Glowing Through Pregnancy: Skincare Tips for Healthy & Radiant Skin

Get Skincare advice from Perth Skin therapists

When your pregnant your body goes through beautiful and sometimes challenging changes. Its important to understand that your body is working differently to how it usually works. Part of these changes are expressed through your skin. Below is some advice to help you through this amazing but challenging time.

Understanding Changes in Your Skin During Pregnancy

One of the most common changes you may experience when pregnant is an increase in oil production. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to acne breakouts. The increased oil can result in clogged pores and blemishes. It’s essential to maintain a regular skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing while you’r pregnant. However it’s important to remember that certain acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and retinoids shouldnt be used when pregnant which means that you may need to reconsider the skincare products you’r using.

Another common skin change during pregnancy is hyperpigmentation. This is the darkening of your skin in certain areas and is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” or chloasma. It typically appears on the face especially around the nose, cheeks and forehead. This happens due to an increase in melanin production.

Pregnancy can also cause changes to the skin’s texture, can make your skin dry or give you itchy skin. This is the opposite to a increase in oil flow and often happens due to a decrease in the skin’s natural oils. This can lead to dryness and flaky skin.

If you already suffer from concerns such as eczema or psoriasis you might experience an increase in severity with these conditions when pregnant. If these concerns become serious it is important to see a doctor but a good skincare routine or seeking advice from a experienced skin therapist can also help reduce visual signs of these concerns.

Nourishing Your Skin from the Inside Out with a Healthy Diet

When your pregnant it is more important than ever to get a well-rounded, nutritious diet. You’re not only eating for yourself but eating for your baby.

Your skincare will only get you so far with your skin, your lifestyle and diet will make up the difference. What you eat plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin from the inside out. A diet rich in essential nutrients can help improve skin health, prevent common skin problems and support the overall health and development of the growing baby.

Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps protect the skin from free radical damage and supports collagen production. It helps skin elasticity and firmness.

Some of the foods rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers.

Another essential nutrient is vitamin E. Another antioxidant that helps protect the skin from UV damage, promotes skin hydration, and reduces inflammation.

Some foods rich in vitamin E are almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado, and spinach.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin. These essential fatty acids cant be made from your body like other fatty acids and need to be obtained through your diet. These are healthy fats which help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Try introducing foods like salmon and sardines, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts to obtain Omega-3 fatty acids.

On top of these foods its important to eat a variety of foods in the food groups and include a large amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can also help improve skin health.

If you are a vegetarian it is also important to eat enough protein, this includes tofu, nuts and seed and legumes.

Seek advice from a nutritionist to get a full meal plan designed.

Staying Hydrated: The Importance of Water for Pregnancy Skin

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women drink at least eight to ten glasses of water per day.

Water plays a vital role in keeping the skin hydrated, supple and healthy. It helps transport nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells and flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your dont drink enough water is can contribute to skin problems like acne and dullness.

In addition to drinking water, you can help stay hydrated by eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. This can help increase water intake and provide additional nutrients that support skin health.

Gentle Skincare Routine: Cleansing, Exfoliating, and Moisturizing During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of the skincare products you use and the routines you follow. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can affect the skin in various ways, and some skincare ingredients can be harmful to the developing baby. A gentle skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing can help maintain healthy and radiant skin during pregnancy without causing any harm.

Choosing The Right Cleanser:

When your pregnant or expecting it is important to choose a cleanser that is free of harsh chemicals which include sulfates and parabens. Look for a mild, pH-balanced cleanser that is specifically designed for sensitive skin. A great way to find a sensitive cleanser is by looking for the word isethionate in the ingredient list which is one of the better-quality surfactants and is milder than cheaper alternatives. A great cleanser that includes this ingredient is the medik8 Micellar Mouse or Surface Radiance Cleanse

Add An Exfoliator:

Exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Use a gentle exfoliant such as

Medik8 Clarity Peptides or Medik8 Press & Glow and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.

Moisturising:

An essential part to maintaining hydrated skin is to use a quality moisturizer. Look for a moisturizer that is free of synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and parabens, as these can be harmful to the developing baby. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps to lock in moisture and antioxidants which help to protect the skin from free radical damage. Products such as O Cosmedics Comfort Cream or O Cosmedics Immortal Cream are a great option for pregnant mums but make sure you consult an experience skin therapist to be sure.

Sun Protection:

Since you will be more suseptable to hyper pigmentation when pregnant its important to protect yourself from the sun by using Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF50 or O Cosmedics Untinted Mineral Pro SPF30 which are broad spectrum sunscreens with high SPF. You should use these on a daily basis.

Remember that skincare can only get you so far with looking after yourself when pregnant and should be used alongside the above recommendations.

Avoiding Harmful Skincare Ingredients During Pregnancy

Just like we have recommended how to look after your skin during pregnancy and what to do. There is also a list of what not to do during pregnancy. This includes avoiding some skincare ingredients which can be detrimental to you and your baby. Avoiding the following ingredients are a great first step.

Retinoids and Vitamin As: Retinoids are commonly found in anti-aging skincare products, it is recommended to avoid these and instead use ingredients like Bakuchiol peptides which can be converted into vitamin A in the body.

Exfoliating acids such as Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is commonly used in acne treatments. It is best to avoid using skincare products that contain salicylic acid or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).

Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is commonly used in skin lightening products. Avoid this product and instead try looking at Vitamin C options or licorice extract which both have skin lightening and brightening properties.

Phthalates: Phthalates are commonly found in synthetic fragrances and can potentially disrupt the endocrine system. As a standard we say avoid synthetic fragrance when possible but its more important during pregnancy.

Parabens: Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in skincare products. Choose something with a naturally acceptable preservative instead.

Pampering Yourself with Safe Pregnancy Beauty Treatments

Bare Skin and Beauty Ellenbrook, Perth offer a range of treatments so you can spend some time pampering yourself and spend some time on you. Remember its always best to seek advice on these treatments with your therapist to ensure you get up to date information.

Maintaining Healthy Skin Postpartum: Tips for Recovery and Rejuvenation

After giving birth, your body goes through more changes, including hormonal fluctuations and physical stress. Continue following the above recommendations to keep your skin glowing and keep in contact with us as your body starts to stabilize as we can start adding back some of those highly active skincare ingredients that we had to remove during the pregnancy and remember to consult your doctor before making any major changes.