Fall In Love With Yourself With This Pregnancy Skincare Routine

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey of bringing a new life into the world. For a woman, this journey is also about navigating a few challenges. The mother-to-be experiences a lot of transformations in her body. Her skin too undergoes a few changes due to hormonal fluctuations. So, it is essential to adopt a suitable skin care routine throughout the pregnancy to give your skin the care it deserves.

Why Does Skin Change During Pregnancy?

A pregnant woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes in every aspect, to support the new life growing inside. There are more hormones, increased blood flow, just more of everything. These hormonal changes are primarily responsible for changes in the skin and hair. The body produces more hormones to support the growth and development of the little bean inside the mother’s womb. The production of growth-related hormones is at its peak. As the baby’s skin and hair grow, so does the mother’s.

Now, this is the “happy” side effect, which all women welcome. However, when these hormones go out of balance, some women can experience certain skin issues. For some women, pre-pregnancy skin issues such as dry skin or acne can worsen while for others, skin issues that were non-existent before pregnancy can suddenly show up. And for some their long-term skin issues may disappear magically as they embark on this journey. Different skin changes during pregnancy include dryness, itching, rashes etc. In addition, some women also can develop issues such as hair fall, brittle nails, etc.

Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy

While pregnancy glow is definitely a change all expecting mothers look forward to, there are some other changes as well that one might have to welcome during this beautiful phase. These are

1. Stretch Marks

As our body transforms during pregnancy, it becomes susceptible to stretch marks. Yes, there are a few women who don’t have any or very minimal stretch marks even after multiple pregnancies. And then there are women who tend to develop intense stretch marks in their first pregnancy itself.

Gentle Reminder: Stretch marks or no stretch marks, you’re still beautiful, you’re still flawless.

Stretch marks are a part of the natural progression your body goes through during pregnancy. This happens because your body is growing at a quick pace to accommodate the growth of the baby. But your skin can’t grow so fast, as a result of which the elastin under the skin breaks. This causes the formation of stretch marks under the skin.

Taking care of your skin during this phase can help delay and reduce the appearance of stretch marks to a great extent. One can use the Mango, Argan and Shea Butter from Juicy Chemistry to keep skin well moisturized and prevent the formation of stretch marks.

2. Skin Pigmentation

Constant hormonal changes during pregnancy usually lead to discolouration on the skin. Most of the time it just goes away on its own after the delivery. However, for some, these skin pigmentations are here to stay. Melasma or Chloasma can be found on both the face and the body.

For pregnant women with pigmentation concerns, one can try the Carrot, Rosehip, and Neroli Soap by Juicy Chemistry which is specially formulated to reduce the appearance of pigmentation. This Certified Organic soap bar for the face and body preserves the skin’s natural moisture, boosts its ability to absorb nutrients, and reduces the appearance of blemishes. You can also try their Tamanu, Kakadu Plum and Frankincense face wash which is clinically proven to improve skin’s radiance and promote even skin tone.

3. Acne

Pregnancy acne is not uncommon. Many women experience serious breakouts during pregnancy. Since the skin is especially sensitive during pregnancy, one should try acne-control products that are gentle and nourishing on the skin.

Juicy Chemistry’s Tea Tree, Neem and Rosemary Soap, is a good option for that acne-prone sensitive skin. It cleanses the skin well, regulates sebum production, and controls breakouts. It also preserves the skin’s natural moisture.

Alternatively, you can also try the Hemp, Tea Tree and Neem Face Wash to care for your skin.

4. Varicose Veins

The blood supply in the body of a pregnant woman almost doubles in order to take care of the growing foetus. Increased blood flow causes the veins to swell. At the same time, the ever-expanding uterus puts pressure on them too which results in swollen veins that happen to look very prominent. Varicose veins, in most cases, just go away after pregnancy, but in the meantime, they can cause severe itching, swelling, and aching muscles. It can also lead to pigmentation due to scratching.

To get relief from varicose veins, you can try the Lemon and Lavender Foot Soak from Juicy Chemistry. It helps remineralize the skin, reduces swelling and pain, and acts as a mood elevator.

Common Skin Care Concerns During Pregnancy

An expecting mother is always very cautious of the choices she makes during this beautiful 9 months journey. And they have a zillion questions about skincare too. In this section, we will attempt to clear all your skincare doubts –

1. The Ingredients List

We all are unique and so is our pregnancy journey. Some of us may develop sensitivity towards certain scents or ingredients and that’s why it’s very important to scour through the ingredients list.

