Healthy Pregnancy Tips: Your Comprehensive Guide To Bump Beauty

“Pregnancy looks different for each woman. Some might get that covetable pregnancy glow while others may experience breakouts, skin discolouration and dark spots,” Charlotte McHale, Clarins Training Manager, says. “But don’t let these realities dishearten you and drift your mind away from what’s important: you and your baby.” We have all the tips for a healthy pregnancy. 

Did you know that your baby feels what you feel with the same intensity during pregnancy? As a result, experts strongly encourage creating a positive environment for you and your baby from the get-go. 

Pregnancy skincare guide

Remember when you found out you were expecting and started daydreaming about all the possible playdates with your mini-me? Then, weeks later, you start panicking at the first sight of stretch marks and pregnancy zits. Before you rethink your skincare regime, skincare advisors suggest listening to your skin and addressing pregnancy-related skin issues as they arise. Of course, it’s also important to take some time to learn about the skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. 

“Women undergo different skin changes during pregnancy. Pay attention to your skin’s changes and be aware that it might change during each trimester of your pregnancy. My advice is not to invest huge amounts of money in an entire routine because pregnancy is unpredictable,” McHale explains. 

She recommends booking pregnancy treatments instead. “They use quite a lot of oil-based products for both face and body, in particular for the bump area and have been super popular with pregnant women. Apart from the massage, you will also have a consultation with an expert to guide you through your pregnancy skin and give you advice.” 

As well, you can consult our fake tan during pregnancy guide if fake tan is part of your beauty treatments routine.

If you’re not into beauty treatments, a tweak here and there in your everyday routine will do. 

For your face

Dry skin during pregnancy

Experts say that suffering from dry skin during pregnancy generally means that you are dehydrated. McHale’s solution? Incorporate oils into your pregnancy skincare routine. “If your skin is more dehydrated as a result of your pregnancy, add Blue Orchid Oil, £40, as an overnight mask once a week, or even some additional drops to your usual moisturiser. This small change will make a big difference to dehydrated skin.”

Oily skin during pregnancy

Increased hormonal changes also lead to pregnancy breakouts. As a result, more than half of pregnant women are more likely to develop acne. Dermatologists say that pregnancy acne can flare up at any time. It may come and go, or it may progress and last during the entire pregnancy. Treating yourself with a weekly mask such as a Purifying Clay Face Mask, £33, might be enough to stop the production of excess oil and keep the skin nice and matte.

Skin pigmentation during pregnancy

Some may also develop dark patches on their face. This hyperpigmentation is called melasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’ and is highly prevalent among pregnant women. 

McHale says, “Unfortunately, during the pregnancy, there isn’t much you can do to eliminate it. It is caused by a high level of hormonal activity and, therefore, not usually a long-term skin condition. It usually fades within a few months of delivery.”  

Although the exact cause is not fully understood, apart from hormonal changes, sun exposure also seems to play a role in its development. Wearing a high SPF will prevent it from becoming a permanent issue. 

If skin pigmentation becomes an area of concern and turns darker and more noticeable, you can use a few pregnancy cosmetics such as concealer or a light coverage foundation to mask it. However, experts strongly encourage pregnant women to be more kind and gentle to themselves and their skin.

“It’s there because you’re pregnant and it’s going to do its own thing. So women, regardless of whatever their body is going through, should prioritise self-care and self-love rather than being too self-conscious,” McHale says.  

For your body

Prevent and reduce stretch marks visibility

Pregnancy stretch marks affect around 8 out of 10 pregnant women. It results from skin over-stretching and losing elasticity and usually streaks on your tummy, thighs, bottom and chest. The timing differs from woman to woman but usually in the sixth or seventh month. 

To prevent the formation of stretch marks, Clarins skincare advisors suggest applying a pea-size amount of Tonic Treatment Oil, £44, directly on slightly damp skin. Apply liberally on the baby bump area after a bath or a shower and massage it clockwise.

Skin therapists recommend using tonic oil as soon as you find out you’re expecting as your skin might have already started changing without you even realising it. So the sooner you can get into a routine of daily application, the better.  

Continue this routine a month after giving birth until your skin bounces back to its pre-pregnancy state. However, If you start to see the appearance of stretch marks, apply in combination with Body Partner, £40. 

If your stretch marks are red or purple, that means they still have a blood supply and can be repaired. But, if the stretch mark has a kind of silvery colour, it no longer has a blood supply, so it can’t disappear completely. You can improve its texture to make the skin smoother by using this stretch mark minimiser cream.

Note: Exfoliating once or twice a week can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Beauty Daily recommends using sugar polisher or body scrub onto the skin and exfoliating in the targeted area using a massage motion. This action will improve blood circulation and the lymphatic drainage manipulates skin tissues and redistributes fat cells, helping to reduce cellulite appearance. 

Read: What Can Help With Stretch Mark Removal

How to treat swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the extra fluid in the body and the pressure from the growing uterus can cause swelling ankles and feet. The swelling tends to worsen as the due date nears but usually, it’s no cause of concern. 

Try this expert-approved DIY lymphatic drainage massage using Contour Treatment Oil, £44. This oil is infused with broom, geranium, and marjoram, which help eliminate toxins and reduce puffiness and swelling. 

Sweep from the ankles up towards the waist and get rid of excess water and swollen ankles and legs. This massage will make you feel less heavy and tired, and ultimately give you more comfort.

You can layer this with the Energizing Emulsion for Tired Legs, £30, especially on days when you’ve been on your feet all day. It can be applied over your thighs too for a midday pick-me-up. 

When it comes to product application, avoid squirting the lotion directly onto the legs, but rather apply some into the palm. Beauty Daily advises warming the product first.

Putting our skincare in the same temperature as our skin makes it easier to absorb. Rub gently between the hands, then lightly pat over the thighs to relieve muscle tension and relax the legs. 

Bust care

Another area that’s quite fragile during maternity days is the bust area. The skin loses its elasticity leading to a loss of lift and firmness. Address this skin issue using Beauty Bust Extra-Lift Gel, £44, and Firming Lotion, £42.

The bust tightening duo lifts and improves the loss shape of the bust area and restores firmness after giving birth or breastfeeding, thanks to collagen-boosting Vu Sua extract. 

Maternal mental health matters

Apart from ensuring you have everything you need to take care of your physical body, don’t dismiss your mental health.  

One in five women experience a perinatal mental health problem during pregnancy or within the early postnatal years and there’s absolutely no shame in acknowledging it and getting help.  

Telling someone how you feel is a sign of strength. It can be your doctor, midwife, family member, or friend. However, when it comes to maternal mental health, seek support from a licensed mental health provider, specifically one trained in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). International and local support groups are listed here. 

All that’s left to do is put your feet up and enjoy the time and sleep you get now. Because when the baby comes, there will be a lot less Zzzzzs for sure! 

SPECIAL OFFER: Whether you’re expecting or have already welcomed your baby into the world, Clarins will help you feel beautiful with this gorgeous 4 piece kit and pouch when you spend £40. Offer available from 20th June – 31st December 2023. Click here for more information.