A woman's body goes through a series of changes during and after childbirth. pregnancy This is the case in how to shave during pregnancy and postpartum.

According to dermatologist Judith Cavalcante, an increase in hair is common because of the hormonal changes that the female body faces during and after this period.

For those who want to keep their waxing Therefore, the professional listed some cares that can help at the time of removal.

Read also: Hair removal during pregnancy: what can and cannot be used during this period?

How to shave during pregnancy and puerperium

According to the doctor, the skin of the expectant mothers is more prone to irritations and allergies because, during this period, immunity goes through certain changes.

In addition, the body also begins to absorb more substances that come into contact with the skin, which is more vascularized.

Finally, another common change during pregnancy is the propensity to spotting, because of hormones.

"Pregnant women can have hair removal at any stage of pregnancy. The difference, however, is that choosing methods that are less aggressive to the skin becomes even more important," explains Judith.

Read also: Hair removal: Learn about different ways to get rid of hair

"The same goes for the first few weeks after giving birth, as they are also accompanied by various hormonal changes," she adds.

With this in mind, the professional listed some important points for pregnant women when it comes to waxing:

Hair removal method

Although it is a particular choice of each woman, in the case of pregnant women there are some contraindications.

According to the doctor, hair removal with laser or intense pulsed light may not be the best option because it has a higher chance of hyperpigmentation.

Hair removal creams, in turn, can generate allergies and irritations on the skin because of changes in immunity and increased vascularization.

Read also: Dermatological actives that pregnant women can use: learn about four

As for wax, the care must be with the high temperature and the trauma of excessive pulling, because it can also darken the skin.

The electric epilator or the razor, therefore, turn out to be two better options for pregnant women.

"However, as with any method, more attention should be paid to sun exposure on the waxed area, which further increases the risk of spots," warns Judith.

Read also: Does laser hair removal really end hair?

Increased hair growth

The dermatologist explains that it is common for hair to grow more during pregnancy, even for those who have had laser hair removal before.

"During pregnancy, the remaining follicles are more hormonally influenced, leading to increased hair growth," she explains.

Read also: Learn why hair overgrowth occurs in women

More irritated skin

"It is important to avoid methods that have already been tested before pregnancy and that irritate the skin. In this phase, anything that causes an allergy or inflammation has an even greater tendency to generate spots", she advises.

Intimate waxing

Because it is more difficult to see the intimate parts in the later stages of pregnancy, if the woman decides to do the process alone at home, it is recommended not to use hot blades or wax, because they can cause cuts and burns.

"If you give preference to electric epilators, choose devices with rounded edges and protection of the cutting area in the case of scrapers."

Read more: When do you need to change your razor?

Trim or if Hair removal during pregnancy ?

Trimming hairs is less aggressive than plucking or shaving them. After all, when they are just cut, a small section of hair remains outside the skin, preventing ingrown hairs or folliculitis.

"However, for those who don't have this tendency, plucking promotes a longer lasting result, requiring waxing less frequently," says the professional.

Read also: Ingrown hair: How to avoid this problem after epilation

On the other hand, when shaving with disposable blades, the most superficial layer of the skin is attacked, with greater predisposition to irritations (including contact dermatitis to the metal itself), folliculitis and ingrown hair.

"In the postpartum period, for those who have had a cesarean section, for example, depilatory methods should be avoided in the cesarean stitch area until the wound has completely healed," she warns.

Source: Judith Cavalcante, dermatologist and consultant for Philips Beauty, from Porto, Portugal.