A Guide to Summer Skincare During Pregnancy

Summer is almost here and excitement is in the air! If you're a mom-to-be, however, you're probably wondering how the change in weather will affect your mood, body, and extra sensitive skin. We feel you!

Pregnancy is at once a glorious and stressful time — you're overjoyed about the little life growing inside your womb and also shocked by how drastically your body is changing.

Skin issues (thanks, hormone changes!) are common during pregnancy, so it is important to follow a healthy skincare routine. This becomes even more essential during summer because your skin has to combat the additional challenge of increased temperature.

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, start to pamper your skin a little more and a little differently than usual. If you're worried about summer skin care during pregnancy, we've got you covered.

Here's a little guide containing summer skincare tips for pregnant women.

Pregnancy Skincare Tips to Follow During Summer

Not all of us get to enjoy the pregnancy glow people love talking about! Most of us deal with several skin woes during pregnancy, and that's completely alright. As long as the skin issues (for example, acne) are superficial and aren't a sign of something seriously wrong with the body, they shouldn't worry you too much.

Of course, it's still important to take care of your skin and feel comfortable in it — its health goes beyond appearance! With the help of the tips mentioned below, you'll be able to enjoy your summer without fretting too much over your skin. 

Remember, always consult your OB/GYN or dermatologist before choosing skin care products or deciding to follow a specific skincare routine.

Drink Plenty of Water

This is a skincare rule that applies all year round, but it becomes even more important during summer.

As the temperature outside increases, so does your body's water loss. You need to compensate for this by drinking plenty of fluids, and water is just what you need. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will also help flush out toxins from your system.

Additionally, drinking water will help in preventing stretch marks because your skin will be hydrated.

We know it can be hard to down all those glasses of water when you're not even thirsty, but try carrying a water bottle around with you everywhere you go. And if plain old water is too boring for you, spruce it up with some lemon or cucumber slices!

Wear Sunscreen, Always!

We cannot stress this enough — sun protection is crucial, especially during pregnancy.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and you're also at an increased risk of developing melasma (also known as the "mask of pregnancy").

Melasma (also known as chloasma or hyperpigmentation) is a harmless but unsightly condition where patches of dark spots (usually brown or grey-brown in colour) appear on the face. Skin care experts believe that melasma can be triggered and also made worse by sun exposure; using sunscreen regularly can help combat it and prevent it from returning.

Additionally, sunburns during pregnancy are to be avoided because of how sensitive your skin is and how quickly it can get irritated and dehydrated.

So, make sure you slather on sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy outside. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should do the trick.

Get sunscreen that is composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as these are natural minerals that act as physical blockers and are considered safe even for babies. In short, use mineral sunscreens as they are considered to be more suitable for sensitive skin than chemical sunscreens.

Don't forget to reapply your sunblock every few hours, especially if you're spending time outdoors, sweating, or swimming.

Stay Moisturized

During summer, it's important to keep your skin hydrated from both the inside and outside. In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, you need to use a good quality moisturizer to soothe and protect your skin.

Choose a light lotion or gel-based moisturizer that is quickly absorbed by the skin. If you have dry skin, you can opt for a cream-based moisturizer. And if your skin is on the oilier side, look for a water-based moisturizer.

It's also a good idea to use a separate moisturizer for your face and body! You can choose a thick moisturizer for your belly as it can help in preventing and healing stretch marks.

Of course, we suggest using face and body moisturizers that contain mostly natural ingredients. You can even say goodbye to store-bought products and use organic oils such as coconut oil to keep your skin glowing, supple, and healthy.

Exfoliate, But Be Careful

Exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine as it removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and makes sure that your skincare products are absorbed properly. It's especially important to exfoliate regularly if you have oily skin.

However, you need to be careful not to overdo it, especially during pregnancy and summers, when your skin is extra sensitive thanks to hormonal changes and rises in temperature.

Harsh exfoliants can strip the skin of its natural oils, making it dry and irritated. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliating scrubs or use homemade ones that are made out of brown sugar, coffee grinds, honey, almond oil, oatmeal etc.

Choose the Right Skincare Products

Your skin undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy, so it's important to choose skin and hair care products that are gentle and hydrating; shun those that aren't good for you and your baby!

