Last Updated on 07/10/2023 by Liz @ HealthTenfold
Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but at the same time it can be a hard time for your skin with the occurrence of stretch marks and all the other skin issues that result when hormones in your body act up.
However, this should not be a cause of concern for you as it is considered normal and will only last until you give birth. If you’re not among the lucky few who just glow when pregnant or recover faster than you could ever think of, then luckily there are skin care routines that you can adopt to get flawless skin and quick recovery!
The routines range from use of home remedies and healthy lifestyle to store-bought natural oils and creams. However, you need to be very careful and well informed since some products are not very agreeable with pregnancy hormones, your health and that of your unborn baby.
The following are easy skin care routines that will ensure your skin is well taken care of to keep skin issues away and support quick recovery after giving birth:
Cleansing
Cleansing is essential in removing dirt that could be clogging up your pores paving way for an acne breakout. Avoid cleansing your face more than twice daily because it strips the skin off its natural oils leaving it dry and flaky. Choose your facial cleansers wisely, picking products that are non residue or glycerin-based. For skin that is really dry, use a soapless rinse-off cleanser that not only cleans the skin but also moisturizes it. For additional care you can use natural oils like Simply Cleansing Oil – Natural Facial Cleanser.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing is an important part of skin care and its significance only increases once you are pregnant. Due to the body’s greater demands for water, pregnant women are prone to dehydration and dry skin. You should therefore moisturize your skin on a regular basis to keep the skin supple thus preventing appearance of stretch marks.
Whenever you choose products for moisturizing and cleansing you should always go for product that are natural and do not contain any chemicals. There is a big variety of products available on the market, if you are looking for something that is 100% natural then you can consider these:
2) Simply Body Oil – Luxurious, Natural Body Care
3) Simply Skin Vitamin Oil – Nutrition for Your Face
Protection from the sun
Did you know that your skin is more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy? That is why many pregnant women develop facial blotchiness and general discoloration. This is because the altered hormone levels set off the multiplication of pigment cells. Therefore, stay away from the sun by taking shade or wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeved apparel. Whenever you plan on staying out in the sun or even when the sun’s not out, apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. However, ensure you pick out sunscreen that is safe for pregnancy. Titanium oxide and zinc oxide are components that get absorbed into the skin and may cause harm to the baby, so avoid sunscreens containing such compounds.
Go easy on the make-up
A lot of make-up products contain chemicals that may be harmful to your skin while pregnant. Take up the less-is-more attitude to expose yourself to as little chemicals as possible. Go for pregnancy friendly products if you must put on make-up such as the Natural Foundation which can be found in your local drugstore.
Drink lots of water
The importance of drinking water can never be too overemphasized, whether one is pregnant or not. However, for pregnant women, intake of water should be drastically increased. This is because nutrients first go to the baby and if you haven’t taken enough, very little will be left over for you. Keeping yourself adequately hydrated will flush out toxins from your body leaving your skin clear and supple. Adding lemon to water will make it more bearable in case you’re feeling nauseated.
Exercise
Being pregnant is not an excuse to become a couch potato! Engage in gentle exercise such as yoga, Lamaze or simply taking a walk everyday is good for your skin’s and the baby’s health. Exercise improves blood circulation so nutrients are carried to the skin to nourish it.
Eat a balanced diet
A proper diet with the necessary nutrients provides the skin with nourishment. Foods rich in Vitamin C such as fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial to the health of your skin. Stay away from alcohol, excess salt and sugar which steal away the skin’s moisture leaving it dry.
Watch your weight
With the help of your physician, keep track of your weight to ensure you attain the ideal weight appropriate for each trimester. Gaining way too much weight is what worsens the appearance of stretch marks. Check your ideal pregnancy weight in this pregnancy weight gain calculator: https://www.calculator.net/pregnancy-weight-gain-calculator.html
Get enough sleep
The fatigue that often plagues pregnant women can only be adequately dealt with by getting enough rest. A tired body is a big enemy to healthy skin. Bags under eyes and sagging skin are a common sight among fatigued people. So get yourself enough rest to get that glowing skin.
