Pregnancy is a great excuse to really push the boat out and pamper yourself. While eating for two may seem a licence to eat your way through the sweet trolley, you will pay for indulging yourself with a sluggish system and weight battles after junior has arrived.
Body beautifying, on the other hand, ticks all the right boxes. It’s relaxing (good for your mental well-being), nourishing, (good for your changing shape and the condition of your skin), and last but not least, it’s a treat and there’s no excuse for not being good to your hard-working body.
Skin expert Leonard Daly (above) of the Queen Beauty Emporium in Dublin , who did the make-up on the following pages, has some advice for expectant mums.
If you are already using skincare that has active ingredients (such as MD Formulations), you can continue using it during your pregnancy, but don't begin a routine containing glycolic acid or AHAs when you become pregnant. Consult a skin therapist about products you are using – you may need to change them.
Always use an high SPF, as the pigment in your skin is more susceptible to sun damage because your hormone levels are different while pregnant.
Keep up exfoliation while pregnant, but use a product with a natural approach, such as Dermalogica'sDaily Microfoliant.
Exfoliate your body, too. Using a dry body brush will benefit circulation as well as smoothing skin.
To avoid stretch marks, make sure you keep the area well oiled – almond oil is a good choice, and smells lovely.
Some essential oils should not be used during pregnancy, so consult a professional if in doubt.
As regards make-up, continue with your usual routine. Your skin can change many times during pregnancy, so you may need to buy a blotting powder or a more intense moisturiser, as your skin may produce excess oil or may become dry.
Queen Beauty Emporium, 01-4789633, e-mail leonard@queenbe.ie