Strengthen moisturizing
Skin is particularly sensitive during pregnancy, and hormonal changes can accelerate sweating, leading to moisture loss and dryness. Sun exposure only exacerbates this dryness. As we all know, sunlight can damage the skin and cause it to crack. Therefore, using facial and body moisturizers specifically formulated for pregnant women daily is a crucial preventative measure. Otherwise, skin may feel tight, uncomfortable, and lose elasticity, and the risk of stretch marks may even increase.
UVA/UVB protection is essential.
Sun exposure increases the likelihood of developing age spots, especially during pregnancy, when hormones stimulate melanin production, leading to tanning or pigmentation. Without protection, more sunspots may appear on the cheeks and forehead. The linea nigra below the navel may also become more pronounced, and stretch marks will be more visible due to increased pigmentation. Therefore, high SPF 50, waterproof sunscreens with UVA/UVB filters are now more essential than ever to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of melanoma.
Keep your legs cool
Besides hormonal influences, weight gain can also impair blood circulation. From early pregnancy, blood tends to stagnate in veins, causing blood vessels to dilate and their walls to weaken. Prolonged static exposure to sunlight has the same effect, easily leading to heaviness in the legs and even varicose veins. Therefore, avoiding prolonged standing and sun exposure is crucial. Legs should be kept in the shade or in constant motion, and a cooling gel specifically designed for pregnant women can be used to help relieve heaviness and promote circulation.
Hats, sunglasses, and water bottles are essential.
Lying in the sun all day is not suitable for pregnant women. One hour of sun exposure each morning around 10 am and afternoon around 5 pm is sufficient to promote vitamin D production and aid calcium absorption. However, shortening sun exposure time does not mean ignoring protective measures:
- Hat: to prevent age spots and heatstroke
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes, as tear production decreases during pregnancy, making your eyes more susceptible to irritation.
- Aquarius: Replenishes fluids, combats dehydration caused by hormones and sun exposure, and maintains healthy body and skin.
Strengthen post-sun care
Besides sunlight, wind, chlorine in swimming pools, salt from seawater, and sweat can also damage the skin. Therefore, gentle post-sun care is essential:
- Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser to remove salt, sand, and other irritants.
- After gently patting (do not rub) dry, apply a moisturizing cream to deeply hydrate and soothe the skin.
- Choose safe formulas that do not contain controversial ingredients. It's not necessary to have the label "after-sun repair," but it's recommended to use separate products for the face and body.