Pregnancy is such an exciting time for most women. It’s a celebration of new life, but it can also be a worrying time with concerns about your health and that of your unborn baby.
Everything is new. Your body is changing. Pregnancy hormones cause skin changes, making it more sensitive and reactive to whatever you put on it
Why is it so important for me, as a pregnant mum, to worry about what I put on my skin?
As the largest organ of the body, we need to nurture our skin, whether we are pregnant or not. It is as important to consider what we put on our body as what we put into it.
Expectant or new mums are even more concerned about doing the right thing. There’s a growing awareness of chemicals and how our exposure to them, especially in the first trimester, could potentially harm the developing baby as it indirectly absorbs everything you consume and put on your skin.
The skin absorbs whatever you put on it and potentially toxic and non-biodegradable ingredients cross the placenta so there can be a risk of toxicity to the foetus.
Expectant mothers are advised to avoid endocrine disruptors, such as parabens, phthalates, aluminium, formaldehyde and triclosan. But some natural products are also unsuitable for pregnant women, including salicylic acid and retinol (Vitamin A), as well as some essential oils for part or all of the pregnancy. Organic products are free from toxins and allow for the healthy development of the baby.
So, as an expectant mum, how will I know what is safe?
There is so much information out there and, knowing which products are suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women can be confusing. A label stating that a product is gentle or natural does not necessarily mean that it’s pregnancy-safe or non-toxic.
But help is at hand. There are skincare companies that have carried out extensive research, developing products that are efficacious and safe for mother and baby, leaving you free to enjoy this precious time without any worries.
Tropic is one such company. Its founder, Susie Ma, has been collaborating for years with dermatologists and paediatricians to create a range of mother and baby products that are 100% natural, efficacious and safe for unborn and new babies.
The resulting range, Tropic’s Mama Collection, had its launch in May 2021. It includes the new Mama Balm, a soothing nipple saviour to calm and repair any pregnancy sensitivity or breastfeeding soreness, Rinse and Retreat sensitive body wash, Tamanu Cream sensitive skin saviour, and Elixir age-defying omega oil. Known as the “motherhood cheerleaders”, these are packed full of fresh plant-based nourishing ingredients to keep your skin supple and glowing.
The collection makes an ideal gift for new and expectant mothers, or to provide some self-care. All the products can be purchased individually.
Will anything help reduce stretch marks?
During pregnancy, the tummy, thighs, breasts and hips expand and stretch the skin, making it dry and itchy. The ultra-repairing organic tamanu oil, with its restorative powers, is the hero ingredient in Mama Balm and Tamanu Cream.
Helping to restore and repair distressed skin, the trusty tamanu nut is ideal in preventing or reducing stretch marks and speeding up the cellular repair of scarring.
What can I use after giving birth?
You can prepare for birthing by massaging the perineum with tamanu oil, and this can be very effective. But sometimes, even this isn’t enough to prevent damage. You may tear during birthing or need to have an episiotomy (or perineotomy as it is also known) when the perineum and posterior vaginal wall are cut to allow the baby to pass through more easily.
This can make urinating and bathing very painful in the days following the birth.
The Rinse and Retreat is completely scentless and pH balanced for cleansing intimate areas of the body, so it’s perfect for expectant or new mums. Many women are very sensitive to smells during pregnancy, so the fact that these products are scent-free is an extra plus.
With other gentle ingredients, such as hydrating coconut oil and guava and bamboo water, these products are suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
Can anything help with the lack of sleep?
Lack of sleep can wreak havoc with our skin, causing it to become dry, dull or blemish-prone. Sleep can be very elusive during and after pregnancy, even though you may feel very tired.
Tropic’s So Sleepy pillow mist contains sleep-inducing essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile. These aromas soothe the senses and send you into a peaceful night’s sleep. This has also been shown to improve the skin’s elasticity as a result of improved sleep.
Spreading the goodness
Tropic products are not only good for you and your little ones. Every £50 spent will fund a day’s education for a child in one of the poorest parts of the world. To date, Tropic has funded almost 25,000 years of education in its two-year partnership with United World Schools.
If you are interested in finding out more about this and about the full range of skincare, body care, hair care and makeup that is vegan, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and 100% natural, feel free to visit my Tropic website:
https://www.tropicskincare.com/marijones_1
Mari Jones is an ambassador for Tropic skincare. She is happy to talk to you about your skincare needs and offer help and advice. Contact details and more information can be found by following her on Facebook and Instagram at Tropic Skincare with Mari.
