During pregnancy, woman’s body goes through a sea of change. You are required to take care of your body, to nourish the requirements of both you and the baby, with a proper diet. The same way the demands of pregnancy and the stress that comes along with it makes your skin suffer. For instance, women look forward for the much-talked about pregnancy glow.
But with the glow comes pregnancy acne, which makes it a tough transition for the mother-to-be. Don’t worry these issues are temporary and will only last through your pregnancy. So, let’s understand how to maintain a healthy skin while you’re pregnant and enjoy the glow with these helpful tips.
1. Follow A Balanced Diet
When you’re pregnant eating right is a priority as the food you consume will directly affect the baby. And nourishing your growing body with the right nutrition and healthy food will help you have a healthy pregnancy. Foods like eggs, nuts and fish contain Omega oils which are good for your skin. It keeps your skin radiant and smooth. While green leafy vegetables, legumes, berries and chocolate helps fight aging, discoloration and wrinkles, as these foods are a good source of Vitamin C, A, E.
2. Stay Hydrated
Pregnancy increases blood flow by 50%. Doctors always advice pregnant mothers to consume a lot of water as the organs tend to pull water from the skin cells making the blood thicker. If you don’t hydrate yourself, your skin bears the brunt by looking dull, dry and accelerates ageing. Drinking approximately two liters of water everyday will make your skin look young and fresh. Water also helps flushing out all the toxins in the body. Proper hydration helps both the baby and the mother in many ways, so drink water at regular intervals.
3. Cleansing and Moisturizing
Maintaining a good cleansing and moisturizing routine through your pregnancy is very important. As your skin undergoes a lot of changes due to the hormones, a healthy skin-care routine is required to help repair and nourish your skin. Use a gentle, glycerin-based, residue-less facial cleanser. For women with dry skin, it is recommended to opt for mild and foam less moisturizing cleanser. Wash your face twice a day. Don’t overdo it as it will lead to skin drying. However, be very mindful of choosing the right products for use during the nine months. They must be gentle and not contain any harmful chemicals as it will be unsafe for the baby.
“So, before you reach for your acne-fighting favorites, make sure they are safe for you and your baby. It’s important to avoid products that contain Retin-A and isotretinoin, and steer clear of tetracycline antibiotics and Accutane,” according to Dr. Wu What To Expect. She recommends asking your doctor about azelaic acid, which acts as a gentle leave-on exfoliant that can be safe for you and baby with approval.
4. Make-up Routine
Indulge yourself with the latest lip shade or the trending highlighter. But be very mindful of buying only chemical-free products as make-up consists of many harmful chemicals. The chemicals will be dangerous for you as well as the baby. So, invest in a pregnancy friendly light and simple make-up. Keep your make-up minimal during your pregnancy to avoid clogging your skin pores.Understand the changing needs of your skin and invest in products accordingly.
5. Sun Protection
The most important part of your skin care is protecting it from the sun. A good sunscreen lotion with SPF as low as 15 and higher than 30, which works for both UVB and UVA rays is a necessity in your skin-care routine. Gynecologists recommend sun protection as the hormonal changes lead to multiplication of pigmented cells, which can make your face blotchy. Using a sunscreen every time you leave the house or are exposed to natural light will help avoid discoloration. While buying sun protection creams look for the ingredient Parsol 1789 or Avobenzone on the label.
6. Exercise
Exercising during pregnancy is a great way to ensure you stay fit and flush out all the toxins from your body. It increases blood circulation throughout your body by bringing nutrients to your skin. Apart from this the release of endorphins in your brain will help you cope with pregnancy blues and uninterrupted sleep. However, consult your medical practitioner before starting any routine to ensure it is the best routine according to your body and pregnancy.
7. Sleep
Getting good sleep while you are pregnant is imperative. Sleeping well helps the skin repair itself from the damage caused by hormonal changes. It also prevents you from getting dark circles. Overall sleeping well during pregnancy keeps you well rested and even alleviates your mood instead of being tired and cranky.
Apart from this if your pregnancy acne doesn’t subside, visit your medical practitioner to help you deal with the breakouts.
