Tips From Mama Mio, The Pregnancy Skincare Brand Everyone’s Talking About

CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MAMA MIO SKINCARE

Think About Scent

Many pregnant women will notice their sense of smell is heightened, especially during the first trimester, which can exacerbate morning sickness. Sensitive noses are due to pregnancy hormones, specifically oestrogen – be prepared to avoid certain foods and products during your pregnancy, as your new found sense of smell may stay with you for the full nine months. It’s been speculated this strange side-effect is actually your body’s way of protecting you and your baby from foods and other toxins it thinks may be harmful. When it comes to beauty products, try to use unscented or fragrance-free products such as Mama Mio’s Fragrance Free Tummy Butter, Superstar in a Jar and the Keep Calm Nipple Balm.

Remember Less Is More

Pregnancy isn’t the time to try out the latest skincare trends or cutting-edge facials. Try to use simple products you know are pregnancy-safe and save the more advanced treatments for after your baby is born. Specific ingredients to avoid are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retin-A, hydroquinone and aluminium chloride hexahydrate.

Read The Label

The term “organic” has become synonymous with “good for you”, however it’s important to remember that organic doesn’t necessarily mean pregnancy-safe. Some plants and essential oils may be certified as organic but may not be advisable during pregnancy or may trigger allergic reactions on the skin. Remember to always check your ingredients list and make sure that all ingredients, organic or not, are advisable during pregnancy.

Protect Against Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are tiny tears in the skin – specifically in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) – that occur when skin is stretched quickly and suddenly; this means they’re more likely to occur when you’re pregnant due to your new pregnancy hormones interfering with the function of cells known as fibroblasts. These are cells that are responsible for the creation of collagen in the body; their job is to keep your skin supple, elastic and strong. However, when your skin is stretched quickly, the fibroblasts have trouble keeping up with all the extra work needed to keep repairing the skin, so stretch marks are formed. To keep your skin in tip-top condition, give it plenty of nourishment – butters and creams filled with organic oils such as sweet almond and avocado (found in Mama Mio’s Tummy Rub Butter) will give your skin a helping hand.

Look To Vitamins

Another stretch mark culprit is the lack of essential vitamins in your body to support healthy skin. Your baby, smart little thing that it is, knows that it needs vitamins and minerals to develop, so if it’s not getting enough through your diet, it’ll start stealing the ones stored in your body. Vitamins A, C, E as well as omega fatty acids, help support a healthy skin structure and if your diet is lacking in the proper amount of these nutrients, the baby could be dipping into your reserves. All of this makes stretch marks even more likely to form. Replenish any lost omegas or vitamins in your skin with products that are loaded with them – Mama Mio’s Tummy Rub Butter and Tummy Rub Oil are packed with a nutrient-rich blend of organic oils, including avocado, argan and almond.

Love Your legs

When your pregnant, there’s a whole lot more of you to support than usual. The bottom half of your body, your legs and feet, are holding up a lot of extra weight and this can take its toll. Try soaking your legs and feet in an Epsom salt bath – naturally rich in magnesium, this will help to ease aches and pains – and applying Mama Mio Lucky Legs; this clever cooling gel will provide an uplifting relief that lasts for hours thanks to peppermint, calming lavender and hydrating murumuru.

Forget Harsh Products

Pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc with your skin – especially in the first trimester when the placenta is forming – leading to both a drier complexion as well as hormonal acne. Whatever happens, remember that this is temporary and try, wherever possible, to treat your skin gently and with love. Don’t use harsh ingredients – salicylic and glycolic acids, synthetic fragrances, triclosan (found in many antibacterial hand soaps) and formaldehyde – instead, stick to the basics and your skin will thank you later.