Pregnancy Skin 101: understanding the changes to your skin
Pregnancy is one of the most incredible journeys that our body experiences. From conception to watching your little bump grow by the day, it’s a whirlwind of emotions as you prepare for the arrival of your little one. With the joys of pregnancy unfortunately there are couple of challenges some expectant mothers experience such as morning sickness, fatigue and a range of changes to your ever-evolving body. Amidst all of this, it’s important to prioritise self-care which includes special attention to your skin. Below is guide on understanding the changes in your skin during pregnancy, how to nurture and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion all whilst embracing that changes that come along with it too.
How pregnancy hormones affect our skin
Pregnancy triggers a surge of hormones including progesterone and oestrogen. Each individual skin will react differently hence why there is such a range of changes that pregnant women experience. In the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations may generally trigger an increase of oil production which can leave the appearance of skin looking healthier. The increase in circulation and blood volume, combined with extra oil can result in a healthy ‘pregnancy glow’ but that’s not always the case.
Hormonal breakouts
The increase of pregnancy hormones and added oil production can result in breakouts and congestion. Those that had oilier skin pre-pregnancy or have struggled with hormonal breakouts more likely to amplify during pregnancy. The key to managing these breakouts is to maintain a consistent, pregnancy safe skincare routine. Make sure you have a consistent cleansing routine, this is critical for keeping the skin clean, balanced and less prone to breakouts. Double cleansing morning and evening is effective to help remove impurities and keep the pores clear from build-ups. Use a gentle cleanser like Rebalance YOU Soothing Cleansing Milk which is formulated with Vitamin E and Sweet Almond Oil to nourish and hydrate the skin. The first cleanse will help remove the makeup and residue, whilst the second cleanse works to remove the unwanted bacteria and build-ups.
Soothing sensitive skin
Alongside breakouts, pregnancy hormones can also leave our skin unpredictable and more sensitised. Our skin during pregnancy may gradually become more sensitive to certain skincare products, stress and other environmental factors such as sun exposure or harsh weather conditions.
Opt for products such as Radiant You Revitalising 2-in-1 Face Serum line to soothe and restore your skin. This multitasker serum and moisturiser duo is filled with rich ingredients such as Rose Damascena, Helichrysum Extract and Jojaba that leaves the skin with a glow and a soft touch all whilst nurturing the skin. On top of a consistent skincare regime, consider including some self-care and stress management techniques to try and calm your nerves.
Skincare Ingredients to avoid
During pregnancy and breastfeeding it’s important to be mindful of not just what you should be applying to your skin, but also what you need to avoid. Vitamin A (known also as retinol) should be completely avoided used during pregnancy and nursing. Other skincare ingredients such as essential oils should be used with caution or to be safe avoided altogether. For products that include ingredients that are unsafe during pregnancy have a warning label especially if they pose of any risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s advisable to always check with your medical provider if you are unsure on whether a product/ingredients is safe to use.
All the changes that come with pregnancy can be overwhelming, however embrace this transformative time and treat self-care as a necessary investment for your own well-being and the health of your baby. Taking care of yourself, you are nurturing both yourself and the little joy growing inside you.
