It is not a secret that when you get pregnant, a lot of things change. Your daily routine becomes slightly different (with many bathroom breaks), your diet is no longer the same, and you become a lot more tired. However, there is one more thing you may not expect to change – your skincare routine. Maybe you have a whole drawer full of different skincare products, but now that you are carrying a baby, some of them might not be good for you or the little one. After all, an increased hormone level has made your skin more sensitive and disrupted its balance. If you are looking for a safe skincare routine, here are a few tips you might find useful.
Don’t forget to moisturize
Of course, moisturizing your skin is important regardless of whether you are pregnant or not. However, during the pregnancy, your hormone levels can speed up dehydration, which is why it is crucial to moisturize regularly. Furthermore, your belly is growing and your skin is stretching, which can lead to itchiness. Hydrating your skin from the outside can help with that problem. If you want to moisturize your skin with natural ingredients, coconut oil and aloe vera are good options.
Prevent stretch marks
During pregnancy, your body changes. Some changes are really great. For instance, your nails and hair may become stronger and grow faster, and your skin may get that healthy pregnancy glow. On the other hand, there are not-so-nice side effects of pregnancy, such as notorious stretch marks. These tiny lines on your breasts, belly, and hips can appear as the result of stretching. If you are wondering how to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, there is some good news. Apart from moisturizing regularly, you can also regulate your diet and spend more time outdoors so your body gets enough vitamin D.
Avoid certain products
As mentioned, some products that were your allies before the pregnancy, may not be the best choice right now. In fact, some products can even cause harm to the fetus when they get into the bloodstream. In other cases, they can cause irritation. For instance, avoid products that contain retinol, an ingredient often used for acne and anti-aging. A skin-lightening agent called hydroquinone is also not recommended during pregnancy. Salicylic acid can be used, but only in small doses, regardless of whether it is a part of the chemical peel or taken orally. If you use Botox or fillers, steer clear of them during these nine months. Furthermore, treatments such as microdermabrasion should also be on your “no” list. We all enjoy a relaxing bath every now and then. However, keep it bath bomb-free during the pregnancy. Also, avoid using essential oils.
Remove those dead skin cells
It is important to get rid of those dead skin cells. Not only will your skin look fresh and healthy, but you will prevent clogging of the pores. When those dead skin cells are gone, your moisturizer will be able to penetrate deeper into the skin and be more effective. When you are pregnant, you want to use natural ingredients, so consider making your own exfoliant. For instance, you can mix baking soda with water and vitamin E and create a paste. Before you use it, splash some water on your skin to prepare it. Rub the paste in circular motions to remove dead skin cells. After three minutes wash your skin and dry it off with a soft cloth.
Don’t neglect your chest and neck
The skin on your belly is not the only one that needs attention during this special period of your life. Although the most obvious changes will happen in that area, you shouldn’t neglect the skin on your chest and neck when starting your safe skincare routine. If you want to keep this area tight and wrinkle-free, there are various ingredients you can use to achieve that effect that are completely safe. For instance, look for skincare products that include vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B3, or green tea. Using these ingredients can keep your skin soft, healthy, and radiant throughout your pregnancy, and have no negative effects on the baby whatsoever.
Before you start with a new skincare routine, make sure you discuss it with your dermatologist and OB/GYN first. This is especially important if you are on any prescription medications.
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