Pregnancy- the biggest challenge for my skin.
For the third time, my body is undergoing a total revolution and taking on one of the greatest and most wonderful challenges, that Mother Nature has invented for us, Women.
I won't go on about the mood swings, unusual cravings, and total life changes that pregnancy brings, because most of you know this all too well (or will in the future). Of course, all the less pleasant pregnancy surprises will be quickly compensated by the sweet, beloved little one.
But how does the pregnancy affect our skin?
Facial skin during pregnancy is primarily exposed to excessive drying, swelling and discoloration caused by hormonal changes. Start taking care of your skin from the inside by drinking lots of water and supplying healthy fatty acids.
Although I know how hard it is in a daily, busy lifestyle, try to find time for relaxing and oxygenating walks even if it was only 30 minutes a day - it's really worth it.
Add an extra step to your daily skin care routine- after cleansing your face, rinse it with warm and hot water. When applying your moisturizer, massage your skin a couple of minutes longer. It will improve blood circulation, skin firmness and prevent swelling. You'll also find out how relaxing it can be.
When it comes to choosing cosmetics, I recommend products containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and E as well as soothing ingredients like panthenol or allantoin. Avoid Retinol and Acids as they are not recommended for use during pregnancy.
For everyday skin care I recommend:
-Toner
https://www.mayka-skincare.com/product-page/niacinamide-nettle-toner-150ml
-Strawberry Serum with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
https://www.mayka-skincare.com/product-page/strawberry-serum-30ml
-Vitamin C face moisturizing cream (for normal/combination skin types)
https://www.mayka-skincare.com/product-page/vitamin-c-collagen-boost-moisturiser-50ml
-Moisture Boost face moisturizing cream (for dry skin type)
https://www.mayka-skincare.com/product-page/moisture-boost-face-cream-50ml
However, the biggest challenge during this unusual period is our body's skin.
My belly has already reached a huge size, and my skin is so tight that it's hard for me to imagine that it can stretch even more. And I've still got a month and a half to go.
Stretch marks are the most permanent marks that stay with us after pregnancy. They occur to 90% of women, their formation is genetically conditioned and there is no perfect, golden way to avoid them.
They are a result of hormonal changes and stretching and breaking of the elastic skin fibers of the hips, abdomen, breast and thighs.
How can we try to prevent or at least limit the formation of stretch marks?
Avoid long, warm baths that dry out your skin. A maximum of 15 minutes of bathing at temperatures up to 37 degrees Celsius is recommended.
Gentle peeling and brushing of the skin will help to mantain its elasticity and micro circulation for longer. However, in the third trimester it is safer to omit the abdomen areas. Hips, thighs and bum, on the other hand, can be massaged as long as you wish.
Don't forget to use SPF when exposing your skin to Sun. It is safest to use mineral filters that do not penetrate skin but only reflect the sun rays.
If you like natural skin and body care, avoid these essential oils: thyme, cinnamon, basil, anise- especially in the first trimester.
The most important thing for your body during pregnancy will of course be creams, butters and balms that improve elasticity, moisture level and firmness.
I recommend my Stretch Marks Body Butter, rich in moisturizing and repairing ingredients. It contains a composition of three vegetable butters: Shea, Mango and Cocoa, rich in unsaturated fatty acids Avocado Oil, repairing Oils: Linseed, Tamanu and Rose hips as well as amazing, plant derived Collageneer.
https://www.mayka-skincare.com/product-page/stretchmarks-body-butter
And last but not least, avoid stress, smile a lot and find time for yourself every day,
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