Always consult your gynecologist to understand which products are suitable for you and the baby. If needed consult a dermatologist and get suitable and pregnancy-friendly products. This will be a good place to start your skin regimen.

The brand Juicy Chemistry believes in bringing out the best from each of the plant properties in the purest form possible. Their Junior Care range and Cold-pressed Carrier Oils would be a good addition to your pregnancy skincare routine.

2. Sensitivity to Skin Care Products

It is possible that the products which suited you well previously may not suit you during the pregnancy phase. For this reason, it is important that you select products that are hypoallergenic to give your skin the right care.

One can check out Juicy Chemistry’s range of Dermatologically Tested products that are pregnancy-friendly and suitable for sensitive skin. One can also book a consultation with their experts to build a customized routine.

Need For a Skin Care Routine During Pregnancy

1. Your Changing Skin Needs Some Love

By now we know that acne, stretch marks, and other skin conditions are quite common during pregnancy. Your skin care routine should include products that can help take care of your skin and simultaneously target these concerns.

PS: Give your skin the love it deserves.

2. Pregnancy is a Time For Self-Care

You are bringing a new life into this world. In this journey, you will go through many ups and downs. A skincare routine will make you feel pampered. Especially on those days when you feel down due to your hormones, taking care of yourself will make you feel relaxed and uplift your mood. And a happy pregnancy means a healthy baby.

3. Finding the Time to Take Care of Yourself is Easier Before The New Arrival

Once you have your baby in this world, all of your time will be dedicated to spending time with and taking care of them. While you have time at hand, you can make sure that you are taking good care of your skin.

Day Ritual For Pregnancy-Friendly Skin Care Routine

Your skin behaves differently in the morning and at night. During the day, your skin is exposed to dust when you go out. There are a lot of elements like pollution, sun exposure, UV rays etc.

1. Wash

The first step in your skincare ritual is to cleanse, to remove the layer of dirt that forms on your skin. This dirt can penetrate into your skin and cause allergies or aggravate the existing acne issues.

Your cleansing routine should involve washing your face with water and a mild hypoallergenic cleanser. We suggest using lukewarm water and a mild cleanser like Juicy Chemistry’s Damask Rose, Geranium, and Saffron Soap. You must wash your face first thing in the morning, to remove all the grime and dust that accumulate overnight. This soap from Juicy Chemistry is made from natural ingredients that can deep cleanse your pores, boost your skin’s ability to absorb nutrients throughout the day, and even promote your skin radiance for that extra pregnancy glow!

2. Tone

A toner helps restore the skin’s pH balance, controls sebum production, and has anti-inflammatory properties. A toner like the Aloe Vera Hydrosol from Juicy Chemistry can be just what your pregnancy skin needs. If you are suffering from pregnancy-related acne, you can opt for the Australian Tea Tree and Basil Hydrosol toner.

3. Serum

To preserve your pregnancy glow and reduce uneven skin tone try Vitamin C Brightening Serum from Juicy Chemistry. It contains >99.5% Kakadu Plum Cellular Extract – one of the richest sources of Vitamin C in the world.

4. Facial Oil

Choose a suitable facial oil to seal in all the hydration from the serum and keep skin moisturized and nourished for long hours. Check out Juicy Chemistry’s range of Cold-pressed Carrier Oils to pick the right one for yourself.

5. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential for good skincare, (pregnant or not pregnant) despite staying indoors all the time. Regular application of sunscreen can help prevent or delay premature ageing and the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Sunscreen like the one from Juicy Chemistry’s Camellia and Red Raspberry Sunscreen has many benefits. With SPF 30, this water-resistant sunscreen made from natural ingredients can reduce oxidative stress and protect your pregnancy skin.

Night Ritual For Pregnancy-Friendly Skin Care Routine

Nighttime is the time when your body works on skin repair and regeneration. For this reason, you need different products and routines accordingly. You might want to just crash after a long and tiring day. However, the skin repairs and rejuvenates itself overnight when you sleep and for this reason, it is important to prepare it to repair and heal.

1. Cleanse

It is important to wash your face and unclog all those pores. Your skin needs to breathe and recover overnight and that cannot happen if it is clogged with pollution or your makeup from the day. Cleansing also turns your skin into a sponge to absorb the nutrients from the next steps of skincare.

