Natural Skin Care During Pregnancy
WHAT CHANGES DOES THE SKIN GO THROUGH WHEN YOU’RE PREGNANT?
One of the most obvious changes to the skin is it will start to stretch. The skin is very flexible and can take on a great deal of stretching, however, we do take on the risk of stretch marks, but the good news is, if we start early and use oils on the skin we will greatly decrease the risk of experiencing any at all.
The skin will darken. Another change in the skin during pregnancy includes Chloasma. It is thought to be due to stimulation of pigment-producing cells by female sex hormones so that they produce more melanin pigments (dark colored pigments) This type of pigmentation is increased with sun exposure and can be prevented by using natural SPF’s. The best natural SPF you can use is Raspberry Seed oil or Shea butter. Both will provide daily protection from the sun.
Dryness and dehydration can occur when you are sharing water content with another growing person. Increasing all the necessary requirements your skin needs to function including hydration will keep the skin supple and nourished.
Natural vs Unnatural Skin Care:
Most of the skin care we buy from the drugstore and even places like the Body Shop are made with synthetics and contain toxins that are not healthy for even ourselves, let alone a growing baby. Even the containers our products are stored in contain chemicals that seep into the skin including Bisphenol A.
Bisphenol A has been linked to birth defects and later development of disease because of the endocrine disruption it causes. BPA is found in plastics that a lot of are skin care products are kept in. (Source)
Parabens are another synthetic toxin that is found in most every unnatural product on our shelves. It is used as a preservative and can cause major irritation during pregnancy while your skin is so sensitive. They are also known to have an effect on your hormones because they mimic estrogen leading to different types of cancer.
Natural skin care not only keeps you in the clear of potentially harmful toxins, it also has far superior ingredients that will nourish the skin as it is changing. Organic skin care is high quality and very potent. You will find that using great quality ingredients made from plants will be more effective on your sensitive skin.
Let’s have a look at some of the amazing skin care ingredients you can look forward to including in your skin care regime during this life changing experience.
WHAT NATURAL SKIN CARE PRODUCTS TO USE DURING PREGNANCY
FOR THE BELLY:
Your belly will be the part of the body that is going to be growing the most and will require extra attention. Now when I say belly I want you to include the whole of the torso, including the breasts and lower back. This is where we are more prone to stretch marks as the skin is changing so quickly.
Cocoa seed butter: The ultimate for hydration and that is what the skin needs to prevent stretch marks. It has been used for centuries for pregnant women on their bellies and many people swear by it. I personally would contribute its success based on its nutrient rich vitamin content of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C. These vitamins help heal and repair skin damage, while providing outstanding moisture to the skin, allowing it to be more “pliable”.
Shea Butter: Rich in vitamin A and E, shea butter has the ability to penetrate deep and hydrate the middle layer of skin where stretch marks are formed. It is also a light UV protector with SPF-6.
WHAT PRODUCT WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Keeping your belly beautifully hydrated and nourished only takes unrefined, organic Shea Butter and Cocoa butter. I would use both in a day. Alternating between the two morning and evening.
What Product would I recommend?
What Product would I recommend?
Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Body Scrub is an amazing product that will remove dry dead skin and nourish deep into the tissues giving you flexible and smooth skin.
The safe and effective ingredients that will help you achieve amazing skin during your pregnancy:
Coconut Oil: A combination of fatty acids (lauric, capric, caprylic, myristic and palmitic), Coconut oil has a way of penetrating the skin that few other oils have. Because it penetrates deep into the skin, you get the benefit of deep moisturizing.
Jojoba Oil: Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial – it can help heal wounds
Lemongrass: Inflammation – Lemongrass is an analgesic that can help reduce pain and inflammation, as well, Lemongrass can help kill both internal and external bacterial and fungal infections, such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.