4 Easy Skin Care Tips for Your Baby Bump
Taking care of your baby bump belly skin begins on day one when you find out you’re pregnant and continues until after your baby is born. Your body will change throughout your pregnancy journey, with your belly area experiencing the most significant changes.
Baby bumps come in all sizes, and the amount of skin stretching experienced during pregnancy differs from woman to woman. Some women may experience stretch marks and scars to loose skin in the months following pregnancy. Some may develop a linea nigra, a dark line running down the middle of the belly.
According to Verywell Family, treating your belly skin during and after pregnancy can help prevent stretch marks and loose skin. It can also keep it from getting itchy, flaky, or irritated and ensure that it’s getting all the nourishment it needs.
Here are four skin care tips to help your belly skin stay as healthy as possible as it changes.
Exfoliate the Bump
Start your bump skin care routine by exfoliating your belly’s skin just once a week to remove any dead skin, dirt, and bacteria buildup. If you use a physical exfoliant, make sure it isn’t abrasive. Also, beware of chemical exfoliants and ask your healthcare provider if they are safe to use.
Moisturize the Bump Naturally
According to Verywell Family, the skin absorbs ingredients more when damp, so the next step is creating natural moisture for your belly skin. One way to make moisture is to create steam in your bathroom by keeping the shower running at a hot temperature after you step out. Then, relax in this DIY sauna while your skin soaks in the moisture.
Hydrate the Bump
Hydration equals nourishment for your belly’s skin, and this type of hydration needs to seep in below the skin’s surface. After the bathroom steam, VeryWell Family suggests using products that contain humectants, like hyaluronic acid, which is safe to use during pregnancy. Humectant products such as essence, toner, or serum bind to water and help the skin retain moisture from water.
Occlusive Moisturize the Bump
The final step in caring for your belly bump skin is to lock in all the hydration you created. Using an occlusive moisturizer helps create supple skin because it forms a physical barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. Aquaphor, lanolin, olive or soybean oil, and mineral oil are types of occlusive moisturizers. Rub the moisturizer on your belly and down to your hips, and around to your back.
It’s to be expected your belly skin will change during and after pregnancy. But, by giving your baby bump’s skin some extra TLC, you can help this area become healthy and nourished.
