Did you know that you might not be applying your skin products effectively? This is especially important when you’re pregnant.
Most women know that your skin changes once you become pregnant. Some women get acne more easily, and some have drier skin — to name just a few common skin issues during pregnancy.
While it’s true that some products just don’t do what they’re advertised to do, if you don’t apply them properly, this can also contribute to their not working.
Some tips for applying products to your skin during pregnancy are as follows:
- Wash your skin before applying skin products — because it makes it easier for your skin to absorb the active ingredients in those skin products.
- Avoid using regular soap or shampoo to wash your skin because they are too drying. Instead use a moisturizing soap, plain warm water, or a skin cleanser.
- When you’re applying skin products use short, firm strokes. Don’t stretch the skin, or rub too hard as this can cause damage. Once you apply a skin product, then massage it in gently.
- Before using any new skin product, test it out on a bit of skin on your inner wrist. Wait 24 hours and if there is no reaction, then you will know you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
- Consider regular microdermabrasion. The reasoning behind this is that when skin is not cared for properly, the top layer which is composed of dead skin cells becomes tough and it makes it difficult for your skin products to be absorbed by the skin. If you decide to try a home kit for microdermabrasion be sure and read the directions ahead of time so you don’t damage your skin.
IMPORTANT: It should be noted that not all recommend microdermabrasion for those who are pregnant. In fact, some say it is not safe during pregnancy — not because of the process of microdermabrasion itself, but because of the products used with it and not knowing how they might affect the baby.
Check out these links for more information before making a decision one way or the other, or talk to your doctor:
Microdermabrasion During Pregnancy Or Nursing
Is Microdermabrasion Safe During Pregnancy?
Microdermabrasion And Peels During Pregnancy.
Another thing to keep in mind is there are some ingredients in skin products and certain types of skin products which may be harmful to your baby. As such, you should avoid them. They include:
- Retinoids. Retinoids are a type of Vitamin A found in some anti-aging, and wrinkle creams. Studies have discovered that high doses of Vitamin A can harm developing babies, and oral retinoids such as Accutane, an acne medicine, taken by pregnant women have caused birth defects.
- Salicylic Acid. This is a mild acid that is found in many skin products. High doses of salicylic acid taken orally (it’s aspirin) have been shown to cause both birth defects and complications during pregnancy.
- Soy. Soy is in some skin care products these days and while usually relatively safe, if you have the dark patches known as dark skin or melasma, it can make these worse. However, you can use products that have active soy.
- Products for acne. 2% or less salicylic acid in a face wash is considered safe, but you should avoid creams, and other types of leave on the skin acne products.
- Makeups that contain retinol or salicylic acid. For the same reasons stated above.
My favorite things to write about are topics that have to do with weather, pregnancy, weddings, saving money, living green, and my life with dogs. When I’m not writing, I love to spend time with my husband, read, create 3D artwork and Native American beadwork.
