Pregnancy is a time when you need to be extra cautious about things that may directly or indirectly affect you or your foetus. There are several dos and don’ts that get added to your list. Several questions race your mind the moment you know you are pregnant because the safety of your unborn baby is always your primary concern.
What can you read in this article?
- What is Radiofrequency Facial?
- Is Radiofrequency Facial during pregnancy safe?
- Radiofrequency precautions during pregnancy
Gestation is also period when your body goes through dramatic changes. The exertion of carrying the baby in the womb for nine months, the hormonal and physiological changes. We understand that managing all of these is not easy.
Your body craves some form of relaxation that can give you a sense of wellness and better sleep. Facials are a great way to relax and pamper yourself during pregnancy. But are all facials safe? Let’s find out.
There are different kinds of facials and cosmetic treatments in Singapore to help women meet their skin requirement and radiofrequency is one of them. It has become increasingly popular in recent years for its skin tightening and softening smile lines benefits.
Even though it is a non-surgical procedure, you may wonder if it is a safe idea to try out radiofrequency facial during pregnancy. We will come to it, but first, let us understand what is radiofrequency facial.
What is Radiofrequency Facial?
Image courtesy: iStock
Radiofrequency is a type of energy, which is measured in “frequency,” or wavelengths per second. All types of energy, from the sound waves your iPod emits, to highly radioactive gamma rays, are classified according to their frequency on the “electromagnetic spectrum.”
Radiofrequency (RF) is one category on this spectrum and it includes a lot of common energy types we use every day, for instance, the WiFi signals, or the microwave ovens.
RF technology, also popularly known as the non-surgical facelift, has since been commonly used for non-invasive skin tightening facials in South East Asia.
The procedure involves using energy waves to heat the deep layer of your skin. This heat stimulates the production of collagen. Which is the most common protein in your body and gives your skin its firmness.
As you age, your cells produce less collagen, which leads to sagging skin and wrinkles. The procedure normally takes less than an hour and is mostly painless.
However, many doctors and aesthetic specialists do not recommend radiofrequency facials during pregnancy. Here’s why.
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Is Radiofrequency Facial during pregnancy safe?
This facial needs to be avoided during pregnancy (Photo Courtesy: Flickr)
Radiofrequency radiation is about 100 million times slower as compared to visible light and 1 billion times slower than an X-ray. Still, the lower frequency of radiofrequency can penetrate deeply to a much greater degree as compared to lasers. Activating the soft tissues from under the skin to boost skin tone, texture and lift tissues.
According to a report published in IDS Clinic Singapore, radiofrequency facials are not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is also not safe for people with a pacemaker, or metal implants–as they may cause potential hazardous interference with the radiofrequency waves.
There are also some known side effects of RF. Some patients may also experience post-treatment redness, swelling, and tingling sensations which tend to be mild and temporary.
Generally, laser treatments or other energy-based procedures such as HIFU or radiofrequency skin tightening during gestation are not advisable. It is likely due to the lack of evidence on their effects on the foetus.
Radiofrequency precautions during pregnancy
WHO recommends distancing from mobile phones during pregnancy due to the harmful radiation. | Image courtesy: iStock Photos
The form of radiation used during the RF procedure is similar to the type of radiation emitted from common household devices like cell phones. As you know, the World Health Organisation recommends distancing from mobile phones during pregnancy due to harmful radiation.
That’s because during use, mobile phones and cordless phones emit RF radiation and the brain is the main target organ for RF emissions from the handheld wireless phone.
While there is no specific legislation in Singapore regulating cell phone use. Gynaecologists recommend that babies and children should not use mobile phones.
More than two hundred doctors, scientists, and public health experts worldwide have come together to voice their concern about the possibility of risk from wireless radiation and advise pregnant women to reduce their exposure.
Experts recommendations
It is also not recommended if you are breastfeeding. That’s because young children and babies absorb radio waves at a significantly higher rate than adults do, according to the research from the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure (JMAU).
Infants and toddlers have smaller skulls and more absorbent brain tissue. Plus, exposure to radio waves is said to result in the degeneration of the protective sheath that protects the brain nerves of foetuses.
The American Cancer Society and Federal Communications Commission has also issued extensive reports on the possible impact of radiofrequency exposure.
According to the FCC: “While some experimental data have suggested a possible link between exposure and tumour formation in animals [male rats] exposed under certain specific conditions [9 hours of daily exposure], the results have not been independently replicated. Many other studies have failed to find evidence for a link to cancer or any related condition.”
While there are very few risks as radiofrequency skin tightening treatments are controlled when in the hands of an experienced therapist or doctor, but during pregnancy, even the best aesthetic treatment facilities do not recommend it. No point in taking such a huge risk. Right? Instead, you should try other safer options.
Safe Alternatives To Radiofrequency Facial During Pregnancy
Medical facials help to cleanse, soothe, and hydrate the delicate skin due to hormonal changes. And a successful pampering facial session can surely help de-stress a pregnant woman. So if you are considering one, here are some safe facial options you can consider.
- Tropical facial: This includes cleansing, toning, exfoliation (with optional steam), massaging, masking, moisturisation and eye care.
- Hydrating facials: These facial use Collagen, elastin, and water to hydrate, moisturise, and cleanse the skin.
- Deep cleansing facials These are basic facials that include things such as exfoliation, masks, and moisturising. Deep cleansing facials are safe and can do wonders in reducing your oil levels.
- Oxygen facials These facials can help increase blood circulation and reduce fine lines or wrinkles
When you’re pregnant, facials can seem calming, but only as long as you do it in the right way. It’s also important to consider which self-care techniques are the best and which to prevent.
Instead, to keep your body and skin in good shape during pregnancy, a balanced diet and a good skincare routine can go a long way. And you can always restart face and body aesthetic procedures after your child is a little older or as your doctor advises.
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Singapore