Featured Guest Post
Looking after your skin is more important than ever during pregnancy. While many women are blessed with a healthy glow throughout much of their pregnancy, there are also others that suffer from complaints including sensitive and itchy skin, acne and redness, and stretch marks. If this is you, or you know someone who could benefit from products suitable for use in pregnancy, then read on.
Acne can occur because the sebaceous glands of the skin produce more oil during pregnancy. Spots can occur both on the face and the body. To help deal with excess oil and acne outbreaks, use a mild cleanser to keep your face fresh and clean and a mild facial scrub to clear out blocked pores. Milder exfoliators are recommended because the more abrasive scrubs can irritate sensitive skin.
Products containing glycolic acid and alpha hydroxyl acid are sometimes recommended, but dermatologists usually advise avoiding topical retinoids. Fortunately most acne breakouts tend to occur mostly during the first trimester and then subside.
Sensitive and itchy skin can be calmed with gentle moisturising products. Use gentle moisturising shower creams in the bath and shower, and then a soothing moisturiser afterwards to keep the skin soft and hydrated. It’s recommended that pregnant women also switch to using a moisturiser with a SPF 15 or more that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. Moisturising bath and shower creams make perfect pampering mum to be gifts. Bear in mind that if skin is very red or sensitive it may be best to avoid exfoliating products until any breakouts subside.
Cooling serums and moisturising lotions are a great idea for encouraging circulation and refreshing tired and aching legs and feet. Simply massage gently all over the legs and feet, beginning at the feet and working upwards.
Stretch marks often develop at the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester. They are caused as the layers of skin stretch during pregnancy, but they typically subside with time. Firming body lotions and body oils work by improving the elasticity of the skin. They can help to tone, tighten and strengthen the skin to minimise the chance of stretch marks developing or their appearance and size. Use regularly throughout pregnancy or give as a gift to a mum to be. Firming creams and lotions can also help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and combat itchy bellies.
Rich body creams are great to use on drier areas of skin or after exposure to the sun. Look out for products that are rich and moisturising but leave the body beautifully soft and silky. This is definitely a gift your pregnant friends and family members will thank you for!
