Five Tips for Healthy Pregnant Summer Skin

The summer sun can be harsh on anybody's skin, but those rays go next level when you’re pregnant. In addition to the usual suspects like sunburn and heat rash, pregnant women can also suffer from pregnancy acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and stretch marks. But don’t despair – with the right skincare ritual and pregnancy-safe products you can tackle head on the challenges that accompany your changing body and hormones during the summer months.

Here are our top 5 tips for healthy pregnant summer skin:

1. Choose the right skincare products
   When you’re pregnant, it’s important to choose skincare products that are safe for both you and your baby. Opt for products that are free of harmful chemicals and fragrances, and look for ones that are specifically designed for pregnant women like ... you guessed it ... Matrescence.
   
   Our entire line of products for face & body are made specifically for mama and safe for every stage of motherhood, from bump to breastfeeding and beyond. And each product is formulated to achieve targeted results and specially designed to address the specific issues that pregnancy and postpartum skin are prone to such as hyperpigmentation, acne, dryness, melasma and stretch marks.
   
   
2. Stay hydrated
   Drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy skin, and it’s especially important when you’re pregnant. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends drinking 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water each day during pregnancy. When you're breastfeeding, you'll likely need even more.
   
   
3. Avoid the sun
   When you’re pregnant, it’s important to avoid too much sun exposure. Too much sun exposure can raise your core body temperature and you can become dehydrated more quickly (see above!), which can cause symptoms of preterm labor. Increased body temperature can also elevate baby's temperature which can have detrimental effects if it goes too high or is elevated for too long.
   
   The increased estrogen in your body during pregnancy can also make you more susceptible to dark spots on the face when exposed to the sun's UV rays. This is often called the "mask of pregnancy." Be sure to wear sunscreen anytime you’re going to be outside, and try to stay in the shade as much as possible. And if you've developed dark spots that need treatment, try our Rose Glow Trio: a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer all designed specifically to help challenges like hyperpigmentation and melasma.
   
   
4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
   During pregnancy, your skin undergoes some major stretching as your body changes and grows. Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized is key to improving elasticity and decreasing the itchiness that accompanies stretching skin. Treat and prevent stretch marks with our Stretch Mark Relief Restorative Butter and hydrate your growing belly with our Stretch Mark Relief Hydrating Oil.
   
   
5. See a dermatologist
   If you’re having any skin problems during pregnancy, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist. They can give you specific advice for your individual skin type and help you find the just-right products for your skin concerns.

For more pregnancy skin tips, check out our blog post on The Truth About The Pregnancy Glow.

What are your top tips for keeping your skin healthy during pregnancy? Let us know in the comments below!