expert opinion
Lesley adds: “Reflexology treatments need to be conducted by an individual who is trained and understands contraindications involved in pregnancy. Should you be performing a pedicure we would recommend avoiding massage around the ankle and heel as these reflexology points can influence the reproductive organs and in pregnancy induce labour. “
will I need to buy a new couch?
“It is vital for any salon to consider all clients when purchasing new equipment and pregnant woman are more likely than ever to visit a salon for relaxing treatments before their big arrival,” explains David Boyle, GeneralManager of Beauty Express.
“As with older, larger and male clients, standard sized couches can often be a little on the small side, and therefore customers are not getting the full ‘salon experience’ that another smaller-statured client would.
“The best solution is to choose beds that have an electric movement, that way the bed can be moved to suit the client without the need for jumping up, and leaning over. Pregnant woman in particular, would benefit from extra cushions that can be added on top of the couch, fitted with space for their bump, to ensure the full salon experience is as close to normal as possible.
“Extra width couches are fabulous for people of all sizes and again pregnant woman would certainly feel less ‘big’ if they have space on a wider bed, as opposed to feeling a lot bigger on a standard sized beauty bed.
“All customers can grow in height, and your best, most regular female clients could become pregnant at any time so it is important to prepare for clients of all shapes and sizes, and the salon that does, will be a very busy indeed,” David Boyle adds.
what essential oils and other ingredients should be avoided?
“Concentrated essential oils are best avoided unless administered by an aromatherapist who understands the client’s pregnancy and what might be required,” says Lesley.
“SalicylicAcid in higher concentrations, more particularly in leave-on products should also be avoided. This is because salicylic acid is derived from aspirin which pregnant women are advised not to have. Generally, wash-off cleansers, which contain salicylic acid, are fine as they do not penetrate the skin and have only a superficial exfoliation effect. Retinol in skin care formulations should be avoided, and depending on obstetrician advice, it may be recommended to avoid using of all forms of vitaminA, including retinol palmitate and retinol acetate,” adds Lesley.
what about light-based treatments?
“There is no risk to the baby from laser exposure. Laser beams barely penetrate the outer layers of skin when external to the body. The beam emitted from a laser is simply light in a different frequency from the type that lights our houses. The concern about laser surgery during pregnancy has to do with the anxiety and stress associated with the surgical procedure, and the anaesthesia.
“Typically, laser procedures are not recommended for someone who is pregnant, not because of possible effect on the baby but because, during pregnancy with its associated hormonal changes, side effects of the procedure that the mother might encounter can be more severe,” explains Donna Freeman for Chromogenex.
“Pregnancy itself is a hard journey and is not always smooth or comfortable for any mother-to-be. Common sense suggests why complicate an already complicated situation, its only nine months to wait for the cosmetic procedure after all! In conclusion, receiving laser/light treatments while pregnant is not recommended,” advises Donna.
is there a particular number of weeks after which you would recommend a pregnant client to stop receiving treatments or can they continue right up until the birth?
“Clients can receive treatments right up until birth but it does depend on comfort levels for the client. Therapists need to be aware of how to adapt treatments to ensure the client remains supported and
comfortable. Use extra pillows and raise the head of the bed significantly so the client is reclining and not lying flat. The therapist will need to lower the height of the couch and possibly stand during the treatment,” says Lesley Corridan.
what type of treatments should be in a mum-to-be package?
“Back massages where the client is laying on their side or sitting on a chair are very beneficial as the weight of the baby causes increased curvature of the
back.Additionally the relaxing of ligaments to allow for expansion and accommodation of the growing foetus puts huge strain on the body. “
“Skin treatments are hugely beneficial as hormonal changes can influence how the skin behaves significantly. Sensitivity and breakouts are very common, so whichever treatment is selected it is vital the therapist has a good understanding of overall contraindications to pregnancy and how to adapt treatments confidently to ensure a beneficial yet still results oriented outcome for the client,” explains Lesley.
Finally, don’t forget to check that your nail polishes are free of certain ingredients that are often used in lacquers but which should be avoided during pregnancy.
According to SpaRitual, being three-free means: “Free from: 1) DBP (Dibutyl Phalate) - a plasticising ingredient commonly used in nail lacquers. Controversial studies link DBP to potential developmental and reproductive toxins that may cause a range of birth defects. 2) Formaldehyde - a preservative that allows nail lacquer to adhere to the nail. Can cause severe allergic reactions and irritation. Controversial studies have linked formaldehyde to possible causes of cancer, and 3) Toluene -A solvent which may affect the nervous system and may cause a range of birth defects.”
Formore information: 109 Beauty Express
75 Chromogenex Demilec
4 Dermalogica 119 SpaRitual
243 Urban Retreat at Home
0845 702 3803 0800 037 8002 01737 830 400 0800 591 818 0808 202 0855
0844 793 8340 AlwaysmentionGuild News when calling.
92 GUILD NEWS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120