WTF Is A Pregnancy Facial?
Formula Fig’s gorgeous and calming green interior
During pregnancy, some of us naturally glow in our skin,
Others dry out,
And then there are those of us who are so nauseas that we stay in bed for days and skincare falls off the map entirely.
I fell into the third camp. If I managed to splash my face with water, that was a good skin day for me!
It wasn’t until my second trimester that the morning sickness got better, and I slowly incorporated a scent-free lotion and sunscreen back into my routine. It was also during this time, while strolling along Main Street, that Formula Fig’s beautiful storefront jumped out at us.
Facial Menu at Formula Fig on Main Street, Vancouver
Stopping to browse FF’s facial menu, WTF Hubby asked, “Why don’t you give the pregnancy facial a try?”
To which I replied, “Wtf is a pregnancy facial?”
Relaxing at Formula Fig’s waiting area
The Cheat Sheet on Pregnancy Facials
Pregnancy facials blend techniques and products that are both gentle and safe for your sensitive, pregnancy skin.
While some facial bars will tell you what is safe for you and baby, you may need to directly call the spa or ask your doctor for the green light if you’re still feeling iffy about any part of the facial.
Some basic and safer facial options that you might want to look into include: oxygen facials, steam facials (okay because they don’t raise your core temperature), LED facials, collagen facials, and hydrating facials.
Being pregnant made me more conscientious about the ingredients in my beauty products. I discovered that there were certain ingredients to avoid: retinoids (may cause developmental problems in the baby), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs - salicylic acid), hydroquinone (skin-lightening agent), trichloroacetic, benzoyl peroxide, tetracycline (acne treatments), dihydroxyacetone (tanning products), aluminum chloride (anti-perspirant), formaldehyde (nail polish), and ingredients in chemical sunscreens (avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone).
Skincare goodies available for purchase at Formula Fig
My Visit to Formula Fig
Not within my control, but I visit the bathroom at every place I go to nowadays LOL. Look how pretty in pink and IG-worthy Formula Fig’s bathroom is!
Give a fig about your skin!
Then I sat back to complete my treatment waiver, before following my skin specialist into the treatment room.
Treatment rooms at Formula Fig
Instead of traditional treatment beds, Formula Fig has opted for comfy, reclining chairs with footrests. These chairs better accommodate pregnant bodies because they can be positioned at an incline. To avoid interference with blood flow, it’s best to not lie flat on your back for too long in your second trimester.
After my super-friendly skin specialist was sure I was comfy and took a couple photos of my skin, we started the facial.
PREGNANCY FACIAL (CORE FACIAL) // 30 mins.
Drop-in $79 | Member $75
15% off for new clients. FF has a no gratuity policy!
This facial is recommended for all trimesters, but if you’re still aversive to certain scents, it’s best to wait.
What to expect: “After a deep cleanse, enjoy blue and red LED Light Therapy to soothe and rejuvenate skin. Then, relax with a stimulating cryo massage and lymphatic gua sha facial massage.” - Formula Fig
My favourite from the Pressurized Oxygen Serum Infusion, LED light therapy, and Cryo Lymphatic Massage, was definitely the cryo massage! The frozen stainless orbs were soothing and calmed my stressed-out skin.
After telling me about pregnancy hyperpigmentation, or the gradual development of mottled dark spots on pregnant skin, my skin specialist applied sunscreen onto my newly pampered skin. Even though the treatment was only 30 minutes, I felt so relaxed afterwards and walked out of Formula Fig with smooth, hydrated, and glowing skin.
Are you overdue for a facial, like I was?!
Let Formula Fig know that Tina from WTF Bride referred you (either when you book or when you arrive at the Fig Bar), and you’ll get $10 off your treatment or product purchase!