Pregnancy & Your Skin

We all have an image of a healthy pregnant woman. Blooming, with shiny hair, and healthy skin, she’s the picture of vitality. The reality can be very different. This article examines ways that your body’s skin can react to pregnancy.

• Dull Skin. A daily facial scrub will remove dead skin cells and give you a more vibrant complexion. Alternatively treat yourself to a weekly face mask
• Blotchy Skin. Start using skin products specifically designed for sensitive skin. Make sure that you use a good moisturiser every day to hydrate the skin
• Dry Skin. Ensure that you are drinking plenty of water. A good moisturising cream will also help to hydrate your skin during the day
• Greasy Skin. Try switching to skin products specifically designed for oily skin. Try not to wash your face too often as this can cause the oil glands to go into over production.
• Spots. Tea Tree Oil and good cover up make up might be best here.
• Dark Eye Circles.  Exercise will boost your circulation and this may help to reduce dark shadows around the eyes. Cucumber or potato slices placed over the eyes for a few minutes can also be helpful. Rubbing an icecube  gently over the under eye area can help to reduce puffiness. Under eye creams and cosmetics can also be handy.
• Pigmentations. Any patches of pigmentation that appear whilst you are pregnant will soon disappear after the baby is born. Protecting your skin from direct sun shine will help
• Excess Hair. Pregnancy can trigger excess hair growth and this will return to normal after the birth. Facial hair can be removed using a variety of techniques, including waxing, sugaring, bleaching, threading and electrolysis
• Stretch Marks. There are things that you can do to reduceor prevent the appearance of stretch marks. There are many moisturising creams on today’s market that you can rub on your bump. These should be used daily as early as possible. Baby Oil locks in more moisture than many moisturising lotions and is a cheap alternative to many cosmetic creams. Apply to wet skin immediately after bathing or showering.
• Sleep Well. Also try to cleanse, moisturise and remove all makeup before going to sleep. This gives the pores a chance to breathe. While you sleep naturally produced oils build up and mix with dirt and dead cells making an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

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