While we’ve told you what unexpected skin and body changes can occur while you’re pregnant, the majority of the questions we get from readers seem to come back to the most common concerns-stretch marks, bloating and pimples. That’s why we spoke with celebrity esthetician Sonya Dakar of Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic in Beverly Hills to find out how to deal with the beauty issues that come as a complete package before your bundle of joy arrives.
Stretch marks:
To help improve your skin’s elasticity, Dakar suggests rubbing your belly several times a day in a circular motion with creams or oils that contain cocoa butter, vitamin E, flax seed oil or sweet almond oil. “The best time to apply is when you just step out of the shower and your skin is still damp,” she says. “That is when you will absorb the most moisture and benefit.”
Bloating and puffiness:
Sure you expect to get a bigger tummy while you’re pregnant, but bloating can occur in your hands, feet and even your face. To reduce puffiness in the face, Dakar recommends an acupressure massage to boost circulation. To do so, use an oil like Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic Organic Omega Booster ($42), then with your index fingers gently press and knead your pressure points in small circular motions. Concentrate on your temples, along your eyebrows to the inside ends above the bridge of your nose and down the side of your nose. Breathe slowly and repeat for about two to three minutes.
She also recommends misting yourself regularly with a refreshing tonic that you can make at home to help keep your body feeling cool and refreshed.
To make it, mix together:
– 3 oz. purified water
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
– 1 oz. of cooled and steeped organic chamomile tea
– 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil
Pour all the ingredients into a glass spray bottle and mist your skin throughout the day.
Pregnancy pimples:
As hormones surge during pregnancy, flawless skin can quickly turn into breakout central on the face, chest and back. Dakar says to exfoliate two to three times a week, avoid the sun and try to stay cool to keep inflammation at bay. But if you do have a breakout, she recommends using her zit zapper recipe that uses yeast to draw out impurities from the skin and lemon juice to lighten marks.
To make it:
– First, pour a packet of yeast into a bowl and add one teaspoon of water, one drop at a time.
– Mix it well after each drop until the mixture turns to a medium paste. Add a drop or two of lemon juice and blend.
– Dab the paste on your breakouts and let it dry.
Related:
Mommy Makeover Secrets From a New York Plastic Surgeon
