After Beyonce’s big news at the MTV Video Music Awards, baby bumps are all the buzz: the 29-year old R & B diva’s officially expecting. Of course, she’ll shine in her ‘pregnancy glow,’ but
pregnant beauties everywhere, beware: those nine months can turn into a roller coaster ride for
skin.
Hormones in Flux
The pregnant body produces about 50% more blood and the increased circulation can bring on
that radiant glow. Ever-changing hormonal fluctuations can cause unpredictable skin changes:
one day it can be oily, the next day it’s dry.
The good news is that if you follow some basic rules; adopt a simple, basic skin care regimen to
CLEANSE, MOISTURIZE, and PROTECT; and stay prepared to switch it up if needed;
hormonal stresses don’t need to show on your skin!
1) CLEANSE: If you are experiencing oily skin or breakouts during pregnancy, look for a mild
cleanser with glycolic acid. If your skin is feeling dryer, go for a milky cleanser with soothing
and hydrating ingredients like calendula, olive oil, oatmeal and chamomile. All skin types should
avoid products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide at this time, as well as any products with
heavy fragrances. To exfoliate, try a mild do-it-yourself facial scrub made with brown sugar or
crushed oatmeal mixed with either honey or olive oil—these non-irritating ingredients should
work with all skin types.
2) MOISTURIZE: If you are experiencing oily skin or breakouts, choose oil-free products. All
skin types should look for moisturizers that are non-comedogenic; contain calming and soothing
(anti-inflammatory) ingredients such as calendula, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe vera; as well as
antioxidants such as green tea, pomegranate, grape seed extract, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Alpha
Lipoic Acid, or coffeeberry to nourish the skin.
3) PROTECT: Use a sensitive-skin formulation sunblock with minimum SPF 30 and full
spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Use this EVERY DAY, no matter what weather is like, and
remember that sunblock needs to be reapplied periodically. If needed, for convenience during the
day you can use a hypoallergenic powder that contains sunblock protection—but remember to
reapply this as well. When outdoors, cover up with an SPF 30+ hat or umbrella. And DON’T
take your cues from celebrities showing off their bumps in bikinis—that’s way too much sun
exposure for your growing belly! Find a flattering one-piece instead.
Topical prescriptions and even some over-the-counter skin care products may contain substances
potentially harmful to your baby—double-check with your doctor if your prescription is safe for
use during pregnancy, and always read labels.
The most important thing for you to remember: embrace your pregnancy, and let yourself glow
inside and out. Don’t let skin challenges get you down! Follow the simple advice above.
Beyonce will look as fresh-faced as ever as she navigates becoming a mom, and you can, too. No matter what’s going on in your life, it doesn’t have to show on your skin!
What pregnancy skin care questions do you have? Ask us!