7 Pregnancy Beauty Changes
The severity of the expected pregnancy symptoms surprised me from the get-go, but I’ve been the most startled by changes in my beauty routines. While these may not seem especially dramatic, they are a lot harder to deal with when you are already exhausted. If only bi-weekly spa visits were within my budget.
1. Facial hair and peach fuzz is something I wasn’t expecting with pregnancy. By fuzz, I mean soft baby hairs taking over most of my body. While this peach fuzz doesn’t bother me, thick and rapidly growing facial hair does. Eyebrows become unruly overnight and unsightly stray hairs must be plucked daily. On the upside, my hair and fingernails are still strong and shiny. On the downside…
2. Body hair grows fast. This gets its own bullet because I’m only at the beginning of my second trimester and shaving everyday is already draining. I’m planning to get waxed soon (wondering if I can get a full body discount…) but I’m wary that it will all grow back within a week. Bikini weather is approaching and by mid-summer I probably won’t even be able to reach some spots on my own – This is problematic.
3. Breakouts are a well-known symptom of pregnancy but I’m finding that the elasticity of my skin has suffered a bit too, making matters worse. My face doesn’t have its usual tightness, making shininess and acne stand out. I’m hoping that some vitamin D and UV rays in the coming months will help remedy this problem. While it’s best to go as natural as possible when it comes to products while preg, acne treatments such as salicylic acid are typically considered a safe ingredient in face wash or moisturizer.
4. Facial puffiness is caused by weight gain as well as mild water retention during pregnancy. While this may contribute to the pregnancy glow in some women, I’m fearful of my already-round face hitting full-on fat girl territory. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding high-sodium foods can help reduce excess fluid as well as keeping skin clearer.
5. Vision changes can be a major annoyance in pregnancy. Not only can your prescription shift, fluid around the eye can actually change the shape and size of your eyeball, making contact lenses an uncomfortable fit. In four months I’ve worn my contacts (which I used to wear daily) less than 24 hours total. I’m hoping to get a new prescription by the time sunglasses weather hits.
6. Melasma, or the “mask of pregnancy”, is a change (usually darkening) of skin pigmentation during pregnancy. I haven’t experienced it (yet) but it’s a major complaint and can be worsened by skin exposure. Not so good considering I’m looking forward to some very pregnant sunbathing this summer. Luckily, discoloration usually disappears with a few weeks of delivery.
7. Pregnancy glow is due mainly to an increase in blood volume, making you look flushed, although hormones can play a part. Probably the most well known pregnancy perk (other than increase in breast size), this “symptom” has more to do with biology than mood, although obviously a woman who is happy is more likely to appear “glowing”.
While natural products are a wise beauty decision no matter what, avoiding chemicals during pregnancy is especially important, as what you apply to your skin can pass to the fetus. In the first trimester, chemical smells can also be extremely nauseating. Some research also suggests a link between household and cosmetics toxins and autism.
My picks for a natural pregnancy glow:
Hair: Yes to Carrots Pampering Carrot Juice Shampoo
Face: Epicuren Chai Soy Mask & Hydrating Mineral Mask, DIY Chocolate Face Mask, Make your own face & body scrub my mixing sugar with honey or olive oil, Beauty by Saria Mineral Makeup, Purely Cosmetics Natural Mineral Makeup
Body: Epicuren Cinnamon Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub, See my list of Best Natural Body Lotions, Soften skin with olive oil – slather on then rinse post-shaving in the shower or put a few tablespoons in a bath with epsom salts
What are your favorite natural beauty products and/or remedies?
© 2012
It’s honestly nice to hear someone bemoaning the unflattering parts of pregnancy; I feel like some women think they’re devaluing their mom-cred if they air their beauty grievances…
Also, the vision changes must be such a thorn in your side-I’m a contact enthusiast too.
XO
Carly
All this is Grace and Charm
http://allthisgraceandcharm.blogspot.com
I’m actually not looking forward to having a baby right now especially since I’m working so hard with my workouts right now. I actually wrote a huge rant about it on my other blog after I watched Kendra Wilkinson being depressed over her body after she had her baby. Of course, you can’t put a price on new life so I’m just feeling like this now since I’m not planning to have one anytime soon anyway.
Funny you mention Kendra, because whenev I see that episode I always comment that it’s her styling that makes her look awful. She looks hot with her hair down and a low cut top so why did she choose to go out in an updo and a top that’s up to her neck. Obvs she is athletic and will get her body back but even at her pre-preg weight she would have looked hideous in that getup.
Before I got pregnant I was at a “normal” BMI but around 15 pounds heavier than I felt I should be on my 5′2 frame. My doctor gave me permission to use my (healthy) goal weight as my start weight so that I don’t have to gain as much weight. Most women gain more than they need to and working out on a regular basis is better for post-partum weight loss as well as for easier labor.
I totally see your point about not wanting to ruin your perfect body
but it really depends on your habits. I read an article where someone asked Heidi Klum if they would look as good as she does post-pregnancy and Heidi answered, “What did you look like before you got pregnant?” I think that says it all.
I am always amazed at how many changes the body goes through during pregnancy. My best friend Kelly has two kids and is back down to her pre-preggo weight, but her body shape itself is different. She describes herself as a size 5 with size 7 hips now, haha.
As for natural products…jeez…I don’t think I use any! I’m obsessed with BBW lotions and VS lotions, but I’m sure those are loaded with chemicals. Once Keith and I start to think about little ones I’ll have to refer back to this post.
And I plan to try to blog more. Student teaching eats my soul.
Pregnancy has been good to my body thus far! I haven’t necessarily felt amazing (far from it in my first tri) but only my belly has gotten bigger – Husband agrees that my butt and legs have slimmed down since I got knocked up. I’m honestly not worried about losing baby weight.
An easy switch for you might be to The Body Shop. I’m not sure how much healthier their products are but I love them and their company seems to be very Earth-forward. Their scents and the lushness of their products is comparable to BBW and VS. Oh, and you could also use Lush products for that matter.