Avoid products that contain retinoids, salicylic acid (more than 2%), or glycolic acid (more than 10%), as certain studies have indicated that these ingredients might be harmful to your unborn child. You can resume using these products once you're done with your pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It's also good to avoid skincare and beauty products that contain synthetic fragrances and artificial dyes. Stay away from aluminum, parabens, and triclosan as much as possible.

If you wish to continue to do makeup during your pregnancy and during the summer, stick to lightweight makeup and choose products that are less harsh on your skin and won't cause harm to your growing baby. Talk to your dermatologist about your makeup products and the ingredients they contain.

If you were using over the counter and/or specific products for your acne-prone skin or dandruff-ridden hair, check the label on the packaging and consult your doctor about their continued use. Products containing niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid are generally considered pregnancy safe.

It's best to opt for products (face washes, soaps, body washes, lotions, shampoos, deodorants,  and moisturizers) that contain natural ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, Vitamin C, lavender oil, and cucumber — these will help soothe and protect your skin. And make sure you moisturize regularly! Your sensitive skin will thank you for it.

In short, be cautious of skincare products and go for all natural ingredients whenever possible (as long as you're not allergic!).

Be sure to read labels carefully and avoid any products that contain ingredients that could be harmful to you or your baby. We encourage pregnancy safe skincare in this house!

Dress Properly and Protect Your Skin from the Heat

When it's hot outside, your first instinct might be to wear fewer articles of clothing in order to avoid sweating. However, it's best to wear items of clothing made of organic cotton that provide more coverage to prevent sunburns, overheating, and dehydration.

Wearing loose, comfortable clothing will help keep your skin cool and dry, and will also prevent rashes and other skin problems.

Avoid tight-fitting clothes as they can rub and chafe your skin, especially if you're sweating. If you must wear tight clothing, make sure it's made of a breathable fabric such as cotton or linen.

In addition to this, try to stay out of the direct sun as much as possible. In particular, try not to go out in the direct sun between 10 am and 4 pm, as that's when the sun's rays are the harshest. You don't want those UVA and UVB rays to get you!

Going out in the sun might also trigger your hot flashes, so it's best to avoid situations where your body can get overheated.

If you have to be outdoors, make sure you wear sunscreen, loose cotton clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin.

Take Care of Your Lips

Your lips can get extremely dry and chapped during pregnancy and summer, so make sure you keep them hydrated.

Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun, and reapply it regularly throughout the day. You can even use coconut oil and shea butter to moisturize your lips.

Take Care of Your Undereye Area

The skin around your eyes is very sensitive, so it's important to take extra care of it during pregnancy and summer. Pregnant women often have to deal with undereye bags and dark circles; the change in weather during summer can cause the undereye region to become even more pigmented, dry, and chapped. Not fun!

Use eye creams that contain hyaluronic acid or bakuchiol to hydrate the area and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

You can also try a cool compress or cold cucumber/potato slices to help with the puffiness and irritation. Shea butter is another great natural remedy to combat undereye issues.

Avoid Hot Baths and Hot Showers

We know how tempting a hot bath or shower can be when you're feeling gross. But hot water can strip away your skin's natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.

Additionally, a pregnant body tends to get overheated quickly and that's not good for the baby. So, stick to lukewarm water instead, and don't stay in the tub or under the shower for too long. 

You can also take a cool bath/shower or a dip in a clean pool if you really want to feel refreshed. 

By following the simple pregnancy-safe tips we've just discussed, you can enjoy summer without worrying about your skin or your baby. With a little extra care, you can keep your skin healthy and beautiful throughout your pregnancy.

Gentle Care for You and Your Little One With Nature's Baby Organics

If you're looking for a skincare line that's natural and gentle enough for both you and your baby, look no further than Nature's Baby Organics!

Our skin and hair care products — shampoos, body washes, detanglers, massage oils, and dusting powders — are made with organic natural ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, SLS, artificial fragrances, talc, and other harmful irritants. This makes them ideal for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond!

Craving a soothing oil massage? You can opt for our Organic Massage & Baby Oil Mandarin Coconut which is USDA certified organic and contains organic sunflower oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil.

Want to have a relaxing bath? Try out our Shampoo & Body Wash Lavender Chamomile which is inherently moisturizing and contains aloe, chamomile, and calendula.

Nature's Baby Organics' range of baby skin and hair care products is formulated keeping in mind the sensitive skin of little ones and so they are suitable for all skin types — including yours as a to-be mom.

Head over to our website today!