Pregnancy Skin Care Guide

Pregnancy is an exciting time for women. Your body is changing, you’re preparing for another addition to your family, and you’re enjoying the love and support of your family and friends. Unfortunately, pregnancy also has a few less-than-glamorous aspects, such as the temporary skin issues that often arise. Luckily, most of these skin issues resolve themselves shortly after delivery; however, here’s a quick guide to several common skin conditions developed during pregnancy, as well as what pregnancy-safe products can be used to treat them.

One of the most common skin conditions associated with pregnancy is the development of stretch marks, tiny tears under the skin that 90% of women develop in the sixth or seventh month. While there’s no research conclusively proving how to manage stretch marks, moisturizer can improve the appearance and also reduce itchiness. Speaking of itchiness, pregnant women often experience itchiness and rashes as well. Similar to stretch marks, these symptoms can be relieved with the use of fragrance-free moisturizers.

The hormonal changes women experience can lead to melasma and acne. Melasma is the darkening of the skin on a woman’s face, and makeup and concealer can camouflage the darkness, while sunscreen can prevent further darkening and soy-based sunscreen may even lighten the affected area. Women can improve any acne on their face by washing their face regularly with fragrance-free cleanser and using over-the-counter, pregnancy-safe products. Unfortunately, many such acne products contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids, which can be dangerous to pregnant women as they’ve been linked to pregnancy complications and birth defects.

Finally, a few skin conditions pregnant women face can be easily treated at home. For example, puffiness on the face and eyelids can be improved with ice and cold packs.

While the skin conditions caused by pregnancy can be uncomfortable, pregnant women can gain relief in the fact that it’s a temporary discomfort that will soon be replaced by a child to love.

Men's Shaving Tips

I am personally not a fan of facial hair. I am not sure why that is. It just bugs me when it comes to a guy I am dating. If you knew my ex, you know he had a beard and a mustache, funny, I know. Facial hair doesn’t look good on every guy, rarely does it look good in my opinion. I prefer a guy who is clean shaven. I don’t like stubble. My skin is very sensitive and honestly it hurts. It can be hard to shave when you factor in things like having a steady hand or being left handed. I am left handed and I obviously don’t shave my face but I tend to nick my legs shaving. It can be really discouraging when you are shaving whatever and you see blood. Razor burn hurts so badly. I once had it in both armpits. It was all over. I think I slept with my arms up in the air that day.

Here is a great infograph from advdermatology.com to help guys with some shaving hacks so they don’t hack their faces while shaving. It contains some really interesting tips that I have never thought of.  It tells you when to shave and how to shave. I am going to save these tips for Noah when he’s old enough to shave many years from now. I am not looking forward to him being at the shaving age. 

Be sure to share this with any guy who shaves.  I am sure they will thank you.  What do you think of these tips? Did you learn anything new? Do you have any other tips to add?

How to Achieve Perfect Skin for your Wedding Day

As exciting as it is, planning for your dream wedding can be a stressful process- and unfortunately, that stress can show on your skin through breakouts and blemishes. Take a long-term approach to achieving glowing skin on your wedding day with this year-long guide to wedding skincare.

12 Months to Go: Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to create a plan for your skincare concerns; continue to see the dermatologist regularly leading up to your big day. Wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun so that your skin stays healthy, and begin implementing your skincare plan. Treatment can take a while to work, and you may have to make adjustments to find out what works for you. Instill good skincare habits in yourself now, such as washing your face twice a day.

6 Months to Go: Avoid flip-flopping between products. To prevent stress-induced breakouts, drink plenty of water and make time for yourself to relax, such as through a regular yoga class.

3 Months to Go: Try a professional body treatment such as a body thermal mask or an exfoliation scrub. Test out different self-tanners or spray tans to find that perfect, non-orange glow for your wedding day.

1 Month to Go: Schedule a brightening facial with extractions for a healthy glow. Have your makeup trial for a dress rehearsal to see what products and colors work with your skin. Make sure you’ve allocated funds in your budget for skincare products that will last you until your celebratory day.

1 Week to Go: Apply sunscreen daily to avoid a sunburn. Wear sensitive skin deodorant, get plenty of sleep every night, and drink water throughout your day.

1 Day to Go: Use a hydration mask for a nourished glow in pictures. Prep your products so that they’re ready to go tomorrow. Go to bed extra early, and stay hydrated while eating antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, leafy greens, and proteins.

On the Day of Your Wedding: Have a trusted friend or family member carry your day-of emergency essentials, such as extra bobby pins or pressed powder. When getting your makeup done, use mascara, brow filler, and under eye brightener to look awake and refreshed. For an airbrushed look, use facial shine control and setting powder; make sure that your foundation matches your skin tone on both your face and neck. Finally, use setting spray to ensure that your makeup lasts for the entire day.

No matter how beautiful your skin looks, a big smile is the best accessory a bride can have on her wedding day- so have fun and enjoy your big day!