There are lots of things that happen in pregnancy that no one tells you about, and the changes in your skin fit this category to a tee.
First there’s the obvious issue of skin having to expand like a balloon, then contract back down again.
Like a balloon, you wouldn’t expect your skin to look good as new once you’ve given birth, but there are lots of things you can do to look and feel your best both during and after pregnancy.
Anne Wright, a friend of Earlybirds, is the Australian distributor of Mustela – a yummy range of French skincare for mums, mums to be and babies of all skin types.
Having had two children herself, Anne has some ‘hands on’ insight into skin during and after pregnancy. Coupled with the fact she is also a pharmacist, we knew she would have some useful and practical suggestions on how to keep your skin glowing and hydrated during pregnancy.
Anne says the first thing is to check what’s in your lotions and potions.
“Do be careful with what you put on your skin during this time. Hormones can make your skin more sensitive so what suited before might not be OK now.
“Also, check ingredients and make sure your products are safe for use during pregnancy. Retinol and some natural ingredients are not alright so if in doubt ask your pharmacist, doctor or obstetrician,” she said.
Increased sensitivity in the skin isn’t just for products either. Sunscreen during pregnancy is a must for every day, not just for when it’s sunny.
“Melanin sits closer to the skin when you’re pregnant and can result in pigmentation on your face that resembles a mask. To minimise this make sure you wear sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy, and increase your water consumption to hydrate inside and out,” Anne said.
- Don’t have the water temperature too hot in your bath or shower. Cooler water promotes better circulation, avoids the appearance of surface veins and helps tone the skin.
- A holistic approach is best – don’t forget to eat lots of fruit and vegetables including a cross section from all food groups, drink lots of water, exercise and get lots of rest.
- Exfoliate the body with a gentle body scrub when showering once or twice a week to make your skin glow and to maximise the effects of body products applied later.
- Use a pregnancy-specific stretch-mark cream for your abdomen, hips and thighs once or twice daily.
- Use a stretch mark cream that’s specifically for the breast area. Just as you need a different cream for the delicate eye area than the face, so too you require a specific bust cream for the delicate skin on the bust.
- Your moisture requirements increase during pregnancy and dry skin is common so moisturise your arm legs and décolleté area daily.
- Reward your feet and legs for all their hard work during this time. Given they are supporting the extra weight you may be carrying swelling is common. Put your feet up when you can and regularly massage pregnancy-safe leg and foot balm to help with that tired heavy feeling. Better still – get someone to do it for you!
Mustela is available exclusively from selected pharmacies. For stockists visit www.makingasplash.com.au or email info@makingasplash.com.au
In the meantime Anne has given us a full selection of the Mustela 9 Months range to give away. Simply comment on our blog or on our Facebook page with either your pregnancy skincare tip or trouble and we’ll randomly select one on the 29th October to win!
Earlybirds Pty Ltd © 2011
I love Mustela! The products literally saved my skin while I was pregnant. The Ultimate Hydration product was my favourite – I love that the smell was so subtle and that it actually did what it promised – hydrate! And now I have had my baby I am going to continue using them because they are that good. I was so fortunate to have them recommended to me and now pass on the tip to all my mummy to be friends!
Oh my gosh I would love to win this for a friend of mine! She just had a rough time having her first baby, when her plans of hypnobirthing at the Family Birth Centre ended up in an emergency c-section. This would be the pick me up she needs!!!! The Mustela baby range is so terrific, I imagine this is every bit as good
My sister has just found out that she is pregnant with her second child! (OMG- I haven’t told anyone else that as it’s still a bit hush hush for now!) She would really love these products, and really deserves them. Thanks for the opportuntiy to win. xx
Staying hydrated helps your skin. It can be hard when you’ve got morning sickness and can’t keep anything down, but drinking as much water as you can comfortably manage each day keeps you looking good.
Mustela is a Must have. I used it throughout my first Pregnancy and I was amazed at the results. My second Pregnancy I failed and forgot
Now with my third its a Must have on my list as I stretch 
I absolutely NEED this product! I’m pregnant with my second boy and having BIG skin issues now that I’m in my 3rd trimester. My skin is incredibly try and itchy (especially my arms and legs) which I now understand is very common this trimester. I have tried a few generic moisturisers to date – but nothing is working! My first son had severe eczema as a little one, and your eczema product line was amazing and helped so much! Now I’m the one who needs HELP this time!!
Moisturizer is a pregnant ladies best friend!
i found with both my past pregnanacies that my skin would dry out in record time, and nothing but lathering thick layers of sorbelene would help. I would love to find something for this pregnancy that feels, smells and works amazingly
My best skin tip during pregnancy is to keep those fluids up! Unlike eating, you absolutely need to drink enough for two!! Lucky winner whoever it may be
I didn’t get many stretch marks with my First Baby (Fifth pregnancy), but now am pregnant with twins (Sixth Pregnancy). Have been using Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks which has been great, I’d love to try Mustela 9 Months range and see how it works for me and my body.