It's one of the most natural things that a woman's body can go through. While it is a marvel to behold, there are lot of new rules that come with being pregnant and it can be difficult to figure it all out on your own, especially if you're a first-time mother.

Start with the easy stuff, the kind of thing that you can easily switch into when you first find out that you're pregnant... skin care!

These basic tips and steps to incorporate into your skin care routine could be just the introduction that you've been looking for as you transition into this, the most glorious, glowing days of incoming motherhood.

pre-natal care

Expecting mothers are dealing with a lot while they're carrying their little miracles. In fact, for many mothers-to-be, this is their first venture into truly clean, safe, and sensitive skin care. Much like with any other concern, you have to find products that are suited to your specific needs. There is no universal skin care routine, whether you're pregnant or not!

So, during pregnancy, look into products that nourish your body safely while still taking note how much your skin is reacting throughout this process. Stretch marks, for one, are often common during this time but can be prevented with the proper care.

Massage lotions and body butters with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, among others allow your skin to remain soft and supple, making the natural stretch that comes with pregnancy to happen as easily as possible.

There are also oils available specifically formulated for pregnant skin as it becomes more sensitive and may be more prone to dry or itchy patches. Soothing oils would work wonders during this stage and could make things so much easier and more comfortable.

post-natal care

The key words to remember when thinking about skin care after birth are "gentle" and "sensitive".  

This is a time for your body to relax and recover after having just given birth and for your baby, this is a time to protect, and nourish them as much as possible as they're still highly vulnerable at this point. Products that contain antioxidants like Co-Enzyme Q10, cocoa butter, and shea butter can help your skin improve and stimulates cell regeneration, making it appear firmer and smoother.

Don't forget to take care of yourself from within too! Keep up with that healthy lifestyle by drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and eating a well-balanced diet. Simple things like light walks and basic stretching could help your body regain that pre-pregnancy mobility too... with the proper advice from your physician, of course.

Choosing products that have calming, soothing ingredients for your baby such as aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender oil is usually recommended and these would even help keep baby's skin soft and smooth.

A little vigilance goes a long way when it comes to caring for sensitive, healing skin even after their precious little new miracles have been born.

Taking note of these quick basics when it comes to looking at the ingredients of your skin-care products will help you significantly along your newfound journey into motherhood.