You’ve just come to know what you’re expecting. Everybody in your family along with your husband is on cloud 9. And you? Well, you almost start feeling like one of those beautiful actresses in one of your favorite movies (Hindi or English), who played the role of a pregnant mother in the film. Like her, you too, feel like sending your husband in the middle of the night for ice cream or some chocolates or anything that is edible from the list of your favorites to quench your cravings, and undoubtedly you want to keep glowing all throughout your pregnancy journey.
Unfortunately, pregnancy is not all that hunky-dory. And this “pregnancy glow” is true only for some pregnant mums. As skin changes during pregnancy are quite common. Moreover, the soaring estrogen and progesterone levels of hormones are the main culprits behind giving you those unwanted skin peculiarities such as rashes, redness, pimples, eruptions, and so on and so forth. And day-by-day the rising temperature, heat, and humidity of the summers, might only worsen the already-existing pregnancy skin problems you have.
However, the daily cosmetic products that you have been using since your pre-pregnancy days may not be as worthwhile now. Instead, it might turn out to be harmful to your growing baby.
Therefore, all you would-be-mothers on the block, be extra careful about your skin during this summer season.
Read on to find out what you need to do:
Stay Sun-protected
During pregnancy, some of you might find your skin to be turning pale and dark, especially around your eyes, nose, forehead, and the middle of the face. This darkening of the skin is commonly known as “chloasma” or “melasma” or “mask of pregnancy”. Of course, during the summers, under the exposure of the sun you might just find your skin to darken furthermore. Therefore, wear a hat, and slather on some sunscreen whenever you’re stepping out. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen with an SPF 50+ (protection from UV-A and UV – B rays) at least half-n-hour before you go under the sun. Sunscreens with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide is a must-have! They will sit on the surface of your skin (without getting absorbed) and will help in deflecting the rays of the sun.
Be Moisture-laden
Normally, during pregnancy, the shifting hormones, gaining weight, and increasing stress factors might leave you with your skin dry, stretched, swollen and terribly exhausted. Of course, the summer heat and dry air is there to add fuel to the fire, thus sucking away the much-needed moisture from your skin. So, feed your skin using moisturizers infused with the power of natural herbs, after taking a shower (when your skin feels a little damp) and before going to bed. You might also hit the spa, take a massage using products containing essential oils (like sesame, almond, and lavender oil) and aloe vera in it to get a cooling effect over all the aspects that are bothering you, thus adding elasticity and bounce to your skin during the hot summer months.
Go For Skin-exfoliation
If your pre-pregnancy skin was prone to pimples and acne, there are chances that during pregnancy, owing to the changing hormones such atypical skin problems will turn out to be more irritating. In fact, your skin is expected to secrete excess oil, at this juncture. Choose a face wash and mask made out of natural products or clay and activated charcoal-infused in it. While the clay will absorb that extra oil from your skin, the activated charcoal will keep your skin exfoliated, thus reducing the appearance of pimples and acne.
Make Proper Fluid-intake
Do you remember gulping in a standard 8-glasses of water, during your pre-pregnancy days, just to keep your skin young and plump? Now that you’re pregnant, add another 8 glasses after every hour of (light) activity not only to get the same health benefits as your pre-pregnancy days but to add to the health of the life-nurturing inside also. However, if you don’t like drinking plain water, throw in some seasonal fruits to it to flavor the water or just add some occasional lemonade to it. You can also have a glass full of coconut water any time of the day, thus preventing dehydration and fatigue.
Get Adequate Rest
The growing size of your tummy, frequent bathroom visits, and increasing stress factors has already disrupted your sleep. However, the summer heat can make you feel even more disturbed and tired. So, try to distract yourself by relaxing and reading a book, listening to some soothing music, and meditating. Getting adequate rest is an important factor for a mom-to-be.
To Conclude
Undeniably, skincare during summer is essential. However, pregnancy skin-care during summer is far more necessary. These are few general tips for summer-skin care for all the preggy mums. But, if you find your skin to be a little different, before following these suggestions, take the doctor’s suggestion.
