Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1489006
56 ASCP Skin Deep Winter 2023 Additionally, estheticians should be sensitive to keeping pregnant clients safe from airborne illness, especially during the colder months. Duncan says, "For facials, the biggest thing I would be cautious about is flu season . . . Flu is particularly dangerous when you're pregnant." When performing a facial, estheticians might consider taking extra care to wear a face mask to protect both the pregnant client and the fetus from illnesses including flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Estheticians should take time to consult with pregnant clients and not make assumptions. A pregnant client might be looking to address pregnancy- related skin concerns, but they might also simply be looking to indulge in a bit of "me time" to feel pampered and distracted from the hard work their body is doing. Clients not accustomed to facials might be looking for a special treat rather than skin maintenance. It's important to listen to their reasons for visiting, take it slow, and focus on providing a luxurious, memorable experience. PREGNANCY IS A FLEETING, PRECIOUS TIME Pregnancy is so hard on the body that it's an ideal time for taking special care of oneself. While skin concerns that arise due to hormone shifts might be fleeting, an expectant parent's self-esteem and mental state are extremely important and should not be discounted. When taking into account a few small adjustments, a facial is a safe way for pregnant people to treat themselves and receive a bit of a confidence boost. According to Duncan, "When you're having a baby, that isn't the time to be revamping your body. As much as you can, it's an opportunity to embrace the changes that can happen." She recommends estheticians encourage clients to appreciate what their body is doing and achieving. Trampetti likewise urges estheticians to take an empathetic approach. "It can be discouraging for [pregnant people] who suffer from acne when [they] have to go off their more potent products. It takes patience and understanding. I work on self-acceptance and self-love," she says. "We have such high expectations. You're growing a human inside of you, and sometimes the skin might have to take a bit of a back burner. [I tell clients] you might have melasma, you might have extra pimples. Give yourself some grace. It's no joke what you're doing, and the feat [you] have to go through to have a child." overstimulate or overdo it, we could cause more damage," she explains. A large concern when it comes to facials is anything that could cause a break in the skin, due to risk of infection. "Alongside the increased risk of infection, there is a difficulty in treating infections during pregnancy, as all common antibiotics are classified as either Category B or C by the old FDA guidelines." 14 Given this, gentle, superficial treatments are the way to go. PROVIDING A LUXURIOUS, RELAXING EXPERIENCE Many types of facial treatments are beneficial for pregnant clients, including deep cleanses, fruit enzyme peels, oxygen therapy, and hydrating masks. Trampetti recommends LED and acupressure therapy, but with doctor approval. Massage is also an excellent treatment for pregnant clients, especially for those who are primarily looking to relax, but Trampetti says very aggressive massage could be overstimulating. Apart from treatments, pregnant clients might have special considerations that estheticians will want to anticipate and be prepared to accommodate. For example, a client in the first trimester particularly— but also throughout the pregnancy—might be especially sensitive to smells. It would be a good idea for estheticians to take it easy on the aromatherapy and consider going perfume-free to make their pregnant clients as comfortable as possible. Although it is the typical position for a facial, lying on the back for an extended period of time might not be comfortable for a client who is in the late stages of pregnancy. "After the 20th week, when you're lying down, the weight of the uterus can compress against the vena cava, so less blood is going back to your heart, which can make you lightheaded and dizzy," Duncan says. She recommends that estheticians give clients time to adjust, provide breaks to sit up, or even try a side-lying position.