A growing belly is a given but what surprises many pregnant women are all the other bodily changes that come about during those precious nine months. For instance,pregnancy hormones can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin and a greater susceptibility to sun damage. Also common are acne breakouts,dry and sensitive skin and thinning or thickening of hair. As dermatologist Dr Dendy Engelman says,“Just as you want to be on your A-game with food and health when you’re pregnant,you have to be the same with beauty and skincare.”
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It’s essential to streamline your beauty routine during pregnancy and filter out ingredients that might be harmful,such as Retin-A,retinol and retinyl palmitate. Swap products containing salicylic acid for a muslin cloth for your face and get a physical exfoliant for your body. Alternatively,use sloughing products containing glycolic,lactic and mandelic acids,which are all considered safe. Hydroquinone,injectables and lasers are also best avoided,as is hair dye in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Chemical sunscreens are also on the out list,so stick to mineral blockers such as ($74). More generally,if in doubt about any ingredient,consult your doctor.
On the in-list,if your scalp feels oily and uncomfortable,try ($38) with neem extract and horse chestnut to help soothe the scalp.
To reduce the appearance of stretch marks,which are often hereditary and can appear on the tummy,breasts and hips,keep skin hydrated morning and night. Body oil is a great way to moisturise and keep skin pliable and applying it regularly can help create a natural lipid barrier contributing to the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Try ($78).
Vitamin C is good for brightening skin and reducing the effects of pigmentation and it also works well with physical sunscreen. We particularly like ($15).
If acne erupts,azelaic acid can slough away dead skin that blocks pores. And for a quick and safe exfoliating face peel,try ($48). And if you’re looking for the perfect mother-to-be present,try ($108) featuring The Butter,The Oil and The Spray. Too good!
Ask Steph
How do I apply liquid eyeshadow?
Place a small amount on the back of your hand. Using a finger,dab a small amount on your lids and blend gently from the base of the lashes all the way up to the brow bone. Our current fave is ($35).
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