It is a truth universally acknowledged that a woman with child has a glow about her. Pregnant mums seem to stand out from the crowd, and it’s not just because of their bump. That being said, their skin goes through a lot during pregnancy, with acne, stretch marks, swelling, and whatnot testing its limits. These are often caused by the hormonal changes that their bodies go through while they carry their babies to term. Some of these changes can be permanent, while some wear off over the months and years. To prevent permanence — fewer scars and spots — and to ensure your skin doesn’t suffer too much during the nine months of pregnancy themselves, we offer you 7 simple, quick, and effective tips that are sure to make a difference.

Tending to those stretch marks

Stretch marks are one of the main concerns of expectant mothers. The fear is that they’ll stay on your skin forever. This may not be the case if you care for the skin in certain areas as well as possible during your pregnancy. Applying shea butter or almond oil to your tummy, breasts, hips, and even buttocks can reduce the prominence of stretch marks or prevent their appearance in the first place.

 

Giving your skin the hydration it needs

Moisturiser is a saving grace during pregnancy. The skin tends to get dry, itchy, and even flaky in areas. You can prevent this from happening by massaging a gentle moisturiser post bathing or before bed. The massage will also help you feel rejuvenated!

 

Not underestimating the importance of cleansing

Your skin is already going through a lot during pregnancy thanks to overactive hormones. Denying yourself a proper skin cleansing routine will worsen things. Get yourself a gentle cleanser that will help maintain your skin’s pH levels. You can also exfoliate to rid your skin of dead cells, but take care not to overdo it.

 

Handling that acne with care

This is another huge concern among pregnant women. Acne just ambushes some expectant mums from nowhere. You can make the situation better by reducing the amount of oil in your pores. Opting for products containing glycolic acid just might be the step you need to take to fight those breakouts.

 

Nourishing your skin by nourishing yourself

For numerous reasons, good nourishment is key during pregnancy. It’s good for both mum and baby. It’s also good for your skin. Consuming foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C & E will work wonders for your skin and that glow! You also want to stay hydrated; good old water, fruit juices, smoothies, and green tea are great sources of energy and are superb for your skin.

 

Taking care while stepping out into the sun

Your skin is tender and under a lot of pressure during these nine months. Protecting it from potential damage courtesy of the greatest force out there is crucial. If you’re stepping out, ensure you’re doing so under a layer of sunscreen with SPF 15 or more. Take care to pick one that’s pregnancy-friendly. Thank us later!

 

Keeping an eye out for toxic ingredients

There are so many of them out there, and you need to stay away from them. We’re talking about parabens, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), phthalates, formaldehyde, toluene, aluminium chloride, and beta-hydroxy and salicylic acids. Watch out for these bad guys to ensure you have good skin throughout your nine months.

Your pregnancy glow can also benefit greatly from adequate exercise, sleep, and meditation, so give it healthy doses of these too. Take care, and stay beautiful!