Pregnancy Skin Care Advice

Last week we learned that moms should take special consideration when getting a massage or visiting a spa during pregnancy.

But, what's the deal with facials?

With so many procedures out there, it can be hard to determine which treatments will work best -- and be safe -- for you & your baby. But with so many Mamas suffering from pregnancy acne, oily skin and bloating, we understand your face needs a little extra TLC. So let's dive on in!

Oxygen facials - A celebrity fave, oxygen facials introduce awesome ingredients to your skin via a pressurized stream of steam. The blends can include skin plumping hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, vitamins and botanical extracts. This treatment is great for expecting moms with dry  or dull skin.

At-home option: To add a flurry of goodness to your skin, The Spoiled Mama's Lucid treatment for melasma is packed hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating fruit acids (AHAs). With a small molecular structure the serum pierces skin layers more effectively than traditional creams.

Exfoliating facial - For Mamas who are coping with dryness, or dullness, an exfoliating facial is perfect for you. While treatments like microdermabrasion are not recommended for pregnant women, inquire about mild facial scrubs or consider a pregnancy-safe AHA like glycolic acid or lactic acid.

At-home option: Made from organic sugar and nourishing oils, The Spoiled Mama Indulge body scrub is perfect for polishing your body and face. As an added bonus, its oils are great for helping avoid stretch marks during pregnancy.

Deep cleansing - If you have especially problematic skin, try a deep cleansing treatment. This generally includes exfoliation, extraction of blemishes and massage, followed by a healing mask and moisturizer.

At-home option: To battle your blemishes, The Spoiled Mama's Rehab serum can help clear your pregnancy acne. The spot treatment is wonderful for moms who are eager for quick transformation.

Tips:

• Tell your aesthetician you're pregnant, and walk through the treatment menu with her. She should be able to answer any concerns you have, and can create a custom facial treatment for you.
• If you're suffering from morning sickness, take it easy on aromatherapy treatments, which may exasperate any smell sensitivities you have.
• Avoid harsh chemical facials, microdermabrasian and peels.
• Pregnancy skin can be especially sensitive, so be vocal if something hurts, feels too hot, etc.
• Call ahead to make sure the treatment features pregnancy safe skincare. The ingredients should be toxin-free, and safe for you & baby!
  
  

As I began formulating The Spoiled Mama's pregnancy skincare many years ago, one of the first things I learned about was all the wonderful benefits of vitamin E.

If you take a look at the ingredients for our cocoa butter for stretch marks, pregnancy acne serum and stretch mark oil, you'll find vitamin E is an important component in these organic formulas.

That's because while vitamin E is vital for the proper functioning of our body's organs, it also has amazing topical applications that benefit skin, hair and nails.

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found naturally in foods such as avocado, asparagus, eggs, nuts, seeds and whole grains. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.

While vitamin E can be consumed orally through food, supplements and gel capsules, your body delivers only a certain percentage of vitamins to your skin -- no matter how much you ingest.

This is why applying vitamins topically is crucial in delivering maximum benefits to your skin. Used commonly in sunscreens and sun burn relievers, vitamin E is proven to ease dryness and bolster skin’s UV defense. It is also said to even skin tone and soften skin.

Can vitamin E help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy? Can it help fade stretch marks I already have?

According to P. Kim Phillips, doctor of dermatology at the Mayo Clinic, early application of vitamin E is the best way to avoid stretch marks from scarring.

Stretch marks occur during pregnancy when the skin is stretched so rapidly that the dermis, or middle layer of the skin, actually tears. Aside from weight fluctuations, dry, itchy skin and poor hydration also increases the likelihood of stretch marks appearing.

According to "Healing with Vitamins: the Most Effective Vitamin and Mineral Treatments for Everyday Health Problems and Serious Disease," vitamin E oil boosts collagen production, a connective tissue that keeps skin elastic.

With more elasticity, your skin will be less susceptible to tears and stretch marks. To help heal and fade new stretch marks, a topical application of vitamin E supports new skin cell growth and revs up cell regeneration.

To minimize stretch marks and reduce itchiness, choose a moisturizing oil or belly butter that contains vitamin E, and rub it directly to stretch mark-prone areas daily. For pregnant women, these areas include the stomach, breasts, thighs and buttocks.

What other ways can I use vitamin E during my pregnancy?

Aside from keeping stretch marks at bay by keeping skin supple and moisturized, vitamin E can also help prepare you for vaginal birth and reduce the chances of an episiotomy. Starting around 34 weeks, perineal massages can help stretch the skin between your vagina and anus, and greatly reduce the chance of tearing during delivery. Experts recommend choosing a toxin-free massage oil with vitamin E to help increase the skin's elasticity in this delicate region.