2. Serum

Using a good nighttime serum like the Regenerating Serum helps keep your skin youthful, healthy and radiant. This serum helps repair all the damage your skin goes through during the day so that your skin gets a chance to rejuvenate and regenerate at night while you sleep. The BHA clarifying serum can be a very good choice for acne-prone skin to exfoliate clogged cells and control acne breakouts.

3. Moisturize

A good night cream supports skin repair and gives skin the extra boost of nourishment that it requires after a long day. The Australian Sandalwood and Myrrh Night Cream from Juicy Chemistry will give your skin all the support it needs as it repairs itself. This will leave your skin deeply moisturized, healthier, smoother, and younger-looking. You are bound to fall in love with this unique blend of organic plant butters.

You can even try the wide range of facial oils with unique properties – another product you are bound to love. You can try the Hemp Seed Carrier Oil if you are suffering from pregnancy acne or the Rosehip Seed Carrier Oil if you want to take care of skin pigmentation.

4. Don’t Forget Your Feet

Your feet have had a long day taking the load of your increasing pregnancy weight. Swollen legs and aches are a common complaint among many pregnant women.

If you can, try to soak your feet in lukewarm water with some Juicy Chemistry’s Lemon and Lavender foot soak. While the lemon acts as an anti-bacterial, the lavender can help you to relax and have a restful sleep.

Simple Skin Care Tips During Pregnancy

Apart from the routines mentioned above, you need to make a few other small changes along the way, to sustain good skin. Products can only do so much; the rest is up to you. You need to make lifestyle changes to help your skin, just like you would make changes to care for the baby.

Here are a few simple steps to help you sustain good skin

1. Eat Right

What you eat is extremely important when it comes to your skin too. Eating a well-balanced diet can do wonders for your skin in the long run. Avoid eating too much of fried foods; include a lot of coloured fruits and vegetables in your diet. They contain nutrients essential for your skin.

2. Hydrate

Water helps detoxify your body and clear your skin. It promotes digestion and your gut health plays a major role in your skin’s health. Drinking sufficient water can help reduce your pores and prevent breakouts or dry skin, which can develop stretch marks.

3. Get Your Zzzs

Lack of sleep can ruin your skin. Yes, it can be difficult to get quality sleep with your little one kicking you from the inside, but ensure you get some decent sleep regularly. Lack of sleep can make your skin look dull and age faster.

4. Exercise Regularly

Exercising does not only cause a surge in the happy hormones (which is what you need when you are pregnant), the sweat can help clear out and open up your pores. Clear and tighter pores make you look younger, reduce wrinkles and give you a natural glow. However, it is advisable to get approval from your doctor before you start exercising while pregnant. Please don’t take advice from the internet here.

5. Meditate

Our lives revolve around stress. Meditation can help you calm down and get in touch with your inner self. A calm and rested mind can lead to better-looking skin and better sleep too. If meditation is not your cup of tea, do some activity that will help you calm down and refocus. Mindfulness is a good alternative.

6. Learn to Balance

There is nothing wrong with going off your skincare routine or your diet, once in a while. During pregnancy and after birth, many things will be out of your control. Learn to balance what is important rather than feeling guilty about deviating from your routine. Adapt to your changing life.

7. Read the Label

When you pick a skincare product, read the label carefully. Do not go with what is advertised. See the list of ingredients to know if that is what you want on your skin. If you are allergic to certain ingredients, avoid using skincare products that have them.

8. Don’t Follow Trends

Trends will come and go. Do not fall prey to any quick skincare hacks or trends. Following fad diets can also cause skin issues equally. Always follow a routine that is sustainable and sounds logical. There are no shortcuts in health.

9. Seek Help

If you notice your skin is behaving oddly, get help. It is ok to try home remedies and some products off the shelf. However, sometimes only a professional can help understand the problem. Do not hesitate to get this help at the right time.

10. Choose Wisely

Always choose organic and all-natural products from reputed companies with approvals and certifications. Pregnancy is not the time to try random products.

Taking care of your skin is very important for not only healthier and younger-looking skin but also an important step in taking care of yourself, showing some much-deserved self-love. By taking the time out of your busy day and choosing organic products carefully curated for specific skin issues, you are putting yourself ahead of every other part of your busy schedule.

Fall in love with yourself and take better care of your pregnancy skin. This is the time to focus on some much-deserved self-care. You deserve it!!