How to make your skin glow during pregnancy

There's more to good skin care than cleansing, toning and moisturising. What you eat, what you do and where you do it all have a part to play in the quest for perfect skin.

Under Eye Circles

There are several natural remedies for this, including increasing how much exercise you are getting as this improves circulation, which can be a reason for under eye circles. A popular cure is to apply a slice of potato to the affected area every other day, which should reduce under eye circles. For puffy eyes, try wrapping an ice cube in a napkin and gently rubbing the area under the eye.

Spots

Try tea tree oil or a spot-busting product containing a solution of benzoyl peroxide. In an emergency, hold an ice cube over a spot to reduce swelling and redness before applying a covering of foundation with a brush and then pressing on translucent powder.

Dull Skin

A weekly facial scrub will remove the dead skin cells that are clogging up your complexion. A weekly facemask will also work wonders.

Blotchy Skin

Change to skin care products that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. Used morning and night they should help soothe redness.

Greasy Skin

Don't be tempted to over-cleanse. Stripping away all the skin's natural oils will only stimulate the oil glands further.

Dry Skin

First of all, drink lots of water, this really does improve dry skin. Try changing to a richer moisturiser at night

Pigmentation Marks

Any dark patches that appear during pregnancy will fade after your baby is born. However, they will disappear quicker if you protect them from the sun, even in winter, so apply a high factor sun protection cream to noticeable marks every day.

Excess Hair

Pregnancy can, occasionally, trigger a surge in facial hair. As with pigmentation marks, this will return to normal after the birth. If you would prefer to face the world fuzz-free, there are many ways to remove the hair, including electrolysis, bleaching and sugaring, which should all be carried out by a qualified practitioner.

Good Night

No matter how exhausted you are, it's vitally important to cleanse and moisturise before going to bed. Whilst sleeping the skin's natural oils build up and mix with dirt, dead skin cells and make-up, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. The result is blocked pores, blackheads, white heads and inflammation.