Lately, it seems like everyone I know is preggers. In the last few months, almost every woman in my circle of friends (I’m including Internet friends) has decided to reproduce and my Twitter stream is filled with new parents posting hospital pics of their newborn spawn. My BFF’s incubating child already has its own Twitter account, and no, I’m not kidding.
As a result, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about what kind of beauty products are safe to use when you are expecting. I’m sure most of you know that when you are pregnant you must be careful, especially in the first trimester about not only what you eat, but what you use on your body as well. So if you are one of the pregnant masses–Congratulations! I hope everything goes well for you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. Just please remember that your comfort still matters and there is nothing wrong with a little pregnancy pampering.
For Stretch Marks.
Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action is a very rich cream that can be used on any of the areas of the body that may be prone to stretch marks–breasts, hips, abdomen and your upper thighs. It is safe to use during your entire pregnancy and should be used daily for maximum prevention. I know there are a lot of stretch mark prevention methods out there, but if you are sensitive to smells as my BFF is, you will appreciate this cream’s light almost undetectable scent. Some other good product to try from Mustela are Instant Comfort Legs and Specific Support Bust.
For Treating Acne.
When you are pregnant Retinoids (Accutane), Salicylic Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acids are all big no-nos, which is heartbreaking since so many women suffer from acne while pregnant. Belli Pregnancy Acne Clearing Facial Wash was developed by an OBG-YN and his wife, and as such, it uses Lactic Acid for fighting acne and is designed specifically for pregnancy-induced acne. Also, Glycolic Acid is safe to use as long as the product does not include BHAs
For Preventing Melasma.
Oh boy. There are many, many things that I hope will not happen to me when I decide to breed–I know my hope is futile–and this is one of the top five out of five million. Melasma, or pregnancy mask, is a darkening of the skin on the face. If you are suffering from melasma, rest assured that in most cases it goes away on its own after you deliver, but the best way to prevent melasma is to wear sunscreen every day and stay out of the sun. Your skin is much more sensitive to damage during this time, so stay out of the sun! Once again Belli Pregnancy Anti-Chloasma SPF 25 is designed for pregnancy, but really any Titanium Dioxide based sunscreen is safe and highly recommended.
Let’s Talk Hair Removal.
I know that as your pregnancy progresses being able to shave is only going to get harder, and if you are not a fan of waxing, rest assured that depilatory creams are perfectly safe as long as you are not allergic to it. Do a patch test on the back of your knee to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
This is beautiful.