Mas

By: ROSARIO ORTIZ

Dear Denise
  I am 33-year-old working Latina, and my husband and I are expecting our first baby. I am pretty excited, although I am learning that I don’t have a whole lot of time to take care of the normal beauty things like getting my hair done or waxing because I am so concentrated on getting ready for the baby.

  Also, since my pregnancy, I have heard old wives tales that say you should not be getting bikini waxes or coloring your hair while pregnant. Is that true?
Confused mom-to-be


Dear Confused mom-to-be
  First of all, congratulations on your new baby. Name her Denise — I know it’s a girl. (Just kidding!)

  Let’s talk about your question: You are pregnant, yes, but what are you supposed to do —  let yourself go? No.  I am sure that you’ve heard from others that you’re glowing and radiant. You have to feel that way on the inside as well as look good on the outside.

    My advice is, don’t stop any of your beauty rituals. As for hair coloring, some pregnant women stop because they don’t like the smell for the first three or four months. I see many pregnant women return to hair coloring in their second semester, when things are going much better.

    As far as bikini waxes go, it’s definitely a must! It’s not going to hurt you or the baby. Besides that, by the third trimester, you’re not going to be able to see over your tummy. So, you definitely need to have an esthetician take care of your waxing needs — for your sake, your doctor, your man and the whole team of nurses who will be around during the “big show” — when little Denise arrives!

    In closing, for all you pregnant Latinas out there, please make sure that you’re caring for your beauty needs, not only for yourself but for the baby. Remember, if you feel and look good, so does your baby!
The countdown is on!
Denise


Dear Denise,
    I am 26, a college graduate and happily single. I am in the process of buying my first home. I love to hang out with my girlfriends and shop and look good as my well-paid executive job allows me to do that! But my question has to do with scars. I have a scar on my shoulder. I got it as a teen when I fell off a mountain bike.

    Ever since then, I have been real self-conscious about it. I wish I could wear sleeveless tops or a cute strappy dress, but I get so embarrassed and think people are going to be looking at my shoulder.

    I am a confident woman, but this is my only fear. Can you give me some advice on how to get rid of it or reduce it?
Signed
Pink strappy dress


Dear Pink strappy dress,
    Wow, with your great job and being young, why you crying? (as George Lopez would say) You want it all don’t you? Sounds like a strong Latina to me!

    From your letter, it appears that the scar is about 10 years old. Depending on the size, my advice would be to go out and seek a plastic surgeon. Because the scar is 10 years old, a scar cream or any topical cream may not work. If it were a fresh scar, like less than a year old, then there are a variety of creams that can be used to minimize the appearance of a scar.

    Get a consultation visit with a plastic surgeon. That way he or she may be able to do some kind of minor laser treatment or in-office procedure, depending on the size of the scar.

    In the meantime, you can get some sort of makeup or foundation to cover scars. One brand is called Dermablend. It’s a really thick make up that will cover a scar, if you want that quick fix to wear that cute strappy dress or sleeveless top.

    I am sure you are probably more worried about the scar than anyone else. They might not even notice it. But consider some of the options that I have given you and see how it goes. Also, all of us have something on our body that we’re proud of. Make that beauty mark — whether it’s your eyes, your smile, your hair or your legs — your focal point and let the magic work!
Show off that beauty!
Denise


Denise Ornelas, a former Miss Teen Kern County Latina, is a local beauty salon owner. Send your questions for Denise to ogarcia@masbakersfield.com or leave your question at 661-716-8644.