Mums-to-be may notice certain skin changes, beginning first trimester of pregnancy. These skin conditions require adherence to an effective skin care schedule during pregnancy. Changes in skin during pregnancy are a normal phenomenon caused due to hormonal changes taking place within the body.

Being well informed about the essential elements related to skin care helps in adopting a safe and effective skin care regime that is suitable for your skin especially during pregnancy. Include this as an integral part of overall health care to optimize your wellbeing. Keep yourself comfortable, good looking and healthy during pregnancy with suitable pregnancy skin care tips.

Skin Care Tips

After speaking with your obstetrician, you can now begin a skin care regimen that will suit your needs. Here are some tips to daily skin care that can help you keep your skin looking healthy.

Relaxation and Rest

The best form of skin care is to make sure that you are resting and relaxing. If you are constantly running and stressful, your skin will take notice.

Use Mild Soap

Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that may dry out your skin.

Always Use Sunscreen

Avoiding sunlight exposure is crucial to taking care of your skin while you are pregnant. If you need to be out in the sun however, use sunscreen at all costs.

Moisturize

While pregnant, your skin cells become dry relatively easily. Therefore, it is important to keep the skin hydrated using a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin and acceptable by your obstetrician.

Pamper Yourself

Go get yourself a facial and a massage. Pampering yourself can go right along with relaxation as well. You are the mom to be, so why not give yourself a treat now and then.

Water

Make sure that you get enough water each day. Remember, since you are pregnant, the number of glasses you should be drinking each day increases.

Diet

Make sure that your diet includes an increased amount of vegetables and fruits each day.

Some Ingredients to Avoid

Retinoids

Retinoids are great anti-aging agents in cosmetics, but high doses of vitamin A has been proven to be harmful to the unborn child. Isotretinoin, an oral retinol found in products like Accutane, which is used for acne, also causes birth defects. It’s not shown to cause problems in topical form (Retin-A, Renova) but it’s best to avoid using products containing this ingredient.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is used to treat skin disorders such as acne, because it helps deep cleanse pores and exfoliate the skin. High doses of salicylic acid in oral form, though, have been known to cause birth defects. While some health professionals say that a small amount of the topical form is safe in certain products, it’s best to avoid even topical use of salicylic acids, and in facial and body peels in particular. To be on the safe side avoid beta hydroxy acids (BHA) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA).

Try Organic

Since there are other chemical ingredients found in everyday beauty products that can potentially harm the reproductive health of your child, opt for certified organic products shampoos, lotions, body washes and cosmetics.

If you’re unsure about your products, consult your obstetrician about products that are safe to use during pregnancy. Your doctor can make recommendations for products that are best for you as well as give you advice.