One of the problems moms-to-be face is their skins. Our faces may look dull or oily due to horomonal changes. Also, our skins may become itchy and dry. So what should we do?

What I did was I switched to organic products, completely. Most of the cosmetic products are safe for pregnant women. However, I just want to be on the safe side, since organic products are free from harmful chemicals. This is also because one of the major concerns that pregnant women has is skincare products penetrating into our skins. So, please take the following advices:

1. If your skin is free from problems, congratulations! You can pretty much stay with your usual skincare products if you don’t feel like switching and you are certain that the products you use are not harmful to the unborn babies.

2. If your skis in oily and getting an unusual amount of acne, do not attempt treatments at home by yourself. Go talk to your OB or a dermatologist and explain your problems. They will be able to help.

3. Whatever treatment you are to receive for your skin, make sure there is no retinols (a type of vitamin A) that are considered by some experts not suitable to moms-to-be as the substance can be harmful to the unborn child – remember, they penetrate!

4. As our skin stretches, it tends to get itchy, especially around our lovely bellies. Many will use lotions or moisturizers that are safe for the unborn children. What I used was just olive oil everyday after I showered. After patting myself dry, I put some olive oil on areas that tended to get itchy – the belly and the bottom. Yes! Olive oil, as simple as that! I am proud to tell you that it worked magic. I only have the slightest trace of stretch marks, they are hardly noticeable. Try it!

5. Always use sunblock – this is extremely important in preventing melasma – they are brown patches on our faces due to the combination of sun exposure and hormonal changes. Trust me, they do occur, no matter how hard you try. So, do your best to minimize their amount.

If you run into serious trouble, don’t hesitate to let you doctor know. They are always there to help.

When you are pregnant – YOU ARE! I can testify that! The changes in my body might have made me a bit chubby, but I did glow everyday in every way!

Nevertheless, we still have to upkeep our beauty. But can you still go through your beauty routine – hair coloring, perm, facial, massage, etc? Let me tackle these one by one.

Facial - if it is simple basic/spa facial WITHOUT essential oils, it is okay to go, as long as there is no complicated machines landing on your face and neck.

Massage - it is really a good ideas to go for prenatal massages since the back of the moms-to-be are always under stress. However, make sure you go to a licensed practitioner who knows what he/she is doing. Also, please consult your doctor before getting a massage, since some doctors do not recommend their patients having one during the first trimester.

Hair treatments – Obviously you can have your routine haircut. However, try to stay away from perm and coloring. Although these treatments claimed to be relatively safe, I dare not to risk my baby’s health. Chemicals can enter our bloodstream during perming and coloring. You may say the amount is minute; however, there is no conclusive study that these treatments are 100% safe. So, stay away from them if possible. Come on! You can live without a perm or color for 9 months, I am sure!

Aromatherapy - studies have shown that some essential oils may have effects on the unborn babies. Therefore, stay away from them as well.

Manicure and pedicure – if you must go to professional salons to get your nails done, try to bring your own instruments. This will greatly reduce chances of getting infection using instruments that other customers use. In addition, ensure the place is well ventilated so you don’t inhale too much of the chemicals.

The bottom line: only go with the basics, nothing too fancy or exotic. After all, you have a natural glow, and it will last for 9 months, enjoy what nature brings you.