You've found out that a baby is on its way and you can't contain the excitement. But what about your makeup and skin care regime for the crucial months ahead? Pregnancy infuses a natural glow to a woman's skin. The woman's nails get stronger and her hair is thicker and longer. As for external enhancements through cosmetics, there is the question of safety.
Patch test first: Since your body is going through rapid and intense changes in these nine months, allergies and sensitivities might occur that didn't exist earlier. So, the general rule for beauty products is to do a patch test first. There are many options out there in the market that are safe and natural.
Keep hydrated: Drink plenty of water through the day and keep moisturising your skin at regular intervals. A woman's skin stretches during pregnancy and keeping yourself hydrated improves the elasticity of your skin. It can reduce itching and the appearance of stretch marks.
Know the ingredients: It is essential to know what really went into that moisturiser you are rubbing on your belly. Your best bet are cosmetics that have the least number of ingredients and mostly the ones easy to pronounce. If you don't trust store-bought concoctions, make your own. If you plan to breastfeed your child, be careful about what you plan to apply around the bust area.
Go natural: The boom of organic and natural beauty products deems well for pregnant ladies. You might like them so much they may become your staples for life. Products that contain ylang ylang, tea tree oil, chamomile and citrus are all great for the skin and safe for pregnant women.
Nail art and care: A mani-pedi is non-toxic for expectant mothers. It's safe to get your nails done when you are pregnant since the polish is on your nails, and is not going to be absorbed into your skin. What might not work in your favour is the environment of the nail salon or beauty parlour. Make sure it is ventilated well so the fumes — those coming from all corners of the salon where the therapists are giving beauty treatments — don't affect you.
Nail paint tips
Use chemical-free nail polish. Top-notch nail paint brands these days are making nail paint that is generally free of dye and harmful chemicals. Look for nail paint that is '3-free' —without dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde — or '5-free' — additionally free of formaldehyde resin and camphor.
Take your own manicure set to the salon. It's hygienic and sanitary. You won't have to worry about fungus or infections from the instruments.
Pamper yourself. Pregnancy — especially during the last few months when you can barely do any chores — is the time to enjoy a mani-pedi for the sheer joy of it.
What not to do
Avoid products that contain rosemary, jasmine and cinnamon. Although they are all natural ingredients, they are also known to increase blood pressure and could lead to early contractions. Ironically, they might work in your favour during the last few months of pregnancy if you want to speed up the process naturally.
Don't wax during pregnancy since your skin is too sensitive.
Stay away from anything that contains synthetic fragrances.
BDST: 1538 HRS, JULY-07, 2014
