Pregnancy Skin Care
Pregnancy is a time of rapid changes in a woman's body. Hormone surges affect everything from a woman's hair to her teeth to her feet. And it’s a particularly stressful time for a woman's skin. In order to keep her body in top condition, a mom-to-be needs to make a few adjustments in her daily skin care regimen. A pregnant body needs special care and pampering.
The Pregnancy Skin Care Routine
Cleansing
A woman's skin tends to be very dry during pregnancy. So it’s important to use very gentle and chemical free products to cleanse the skin. Start with a gentle cleanser and be sure to rinse it off liberally with warm water. Wash the skin no more than twice daily to prevent over drying.
If your skin is prone to acne, you will likely experience your worst breakouts during the first trimester of pregnancy. Your skin will need gentle cleansing to care for these blemishes. A product that contains organic ingredients like Parfait Visage™ or Aquaspirit® may be used to treat blemishes.
Most obstetricians do not recommend using prescription acne medications, topical retinoids, or products containing salicylic acid during pregnancy. While these ingredients haven't been linked to birth defects, there is no conclusive evidence to the contrary either. So it’s best to use caution and avoid these products.
Moisturizing
A good moisturizer is very important for pregnant skin. If you aren't already using a moisturizer, you will need to add one to your routine during your pregnancy and possibly beyond. Some of the changes that occur in pregnancy are permanent, and you may continue to experience dry skin postpartum. If you had dry skin before pregnancy, you may be particularly troubled afterwards. Look for a high quality moisturizer like Parfait Visage™ made especially for pregnant or normal skin.
Protecting
Organic sunscreen is a critical part of any skin care routine, and it becomes even more important during pregnancy. The elevated hormone levels of pregnancy trigger the multiplication of pigment cells, which can cause facial blotchiness, or "the mask of pregnancy." The consistent use of high quality organic sunscreen product is the best way to prevent or minimize discoloration. You should wear an organic sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher) every day, rain or shine. And if you are going to be in the midday sun, you should protect yourself with something even stronger. You may wish to use a moisturizing lotion that contains sun block for the added nourishment to your skin.
Cosmetics
If you’re going to wear cosmetics during pregnancy, it’s best to go organic. Your face can become sweaty and greasy at a moment's notice, making your regular cosmetics appear runny and messy. Stick with the less-is-more philosophy. Use a little organic foundation to cover under-eye circles and blemishes, and to even out skin tone. Skip the eyeliner and try waterproof mascara instead. And for the lips, use an organic lip balm.You may also wish to carry a powder compact to prevent unexpected shine. Or you can just embrace this "glow" as part of the normal, healthy, look of a pregnant woman.
Pregnancy Skin Care Products
Specialty Products
Soon after discovering you are pregnant, you should check the ingredients of the skin care products that you normally use. Some of these products may contain ingredients that are harmful during pregnancy. And some may be too harsh for pregnant skin. If you’re unsure about any product, stop using it until you've had a chance to talk about it with your obstetrician or dermatologist.
For the Feet
Your feet take on extra duty during pregnancy, and they may swell and become sore as a result. Take special care of your feet with a refreshing weekly reflexology session and a daily essential oil foot massage for as long as you can reach your feet!
For the Belly
The abdominal skin is under a great deal of pressure during pregnancy. Caring for this skin with a daily tummy massage and a high quality all-natural moisturizing lotion will help to keep skin supple, elastic and should help reduce stretch marks.
For the Nails
Some women have long, luxurious nails during pregnancy, while others experience dry, brittle nails. Specialized nail care products can help you address whatever needs your nails may have.
Pregnancy Skin Care Tips
Pamper Yourself: Pregnancy is the time to pamper the body and get ready for the hectic years to come. Take every advantage of massages and specialty skin care products designed to care for a pregnant body.
Drink Up: Remember to drink plenty of purified water during pregnancy. Even if it means you have to run to the bathroom even more frequently, the extra water will help to nourish your skin, and move waste and nutrients through the body more quickly.
About the Author
Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop and sell exclusively high-end natural and organic skin care lines to support a wide range of skin conditions. The products he promotes are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives. For more information on skin care or to ask questions at a skin care forum visit Skin-care-support.org.
