Free tips for skin care beauty

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Pregnancy can be an exciting time of wonder and discovery.

Your body starts doing all sorts of amazing things, like growing long beautiful nails and luxurious hair (a by-product of hormones and prenatal vitamins.)

And, along with a rapidly expanding waist line, comes new skin care challenges and concerns, like dark spots, blotchy skin and pimples, and serious concerns about the safety of certain beauty procedures.

Before you head back to your salon for a root touch up or to your local spa to enjoy another pampering day of beauty, you'll want to read our quick run down on safety issues involved in taking care of your skin while pregnant.

(You should always consult your obstetrician or primary care physician for their opinion, before undergoing any type of beauty care or dental procedure during your pregnancy.)

1.)  Hair dye, or root touch up:

If you are planning to get pregnant, you may be able to spare yourself some of the approaching hair care angst and controversy by having it dyed back to its natural color. That way roots won't show at all.

Opinions vary from one doctor to the next on whether or not getting your hair dyed while pregnant is safe.

There may be some concern that the chemicals applied to hair during the coloring process will enter the blood stream through the scalp, ultimately reaching the baby in utero.

Most doctors, however, consider highlights to be ok, as the actual chemical never touches your scalp, only hair shaft.

If you decide to try your own hand at home highlights, opt for a natural vegetable dye based color, that will contain fewer harsh chemicals.

Work in a well ventilated room and use gloves and other preventitive measures i.e. coloring cap to keep the chemicals from reaching your skin.

Either way, check it out with your obstetrician first to get her opinion on the matter.

 

Are wrinkle creams safe during pregnancy?

Some evidence has shown that using Retin A or Retinol (vitamin A) based products can  lead to abnormalities in the unborn baby.

Instead, opt for skin creams, that employ Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA), Vitamin C or E, to soften fine lines, and retexturize skin.

 

 

What can I do to make sure that I don't get stretch marks?

The more weight you gain, especially in the stomach area, the more your skin will have to stretch.

If skin stretches beyond its capacity, you will begin to see tiny pinkish or purple stretch marks.

Talk to your ob/gyn about the maximum weight you should gain for your unborn baby's health and try to stay within that limit.

Like taxxes, stretch marks may be unavoidable.

However you can minimize their appearance with daily applications of cocoa butter creams.

There are several stretch mark reducing options that are safe to take advantage after your baby is born, including Laser treatment, and Retin A.

Until then, you may find that these marks (which do usually fade in time) are easily covered by Derma-blend (or other body make up) or sunless tanner.

 

Should I polish my nails or go natural.

Recent studies suggest that it may be ok to indulge in the occasional nail touch up, since only tiny amounts of formaldehyde and other otherwise toxic chemicals (contained in nail polish) are absorbed by the body through the nail bed during the manicure process.

This makes manicures and pedicures a safe bet for most pregnant moms.

Of course, you should check with your ob/gyn first, but, you may find that he or she agrees that this is one of the best ways to pamper yourself during pregnancy.

For extra sanitary measures, provide your own bottle of nail color (that noone else has had access to) and make sure that your nail tech uses steralized or disposable nail care implements.

 

What about massages? Are they safe, during pregnancy.

Taking time out for a much needed neck or back massage may be essential, not optional, especially considering that it can help relieve tension, stress and pains associated with pregnancy.

Just be sure to tell your massage therapist that you are pregnant so she can make accomodations for your growing belly.

It's generally advisable to avoid deep tissue massage, shiatsu and reflexology/accupressure type massages or anything that focuses on manipulation of the abdomen, though, as they may interfere with the unborn baby's development.

 

What about facials and other luxury spa treatments?

Mild exfoliating, non-chemical facials and pore treatments are considered safe.

However, you'll want to avoid body wraps, steam room sauna's, immersing yourself in warm mud bath, or any spa treatment that might raise your body's temperature, and cause harm to your baby.

 

Can I use a lightening cream to get rid of my Malasma and dark spots?

Pregnancy hormones may cause your skin to selectively tan in some areas, producing a spotty effect. Nearly half of all pregnant women experience Malasma or dark spots on the skin at one point in their pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor about the possible treatment options available, and risks involved in using over the counter and prescription lightening creams.

Little is known about the possible harmful effects of the lightening chemicals on the fetus.

You may find  that you can simply hide dark patches with foundation or concealer, without exposing your baby to any risk, at all.

Some old wives tales suggest that lemons (which contain vitamin C and ascorbic acid, a natural skin peel) and buttermilk may help lighten skin naturally.

Treatment options will increase once your baby is born and the dark spots begin to fade on their own.

 

Pimples and pregnancy.

Some pregnant women complain that they experience more acne like symptons, including pimples.

Changes in hormones may cause oil glands (sebaceous glands) to go into overdrive and produce excess oils.

This can lead to clogged pores and severe break outs on face, shoulders, back and everywhere in between.

 While there is no real oily skin cure, you will find some relief by adopting a regular daily cleansing and toning routine.

Cetaphil or other mild facial cleanser will remove excess oils without causing irritations.

Avoid heavy moisturizers that only add to the problem.

Remove gym clothes immediately after working out, and shower as soon as possible, to keep sweat and dirt from getting into your skin.

 

Help for extra dry skin during pregnancy.

If your skin or lips become overly parched or dried during pregnancy, it may be a sign that you are not getting enough water during the day.

Dry skin wrinkles easily, so you'll want to handle the problem quickly.

You can get instant relief from Sahara dry skin with rich emollient moisturizers like Shea Body Butters.

Use a loofah or exfoliating body puff to remove dry flaky skin cells.

And, apply baby oil or body lotion to your skin immediately after stepping out of the shower, but before you dry off.

More than anyone else, Moms, and moms to be deserve to be pampered and primped, too!

After you become a new mom you'll find that your skin undergoes even more drastic changes.

Late nights spent with a crying baby, lack of sleep, and changes in hormones  may leave your skin looking lifeless and dull.

While it will be tempting to ignore your own personal beauty care needs, during and after pregnancy, you'll find that you have a fresher more revived outlook on life and motherhood when you simply take a few moments to indulge your inner beauty diva daily.

About the author:

by Beverly Johnson: For more Free tips for skin care beauty, free beauty samples, and the best dry skin care products on the planet, please visit her online site at: http://freetipsforskincarebeauty.passionate-kisses.com

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