spa and facial massage, when achy and hormonal, a massage can hit the spot. We also have an on-site massage face-down pregnancy pillow.
Make sure to tell your massage therapist what you’re expecting and how far along you are when you book, so they can adapt the techniques and oils used to suit you. Your massage therapist will know to avoid certain areas during a massage. For example, massaging some points on the wrists and ankles in pregnancy can cause cramping. They’ll also position you correctly so that you don’t lie on your back after a certain point, making your blood pressure drop and making you a bit dizzy or faint. Don’t be afraid to ask for extra pillows or suggest lying on your side if that’s how you feel most comfortable. All in all, massage is an excellent pregnancy treatment, so go for it.
Beauty and The Bump Skin Care
Some women find their skin more sensitive during pregnancy, but skincare and spa treatments can still be a real treat. If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask for a patch test pre-treatment. Perk yourself with a nourishing facial – some women boast of pregnancy glow. Still, others feel a bit flat, especially if they’ve been dealing with morning sickness or tiredness, and a facial is a relaxing, boosting treatment.
Tell your therapist so that she can avoid any facial treatments that include retinoids – they can harm your baby and are best avoided. Many spas and skin clinics offer facial therapies specifically designed for pregnancy, so opt for one of those if you want to spoil yourself. Gentle is always best in pregnancy. However, if you’re going to keep up a specific skincare routine, you should still be able to carry on with some treatments, like microdermabrasion, which is perfectly safe in pregnancy. If you’re a fan, leave chemical peels and Botox/fillers for post-pregnancy.
Avoid retinol-based treatments and anything containing salicylic acid at home, and opt for skincare ranges designed for pregnancy if possible. Glycolic acid, found in many anti-aging products (and helpful to even skin tone), is a safe alternative for pregnant women in the skin clinic or at home. You can also purchase PCA products from us.
Remember that your skin can be extra sensitive. Find a suitable body nourishing oil to massage your bump with (your beauty therapist may be able to recommend one for you) and treat yourself every day to minimize stretch marks as the baby grows.
Baby Safe Beauty Treatments
If you’re a fan of lush lashes, you’ll be pleased to hear that you might not need them extended while you’re pregnant; most women have the best lashes of their lives because when you’re pregnant, your hair stays in a permanent-growth cycle. However, if you fancy lash extensions, they are safe for pregnant women.
If it’s getting difficult to see your feet, a massage might be the perfect antidote for swollen ankles and aching feet.
While we do not offer nail services, we offer foot/hand scrubs that are safe for pregnancy!
Some women like to avoid chemical beauty treatments entirely during pregnancy, including nail polish. There’s no evidence that occasional use of nail products will cause any harm, but if you prefer a ‘naked’ mani-pedi, it’s something most spas and beauty clinics can accommodate. You can also ask your nail technician to avoid products that contain formaldehyde and toluene.
Brilliant Massage & Skin
Burlington, Vermont
