To a woman, pregnancy is a beautifully soulful journey, which is marked by many profound changes, not just in emotion but physically, too. As your body continuously nurtures the new life within you, your skin also goes through significant transformations. The ‘pregnancy glow’ is often talked about, but with it, there are many skin issues that arise too, such as hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, and dryness.
That’s why it is necessary for expecting moms to start a gentle and pregnancy-safe skincare routine to develop healthy skin without harming their baby.
Here’s how you can nourish your pregnancy glow with care and confidence.
How Does Skin Change During Pregnancy?
In the pregnancy period, hormonal changes can lead to many skin conditions, and understanding these changes can help you to maintain a skincare routine that addresses these specific needs, such as:
Increased Sebum & Oil Production:
During pregnancy, hormones can increase the oil production within your skin, which can lead to breakouts and acne.
Discolouration & Hyperpigmentation:
A certain condition called ‘melasma’ can be seen along with patches and dark spots – this can happen due to increased production of melanin within the skin.
Sensitivity:
During pregnancy, your skin can become more sensitive and you can react to products that previously didn’t react on your skin. As daily essentials, you can use natural deodorants, which provide a feeling of confidence all day long with dry, clean and odourless underarms.
Stretch Marks:
Throughout the pregnancy period, your skin stretches to accommodate the fetus; that’s why your skin stretches abnormally, and certain stretch marks develop. However, you can use Natralus’ My Little One Comforting Touch Massage Oil to help prevent stretch marks and nourish your skin, making sure you can fully embrace self-love.
What are the Pregnancy Safe Skincare Ingredients?
During pregnancy, safety concerns are paramount in terms of skincare, diet and other activities. Here are some effective and pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients that you need to use during pregnancy:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful and pregnancy-safe antioxidant that helps to brighten up and even out your skin tone. It also works well for hyperpigmentation.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid works best to provide and retain continuous hydration and keep your skin smooth and plump.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera works powerfully to soothe the skin and help with skin inflammation and irritation.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is a natural moisturiser that helps your dry skin and can also be used for stretch marks.
Ingredients to Avoid during Pregnancy for Skincare
Similarly, just as there are some ingredients that can help in pregnancy, there are also some which you need to avoid during pregnancy. Such as:
Retinoids: Try to avoid those anti-ageing products that contain retinoids, as they can harm fetal development.
Salicylic Acid: It is best to avoid high doses of salicylic acid during pregnancy, while you can use low concentrations as they are considered safe.
Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is commonly used for treating hyperpigmentation, but it is absorbed a significant amount into the body and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Parabens and Phthalates: These two are commonly used in many beauty and skincare products, which is why they are best avoided due to the potential risk to fetal health.
Pro tip: Always read the product’s ingredients before purchasing it to ensure it meets your pregnancy skin care needs
A Gentle Routine for Skin Care That Is Safe During Pregnancy.
Establishing a skincare routine for pregnancy is very tricky, and selecting the right products for this is important. Below is a simple stepwise routine that helps maintain pregnancy glow:
Cleansing: Using a gentle, mild cleanser without fragrance such as our Sorboderm Natural Gentle Skin Cleanser will thoroughly clean your skin without it being stripped of its natural oils. Buy cleansers that contain hydrating agents like glycerin or Aloe Vera.
Toning: Go for alcohol-free toners with calming components like chamomile or witch hazel. Toning can help you remove the remaining bits of makeup and prepare the skin for other routines.
Serum: Applying a serum containing vitamin C benefits in brightening and antioxidant properties. Ensure it is free from harmful additives. While not a serum, our organic Aloe Vera Repair Gel can be used similarly and works wonders, offering essential nutrients and more.
Moisturising: Applying a hydrating moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid or shea butter keeps the skin nourished. You can use SorboDerm Natural Restoring Gentle Moisturiser 2.1 for deep moisturisation and moisture retention because it possesses emollient qualities. For the post-pregnancy and lactating period, you can use Natralus Natural Paw Paw Balm to heal cracked nipples.
Sun Protection: Slather on a broad-spectrum physical sunblock every morning. It is the most important step for protecting your skin from UV rays and preventing hyperpigmentation.
Eye Cream: For puffiness or dark circles around your eyes, you may like to try a gentle eye cream with peptides. This can nourish the skin surrounding the eye.
Home Remedies for Pregnancy Skin Care
Sometimes, the best skin care remedies are kitchen recipes. Here are a few DIY home remedies that can be perfectly safe and effective during pregnancy:
Oatmeal Mask: Mix some ground oatmeal and water or milk to make a soothing mask that helps with inflammation and dryness.
Hydrating and Brightening Mask: Honey mixed with yoghurt has anti-bacterial properties, and yoghurt provides exfoliation and hydration.
Cucumber with Aloe Vera Gel: Blend cucumber with aloe vera gel to form a refreshing and hydrating mask for sensitive skin.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin During Pregnancy
When in pregnancy, skincare is not entirely external, as an individual must live healthily to glow during pregnancy:
· Drinking water helps moisturize the skin from the inside.
· A balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is significant. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, are good both for your overall health and skin.
· The skin repairs itself while you sleep, so ensure there you have a good night's sleep.
· Before making any changes to your skincare regimen, it is imperative to seek the advice of your healthcare provider, who will typically offer tailored advice. Also, make sure the use of these products is not harmful to your safety and that of your baby.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is the phase of life that affects the body of the woman the most; alteration is seen in every area of her life, including the skin. It is best to adopt a safe and gentle pregnancy skincare routine to help you maintain and gain your pregnancy glow while your baby remains healthy and safe. You can enjoy healthy, glowing skin throughout your pregnancy by listening to what your skin needs, finding suitable ingredients, and living a wholesome lifestyle.
Natralus uses only the finest natural ingredients - sourced sustainably and free from harmful chemicals, ensuring that your skin receives the purest pregnancy care possible. With our My Little One Range, you can trust that both you and your baby are in safe hands.
