Pregnancy Skincare Tips

As any pregnant woman knows, when you’re expecting a baby your skin can undergo several changes. Thanks to ever-changing hormone levels, these can sometimes make the skin behave in quite different ways. It’s essential to look after your skin during this period to keep it in healthy condition, and this may involve some changes to your usual skincare routine. But taking steps to soothe, tone and moisturize can not only give flagging skin a much needed boost, it can also imbue it with life and radiance, giving you even more of a healthy glow. So take heed and follow our top tips.

First of all, one of the key things to remember is to moisturize. We all know that moisturizing is great, but your skin’s need for hydration becomes even more important during pregnancy. Moisturizing can help to prevent or minimize stretch marks and is best done throughout pregnancy. Simply massage moisturizer into your abdomen (and other areas) after bathing and whenever your skin feels a little dry. Moisturizing can also be soothing for tired legs and feet.

While you may not think about sun protection when you moisturize usually, if you're pregnant now is the time to do so. It’s recommended to use a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least SPF15. Check to see if it protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays. Sun protection is a good idea for two reasons. First, and most obviously, you don’t want to be getting sunburned. On this account, you might want higher protection than SPF15. Secondly, sunscreen can help to prevent blemishes on the face caused by higher hormone levels. So using sunscreen is recommended even when it’s dull and raining outside.

Skin doesn’t always behave as you might expect, and many pregnant women find their skin actually becomes more oily and prone to acne than normal. This tends to be especially true of the first trimester. Several topical remedies can be helpful here, but always check with a pharmacist before using them if you’re not sure they're safe. Glycolic acid and alpha hydroxyl acid are used by some women, but retinoids, particularly oral retinoids, are not generally recommended.

Don’t forget to cleanse your face regularly, using a light, non-oily cleanser. Using the right face maskcan be a soothing experience for both you and your skin, and it’s a nice idea to take some time out to just relax every now and then. Remember to check if treatments are suitable for use during pregnancy, and if visiting a spa always ask the beauty therapist’s advice.

Of course, just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you’re going to stop wearing make-up, and there’s no reason you need to. On the other hand, pregnancy may not be the time to start wearing more make-up than you usually would. Stick with a natural approach that complements your glowing, moisturized skin and you won’t go wrong. A few basics are the key here. Foundation is wonderful for smoothing out skin tone, and a foundation with added concealer is perfect for covering any blemishes or dark circles under the eyes. There’s no need to go to town with blusher, but if you want to add some color invest in a handy multi-purpose tube or pencil which can be used on both cheeks and lips. Moisturizing lipsticks with added sunscreen will help dry or chapped lips. Add a little mascara and you’re ready to go.

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