Tips from Lana Ogilvie
If that expectant-mother glow looks more like fatigue, beautiful accessories and a little makeup can work wonders to perk you up, says Lana.
Accessories are the best style investment: "They pull an outfit together, and you don't have to be pregnant to wear them," she says. "I love a scarf as a superquick hair fix."
Dark under-eye circles will make you look haggard. Concealer is key: dab on a creamy formula in a shade as close to your skin tone as possible, blend lightly, then set it with loose powder.
"I always wear mascara and lip gloss," says Lana. For a wide-awake look, curl your eyelashes before applying mascara. "But if I'm looking really, really tired, I'll also wear my shades," she says.
Tips from a dermatologist
Dr. Lisa Kellett, director of dermatology at Spa Medica in Toronto, is expecting her third child and enjoying a couple of the benefits of being pregnant: healthy, shiny hair and great nails!
Many pregnant women develop melasma (or pregnancy mask), which is flat, brown pigmentation that can be exacerbated by sun exposure. Always use sunblock. "I also wear a hat," says Kellett. Melasma usually disappears postpregnancy.
If acne is a problem, try topical solutions rather than antibiotics. Avoid salicylic acid and vitamin A (consult your doctor). Consider a moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic or lactic acid, to help to exfoliate skin.
Although her hair looks healthier than ever, Kellett, like many expectant mothers, expects some hair loss postpregnancy. "It will grow back, usually within a year of delivery," she says.
Stretch marks affect almost 90 per cent of pregnant women. While rich creams and cocoa butter might not prevent them, moisturizing the area can't hurt. The marks do fade following pregnancy and can be treated with lasers, says Kellett.
Page 1 of 2
Comment reported
Thank you for reporting this comment as inappropriate.
Back to Comments »