Skin Care Products to avoid while Pregnant
A lot of the skin care products that you use on a regular basis contain chemical ingredients that are harmful for use while pregnant. They are found in everyday products like moisturizers, cleansers and sunscreens. These ingredients include:
Retinol
It’s a form of Vitamin A that is used to prevent aging and wrinkles by promoting cell division. When ingested orally, retinol has been found to cause birth defects in a fetus. On the contrary, when applied on the surface of the skin, no negative effects have been observed. For caution’s sake, doctors recommend that it should be avoided. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates retinol’s toxicity 9 out of 10.
Acne Medication
A lot of pregnant women develop acne breakouts due to overactive hormones. Most of the acne medication contains chemicals that cause birth defects once they get into the baby’s system such as salicylic acid which can even cause a miscarriage. Both oral and topical medication should be avoided before and after getting pregnant. If you absolutely must treat the acne, go only for natural products like: Acne Treatment For Your Symptoms – Naturally.
Hydroxy Acids
Many cleansers, exfoliates and toners contain hydroxy acids such as BHA and AHA which are used to prevent wrinkles. Salicylic acid also falls in this category especially if it is used in high amounts like in body peels.
Steroids
Steroids used to treat inflammations, insect bites, rashes, dermatitis and eczema should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consult your doctor to ascertain that it is safe for you to use them.
Other chemicals that are dangerous to use in pregnancy include:
- Aluminium chloride found in antiperspirants.
- Dihydroxyacetone found in spray tans.
- Formaldehyde found in nail polish, eyelash glue and hair straighteners.
- Parabens
- Phthalates found in some nail polishes and perfume.
- Diethanolamine found in hair and other beauty products
- Toluene
Look out for these chemicals and avoid them at all cost!
Most recommended:
Aluminium free deodorant
Manufactured by JL Naturals
Remedies for Stretch Marks
One very common skin issue that comes hand in hand with pregnancy is Stretch marks.
Stretch marks typically occur when the skin is stretched during weight gain – like it happens during pregnancy – resulting in red or purple lines and marks on the skin. These then develop later to silver or white streaks on the body.
The occurrence of stretch marks that is also much personal – some people do not get them at all, some get them more some less. What you can do is to keep your personal weight and also the baby’s weight under control with healthy nutrition and exercise.
The elasticity and recovery depend much of your skin type. But as covered also previously you can support your skin with skin care routines and moisturizing to keep it on top of the game.
Here are some natural remedies you can use to support your skin regarding stretch marks.
Natural remedies
Argan oil
Rich in Vitamin E, it makes stretch marks to fade away by increasing the elasticity of the skin. This is achieved by healing the broken skin.
Olive Oil
It has antioxidants and nutrients that are excellent in fixing damaged skin. Regularly apply cold pressed olive oil onto stretch marks until they disappear.
Lemon Juice
It contains natural bleaching agents that will help in fading the stretch marks.
Potato Juice
It does an excellent job of lightening skin up bleaching blemishes.
Egg White
It lightens the skin up and also tightens it.
Other products that can get rid of stretch marks and you can easily find in your kitchen include: castor oil, apricots, sugar and aloe vera. They are simply gently applied on the stretch marks until they diminish.
Natural oils
There are also specially formulated oils that are 100% natural and made to reduce stretch marks. Find here Stretch Marks Oil.
This formulated natural essential oils consists of: Hazel seed oil, Jojoba seed oil, Rosehip seed oil, Lavender flower oil, Carrot seed oil, Patchouli leaf oil. It is made so that it is absorbed into the skin, soothing rapidly expanding tissues while promoting skin elasticity and suppleness.
It gives best effect when topically applied three times per day and its specially formulated for use during pregnancy and also later during nursing.
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that is not without both difficulties and joys. Choose to make the journey all the more incredible by taking care of your skin using the above tips. Let your skin be one less worry out of your hands so that you can focus fully on taking care of yourself and your baby.
Also read: Stretch marks – causes, prevention and treatment
https://www.healthtenfold.com/aluminum-free-deodorant-benefits/