Pregnancy Friendly Skincare

Pregnancy is one of the most magical times in a woman's life. Growing a little one inside you is nothing short of a miracle and a very special journey from pre-conception through until birth.

However it's not all flowers and roses. With pregnancy comes a surge in hormones and subsequent skin and mood changes. Every woman is unique and so is their pregnancy experience, however these hormonal fluctuations often present on the skin as acne, hyper-pigmentation or general puffiness and inflammation. Thankfully these issues dissipate post pregnancy and there are definitely things you can do from inside and out to address these issues.

Throughout every stage of pregnancy, we are here to help. Here's our Meeka's Beauty guide to assist you in achieving the clear and glowing skin that you deserve...

Pre-Pregnancy

Your skin may not be experiencing too many changes at this this time, however what many of us do not realise is that there is a 90 day period before an egg reaches full maturation. During this time the eggs are changing and preparing for ovulation and are being affected by diet, hormone, toxins and stress. Now is the best opportunity to eliminate all of the nasties in your skincare in preparation, if you haven’t already!

Eating organic foods, reducing saturated fats and processed foods will not only support you and your skin but a healthy egg too. It's a win-win! 

Pre-Pregnancy Inside-Out Must-Haves:

Skin:

• Meeka Range An organic non toxic range - as the foundation to your skincare routine to minimise your chemical intake 
• 24k gold elixir - to protect your skin from pollutants and keep the skin youthfull hydrated. 

Foods:

Go organic as much as possible and embrace a balanced wholefood diet rich in colourful vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and quality protein sources. 

First Trimester

Not all women will experience the same changes, as we all respond to hormones differently. In the first trimester the body is in overdrive building an embryo. Progesterone and oestrogen are rising rapidly and blood flow has increased driven by oestrogen. This may create the sought after "healthy pregnancy glow," or on the downside, it could result in oily and congested skin prone to breakouts, similar to what you may have experienced prior to your menstrual cycle commencing.

First Trimester Inside-Out Must Haves:

Skin:

• Organic Aloe vera gel – Keeps your skin clear, hydrated and free of redness.  can be used as an non-greasy moisturiser - the blend of antimicrobial and healing botanicals prevents redness and breakouts.
• Activated charcoal face mask – A purifying clay mask which acts as the perfect skin pick me up. Perfect if you want to wake up with that pregnancy glow on.
• Natural deodorant paste - An effective natural alternative deodorant, all natural ingredients, No Aluminium!
• Natural Sea Sponges- A chemical, mould free healthy bathing alternative to cleanse your body. They last up to 2 years!

Foods:

Whilst it may be tempting to reach for sugar and comfort foods, this won’t help your skin or baby! Stick with the same organic and whole food goals from pregnancy. Opt for protein-rich foods along with an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Having a green smoothie daily with a cup of greens, cup of frozen berries, 1 cup of water or coconut water, 1 cucumber and a squeeze of lemon juice will help to cleanse and hydrate whilst also curbing sweet cravings.

Second Trimester

In the second trimester, oestrogen and progesterone continue to increase to help grow the baby. These hormones, however, also stimulate the melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which triggers your skin’s melanocyte cells to produce melanin. Melanin is what gives your skin colour and also creates issues with dark pigments. It is essential to protect yourself from significant sun exposure at this time to avoid increasing the chances of hyper-pigmentation developing. Use a safe zinc-based sunscreen and use an antioxidant serum on the skin to provide further protection.

Second Trimester Must-Haves:

Skin:

• 24k gold Elixir – This antioxidant serum is abundant in rich omegas and natural occurring vitamin C rich. It works like a tag team alongside sunscreen to further protect your skin from UV damage
• Fruit Enzyme peel mask  - Use this as a spot treatment on areas of hyper-pigmentation or breakouts. It contains powerful fruit enzymes, a botanical clinically proven to reduce pigmentation.
• Loofah facial discs use this twice weekly to unclog pores and reduce excess oil. 

Foods:

Human placental lactogen (HPL), a hormone secreted from the placenta, is thought to help the baby grow is associated with insulin resistance which may develop in the second trimester. High levels of insulin can contribute to breakouts so continue to use your Activated charcoal detox mask..

Continue to reduce processed foods along with foods high in sugar. Now is the time to really increase your fibre intake, as constipation tends to set in. I recommend 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal daily. This is a great soluble and insoluble fibre which helps to keep you regular and helps to gently remove toxins that may be lingering in your digestive tract. Aim for 3-4 serves of whole grains such as oats, buckwheat, quinoa or brown rice to further support your digestion.

Look at these results just after 2 weeks, Fruit enzyme peel mask

Third Trimester

Hormones reach peak levels at 32 weeks with oestrogen and progesterone at their highest point. Signs of this can come in the form of experiencing swelling and puffiness around your face. Using our body brushes giving yourself a gentle self lymph massage may help to shift excess fluid. Take the time to rest and pamper yourself and your skin. 

Third Trimester Must-Haves:

Skin:

• Hydrating body oil - keeps skin elastic and healthy, reduces stretch marks and repairs skin
• Coffee Body scrub -massage your legs and belly with this nourishing body scrub. It contains extracts that shift fluid along with nourishing fatty acids.
• Geranium Body balm - contains Magnesium along with hormone balancing essential oils and extract to shift fluid and reduce puffiness. 

Foods:

Watch your sodium intake which contributes to fluid retention - it may be creeping up in bread, cheese and meat products you are eating.

Up your water to ensure you are keeping hydrated. If you’re finding it hard to get water down turn to herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger and raspberry leaf (which will also help to strengthen your uterus for birth).