If you are pregnant, there are a lot of things that you can’t do and products that you can use. You have to make sure that these products, especially skin care, do not have chemicals or ingredients that can harm your baby. But this should not stop you from taking care of your skin. Remember that while pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes which is why this is also the best time to double your efforts in taking care of your skin.
Pre-Pregnancy Skin Care
Let us start from the time where you and your partner finally decided to conceive. During this time, you already stopped taking your hormonal birth control pills and you will notice that your skin will start to break out. This is normal because it is your body’s healing crisis and learn to bring all your functions back into balance.
This is the best time to start cleaning up your skincare routine is six months before you plan to conceive. Avoid skincare products that contain salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, and parabens. You should also avoid peels, microcurrent treatments, micro needling, lasers, and injections because they can stress out your skin. So what skincare to use during pregnancy? And what should you avoid? Let’s go ahead and find out https://www.clarins.com.my/maternity/.
First Trimester Skin Care
During this phase, it is time to take a ‘less-is-more’ approach. The first trimester can be challenging. This is when you should give your skin a break from all the products that you are using. If you start to notice that your skin is not responding positively to the products that you are using before you were pregnant, then it is time to keep them for now. Stick with products that have fewer ingredients, just those that you need.
Second Trimester Skin Care
At this phase, you will start to notice more and more dark spots not only on your face but on your entire body. Brown patches or melasma are very common during the second trimester. Avoid too much sun exposure because it can get worse. Use pure mineral sunscreen and make sure it contains ingredients like titanium and zinc because they are safe.
Your moles will also change so you should keep an eye on them. If a mole starts to change in color, have your doctor check it right away. During the second trimester, this is also when benign skin lesions or skin tags appear. They do not regress after you give birth but they can be easily removed through a procedure. This is the time when you need to revitalize your skin. You will need more vitamin and hyaluronic acid. Reduce eye puffiness and undereye dark circles by using a good eye cream.
Third Trimester Skin Care
This is when the battle begins. Your ankles will swell, your back will start to hurt, and it would be a miracle if you get enough comfortable hours of sleep. It is time to relax. Have a facial massage or take a spa trip three months before your expected delivery. Or maybe you can stay at home and pamper your skin with hydrating facial. You can also use brightening and anti-aging products with azelaic acid and niacinamide ingredients.
Being pregnant should not stop you from doing your skin care routine. Though you might have to lessen the products that you have to use at some point, it is still important that you take care of yourself. Remember that all these changes are part of your pregnancy. Do not be discouraged because there are always skincare products that would be perfect for you, even if you are pregnant.