Be skin-wise

As a pregnant woman, you’re entitled to glow. It’s supposed to come with the territory. Right? But the same fluctuating hormones that increase blood flow and bestow a healthy-looking flush on your cheeks can also wreak havoc with your skin, especially in the summer. We come to your rescue with strategies to help you banish the summer bummers and restore the radiance that’s rightfully yours. And we’ve found lots of great pregnancy-safe skin tips to help you.

Be skin-wise and…
Use a sunblock with a minimum SPF of 30. Pregnancy is definitely not the time to be tanning.

Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before going outside, ideally under your clothes before you get dressed. This not only gives the skin time to absorb the lotion, it also prevents oil from rubbing off on clothing and forming unsightly stains.

Use a self-tanner for pregnancy-safe, natural-looking colour. Gently exfoliate your skin beforehand to ensure an even application.

Avoid waxing, as your skin can be extra sensitive during pregnancy. Shave instead, smoothing on hair conditioner beforehand for extra-soft skin.

Protect your lips by always wearing lip balm; make sure your lip balm includes a minimum SPF of 30.

Nourish your skin by drinking plenty of water – at least two litres a day. It will keep you hydrated and help to maintain your core body temperature.

Skin problems

Acne and spots are a common sign of pregnancy, especially if you suffer from acne rosacea, which causes persistent redness, bumps and pimples on the face.
EXPERT SOLUTION Use a gentle cleanser on your face. For extra-deep cleaning, use a clay or mud mask. If you still have blemish problems, effective, safe options include glycolic acids treatments. Prescription and store-bought products are safe to use during pregnancy. Avoid: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and ALL retinoids and retinols (vitamin A derivatives). Roaccutane and other oral acne treatments can cause foetal abnormalities and MUST NOT be used.

Chloasma (aka melasma and the “mask of pregnancy”) is a condition in which patches of skin become darker than other areas of skin; it typically occurs on the face, particularly the forehead and cheeks.
EXPERT SOLUTION Sun exposure exacerbates chloasma, so stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 at all times. Don’t use pigment-lightning treatments while you are pregnant or nursing. Try sweeping a bronzer over the lighter portions of your face to even out skin tone. Chloasma usually fades after pregnancy as it is associated with changing hormones. If it persists, speak to a dermatologist who may recommend prescription creams containing hydroquinone, chemical peels
or dermabrasion.

Stretchmarks can appear along the sides of your belly, breasts and thighs during pregnancy. They are the results of elastic fibres being torn and it is broken capillaries that give them the purplish colour.
EXPERT SOLUTION Genetics are the most important determinant of how well your skin will stretch without tearing, but consistent application of moisturisers and stretchmark products certainly can help. After pregnancy, laser treatments carried out before the purple marks fade to white can reduce the appearance.

Itchy belly and breasts is a common problem during pregnancy: dry skin, fluid loss and increased metabolism are all causes of the maddening problem.
EXPERT SOLUTION Reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower or bath because water, especially hot water, dries the skin. Drink lots of water and use very rich moisturisers and stretchmark creams to help.

Beat the heat

Your temperature is higher than normal when you are pregnant because your body is working harder than usual. Add to that the summer sun and it’s easy to feel over-heated. Follow these tips to keep cool.

Make a splash Invest in a paddling pool and fill it with cool water to dip your feet in while you sit in the shade.

Dress to chill Think light and loose clothing in natural fabrics (cotton and linen are best), which allow the air to circulate. This helps to prevent heat rash, a common problem in pregnant women. Also, invest in a wide-brimmed straw hat to keep the face protected from the sun.

Cool runnings Fill a bowl full of ice and place it in front of a fan to really feel the air temperature drop. Make a cool wrap by putting ice cubes in a towel and placing on the back of the neck.

Water babe Drinking the recommended two litres of water is essential to stay hydrated for baby and for keeping mom cool. Use fruit to make smoothies and add lemon, lime, orange or mango juice to chilled water to create easy-to-drink thirst quenchers.