While you might be busy trying to style the bump and decorating the nursery for your soon-to-be little bundle of joy, this shouldn’t be all that you do. You have to keep in mind that pregnancy is a time of profound change, both emotionally and physically (especially physically).
Since your body undergoes the incredible journey of creating life, it's essential to adapt your beauty and skincare routine to nurture and support your changing needs. But what all do you need to do to keep your skin looking good and feeling radiant? Well, here’s what you need to know!
You Need to Focus on Gentle Cleansing
Did you know that your skin becomes more sensitive during this time of your life? During pregnancy, hormonal changes can impact your skin by a lot. So, you might want to opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser to cleanse your face morning and night. Ideally, it’s going to be for the best to just outright avoid harsh ingredients such as retinoids and instead go for natural, pregnancy-safe alternatives.
Keep Hydrated
You already know this, but it never hurts to repeat it. In general, hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, especially during pregnancy. You absolutely need to drink plenty of water- not only for the baby but also to keep your skin supple and even to help prevent common pregnancy-related skin issues like dryness and itchiness. When it comes to moisturizers for your skin, you should try to look for products with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and natural oils.
Look into Mindful Self-Care
It’s not just about skincare, it’s also about self-care too. Sure, by all means, you should absolutely feel free to try to look your best and feel your best during this time. But with that said, it’s best to just stay mindful and mostly focus on the health of you and the health of your baby. It’s best to wait and to push off things like certain beauty-related procedures, something you can click here to check out, but it’s also best to just try not to do anything that could stress you out or even just exert yourself in general.
Ideally, you should try your best to incorporate stress-reducing activities such as meditation, prenatal yoga, and adequate sleep into your routine to promote a healthy mind and body.
Sun Protection is Key
Did you know that pregnancy hormones can make your skin more prone to pigmentation changes? That’s why sun protection becomes even more critical during this stage in your life. No matter what skin tone or skin type you have, you’ll need to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply regularly during the day- even if you’re not going outside.
Always Consult Your Doctor First
While you’re pregnant, since your skin is far more sensitive than usual, it’s best to just go ahead and talk to your doctor first before making any changes in your products or routine. Your doctor will most likely be able to offer personalized advice based on your individual needs and ensure that any products or treatments you consider are safe for you and your baby.