Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll hear tons of wives tales and see tons of Facebook posts about self-care.
All of the information thrown your way can be very confusing and anxiety-inducing. If you want healthy and glowing skin during your pregnancy, just remember the 5 tips below.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
One of the most crucial parts of skin care during pregnancy is moisturizing. It’s necessary to nourish your skin from head to toe. Due to weight gain and your changing figure, your skin is inevitably stretched.
This often leads to stretch marks and dull skin. Prevent these problems by using a facial moisturizer, body lotion, and night cream to hydrate your skin 24/7. Don’t worry about spending a fortune on night creams, there are plenty of affordable yet effective options on the market!
Water Is The Way To Go
The University Of Wisconsin-Madison says that water is essential for healthy skin. Skin is an organ that needs adequate hydration.
If you don’t drink enough water, you may experience dry skin, less elasticity, and more signs of aging. Keep yourself hydrated to increase elasticity and reduce the risk of stretch marks. Drink a minimum of eight cups per day plus eight ounces for each hour of activity you perform, according to Livestrong.com.
Always Read The Labels
In regards to skincare, cosmetics, and healthcare products, women ask themselves “Is this safe to use?” hundreds of times during pregnancy.
From formaldehyde in nail polish to retinoids in skin cream, there are many questionable ingredients. To relieve some anxiety, take a practical and simple approach. First, ask your OBGYN a list of ingredients you should avoid during pregnancy.
And if you have additional questions, call your OBGYN or an “ask a nurse” line for professional advice. You can find a local hotline simply by searching “ask a nurse (your city/state)” on Google.
Know The Causes Of Changes
The International Dermal Institute points out that there are many correlations between skin changes and hormones.
An increase in androgens often causes breakouts or increased oil production during the second and third trimester. Dry skin is another common problem during the first trimester due to loss of body fluids.
You can find budget-friendly face wash options on the market, and the list covers the needs of every skin type. Don’t forget to follow up with a moisturizer after washing!
Don’t Forget The Sunscreen
Lastly, make sure that you wear sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection during pregnancy.
Make sure that your cosmetics, moisturizers, and other skincare products contain an SPF of 15 or higher, too. Skin sensitivity increases during pregnancy and your skin may become more dehydrated during sun exposure.
This can lead to burnt, dry skin and the inconvenient discomfort that comes from sunburns. Stick to skin care products that provide sun protection.
Keep It Basic For You And Your Baby
As you can see, skin care during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complex. You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy products, and you don’t need to toss out your entire medicine cabinet.
Hydration, sensible product choices, and professional medical advice are all that you truly need. Focus on the five tips in the post above, and enjoy this life-changing time period as much as possible!
This is a guest post written by Ryan Gains from Gainsbible.com.
