Winter skincare routine during pregnancy and postpartum
With winter not far away, bringing crisp, cool air, our skin needs some extra TLC during this season. Winters are undoubtedly harsh on the skin, often leaving it dry and flaky due to cold air, dry indoor heat, low humidity levels, and harsh winter winds. It’s vital to keep the skin moisturised and hydrated to maintain its elasticity and suppleness in the cooler months. During pregnancy it’s important to maintain a consistent skincare routine as it’s common for the skin to become sensitive and more prone to be itchy and irritable. Whilst keeping the skin hydrated is top priority it’s also important for expectant mums to make sure the products applied to the skin are safe during pregnancy and postpartum.
By making a couple of changes to your skincare routine and daily habits, this can help keep your skin looking soft, smooth, and vibrant all winter long. Let’s take a closer look at some tips that may help you boost the health of your skin whilst pregnant during the colder months of the year.
Hydrate from the inside
Chilled and dry winter air can cause dehydration in the body therefore expectant mothers should be well hydrated throughout the day with fluids including water, coconut water and homemade soups. Not taking in enough fluid can affect the appearance of your skin and make it more susceptible to drying out. Good hydration also prevents preterm labour.
Daily SPF
Given the shorter winter days and less sunlight, this may be tempting to cut sunscreen out of your morning routine however even in winter, harmful UV light can affect your skin’s moisture barrier which is vital to maintain hydration levels. Pregnancy can also make your skin more inclined to darken with sun exposure (melasma). Both chemical and mineral based sunscreens are safe to use during pregnancy, therefore include a sunscreen that you’re comfortable to wear daily. SPF is not only an important step for pregnancy winter skincare but also every other stage of your life.
Avoid excessive exfoliants and scrubs
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, however over-exfoliation can conversely dry out your skin if you do it too often or use the wrong products. If your skin looks dry or flaky, you may want to opt for a gentle cleaner rather than a physical scrub. Harsher scrubs can likely break down your skin’s moisture barrier.
In lieu, use a gentle cleanser like Bheue’s Rebalance YOU Soothing Cleansing Milk which is formulated with Vitamin E and Sweet Almond Oil to nourish and hydrate the skin. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which helps to protect and calm the skin. The antioxidant elements help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier and protect it from environmental stressors. It's also deeply hydrating as it works both as a humectant (helps the skin to absorb water) and an emollient (helps the skin to retain moisture). Rich in Fatty Acids, Sweet Almond Oil helps skin rebalance and rehydrate, as well as plant-derived sterols that help to reduce moisture loss. It's beautiful to use during pregnancy as it helps improve the skin's elasticity and reduce stretch marks, while also soothing and nourishing the skin.
Don’t expose your skin to major temperature fluctuations.
A hot shower or bath at the end of a cold winter’s day can feel especially soothing (especially whilst pregnant!) but can dry out the skin and cause itching. To keep your skin nourished, you may want to maintain the water temperature to lukewarm. Also, when you dry your skin after bathing or showering, instead of vigorously rubbing, gently pat your skin with a soft towel, which may allow some of the moisture to hydrate and stay on top layer of the skin. Apply a skincare oil such as Bheue’s Nourish YOU Stretch Mark Oil post-washing to lift tone and firm the appearance of skin across your bust, bump and legs.
Change in clothing
If the skin on your body (and your bump) is extra dry, wear loose, comfortable, and natural fabrics to reduce discomfort and physical irritation. Also, avoid washing your clothes in regular detergents and opt for detergents formulated for sensitive skin, which will likely be free of harsh chemicals and fragrances.
Be YOU
Bheue xx
