Pregnancy is an important part of every woman’s life! After all you are going to birth the next generation. There is a life growing inside you and that is no child’s play. You’ve got tons of responsibility on you and you need to live up to it! But most importantly you need to care for yourself.

These nine months of your life are crucial and you need to make sure you take care of yourself. You have to be careful of every little task which can have an impact on you and your child.

And, you have probably skimmed through dozens of books and magazines trying to accumulate and process information thrown at you from various sources. Well, you have to try to ingest information in bits and pieces. With a growing belly, persistent heartburns, morning sickness or bizarre pregnancy cravings; you are in the ride of your life. And, you are going to face your highs and lows, but we guarantee it is going to be worth it!

While, pregnancies can be different for different women. You will notice significant changes in your body, more notably your skin. Pregnancy will bless you with a radiant glow. Since you are pregnant, your body produces almost 50% more blood. Therefore, resulting in more blood circulation, which in turn gives your face that irresistible glow!  

And while your skin will glow, there will be a few skin concerns that might bother you during pregnancy. Let’s take a look at some skin concerns you might face during pregnancy…
 

Breakouts:

Breakouts:

While pregnancy is one of the greatest blessings in life, your skin faces some repercussions. In the first and second trimesters, you are bound to face breakouts; it is very common.

While your hormones are in a disarray, you may experience a rise in growth of hormones that cause the glands in your skin to significantly increase sebum production (oily, waxy substance). This can clog your pores and hence, lead to inflammation and acne.

 

Stretch marks:

Stretch marks:

In the miraculous process of giving birth, your body undergoes a slew of changes. Basically, our fragile body has to go through a lot! Unfortunately, this process leaves stretch marks on your body. These stretch marks happen when your body is growing at an expeditious speed.

Stretch marks aren’t uncommon and almost every pregnant women undergoes through it. It usually manifests itself under your breasts, belly and thighs.

 

Enduring dark splotchy spots:

Enduring dark splotchy spots:

If you are facing discolouration and dark splotchy spots on your face, don’t worry! It is a common condition called melasma.

This condition, is triggered by hormonal changes which is a part and parcel of pregnancy. It stimulates the amount of melanin your body produces, leading to dark spots on your cheeks, or your forearms and especially the parts of body that are exposed to the sun.

Along with discolouration and dark splotchy spots, pigmented areas like freckles, genitals and scars turn darker.

Pregnancy Skincare

Follow these skin care tips for healthy and glowing skin during pregnancy

 

Cleansing:

Cleansing:

Since your hormones are on overdrive, with high sebum production— your skin is bound to get oily. You need to thoroughly cleanse your face with a mild cleanser. Ensure that there aren’t harmful chemicals. Repeat this activity twice a day.

 

Hydrating and moisturising:

Hydrating and moisturising:

The most important addition to your skincare routine in pregnancy is— to keep your skin hydrated and moisturised. If your skin looks particularly dull during pregnancy, you can blame it on lack of moisture. Staying hydrated requires following a balanced diet and both of these are essential to being healthy. You should stick to the 8x8 rule, which requires you to consume 8oz of 8 glasses of water. This way you stay hydrated at all times. While hot showers seem like a perfect way to unwind after the day, you might want skip it. Heat can strip your skin of natural oil and moisture, leaving it dry. It can raise the body temperature, which is dangerous for the baby.

 

Sunscreen:

Sunscreen:

You need to ensure that you wrap yourself in sunscreen before heading out. Also make sure you keep one handy. While sun exposure doesn’t hurt the baby, sunburn can raise body’s temperature. Opt for sunscreen that can protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Steer clear of sunscreen spray bottles as they contain chemicals that can prove to be harmful. Ensure you use a sunscreen with SPF 30, and remember to re-apply after every couple of hours.

 

Dealing with breakouts:

Dealing with breakouts:

You might face breakouts in the first and second trimester. Resist the temptation to pop pimples. Popping pimples will leave behind scars, and make you prone to further breakouts. Using commercial products, is adding a cocktail of chemical to the mix, which is bad news. The safest way to treat these breakouts is to stick to natural remedies. Here are a natural remedies you can resort to:

 

Honey:

Honey:

Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it is a natural humectant which preserves your skin’s moisture. Start off by diluting honey with water. Then, soak a cotton ball in this solution and apply to the affected areas. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. Later, rinse with cold water. Repeat this process frequently throughout the week.

 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which destroys bacteria that cause acne. Plus, it helps reduce acne marks and restores moisture. Start off by steaming your face. Then, apply coconut oil directly on affected areas and gently massage. Soak a face cloth in water, wring it out, and then cover your face with it. Later rinse with cold water. Repeat this process about three to four times a week.

 

How to apply makeup during pregnancy:

How to apply makeup during pregnancy:

When it comes to makeup during pregnancy, stick to the mantra—less is more. It is best if you double check the ingredients before purchasing any make-up products.

While most of the product are relatively safe, you should be cautious at all times. Here are a list of chemicals you should stay away from during your pregnancy:

Retinoids:

Retinoids are found in anti-aging creams— to prevent the breakdown of collagen. They have been linked to increased birth defects. They can be highly dangerous to your fetus.

Salicylic acid:

Salicylic acid is mainly used in treatment of acne. High doses of salicylic acid can lead to complications and birth defects. Although, they are considered to be safe in small doses, you should hit the clinic before you arrive at a decision.

Tetracyclines:

They are mainly used in treating acne and lyme disease. These antibiotics have shown that they can damage a pregnant woman's liver as well as discolor her growing baby's teeth. You might want to skip this chemical.

Formaldehyde:

This ingredient is a well-known carcinogen that can be easily found in skincare products like hair straightening treatments, nail polish and eyelash glue.

Carcinogen substances can lead to cancer. This is bad news for the mother and the fetus. You might want to ditch this ingredient. You should actively seek out products that are formaldehyde-free.

It is better to be safe than sorry! Happy Pregnancy!