Is Your Skin Ready for Summer?

Happy First Day of Summer! 

You may have been having summer-like weather already or you may live in an area where "summer" is just around the corner, but, either way, is your skin ready?

Warmer weather means more of your beautiful skin showing and, of course, you want it to look it's best. While you may have prepared for summer in the past by simply getting a pedicure and a bikini wax, now that you're pregnant, you may be finding your skin has a host of other needs - dry and itchy skin, the dreaded stretch marks, not to mention the fact that you may have trouble even reaching your precious toes to get them ready for sandal season! Don't despair, though, here are some tips get you glowing and beach ready in no time!

Every great work of art has to start with a great foundation, right? Your skin is no different. Now that your shedding the long sleeves and trading your pants for skirts or shorts, you may be noticing that the skin you're revealing is less than glowing. If you're skin is anything like mine was during pregnancy, it's super dry and itchy, too. A great exfoliator is the place to start to rid yourself of all the dull, dry skin and begin revealing your skin's true beauty. Be sure to use it from head to toe for an all over glow. Exfoliating once a week should be enough to keep your skin looking great throughout the summer. Just be sure you're using one that you find comfortable. A good exfoliator shouldn't feel too rough or hurt to use.

Now that you've revealed your most beautiful skin, you want to keep it that way, right? To do so, you'll need a daily moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated and healthy. Depending on your preference, this could be in the form of a lotion, balm, or body oil (check out our great selection!). Again, apply it all over to keep your skin looking great. The added bonus of keeping your skin properly moisturized, too, is that it lessens your likelihood of developing stretch marks. Despite claims by many products on the market, there is nothing that will actually prevent them, but, by keeping your skin hydrated, your contributing to your skin's elasticity which will help it to stretch without leaving those telltale marks.

And, your toes? You may not be able to reach them, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them. Splurge on a visit to the nail salon for a pedicure or simply enlist the aide of your partner or a friend to get your toes painted to perfection. If you're having them done at home, we suggest Zoya polish, too. It's free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor; plus it's long-wearing and that's a bonus when reaching your toes is an issue!

Finally, now that you've got the beautiful, glowing skin you deserve, show it off in a terrific swimsuit. Swimsuit shopping may have been your least favorite thing to do before you were pregnant but it doesn't have to be now that you are. Parenting.com's editor has found some of the most flattering suits that will fit any budget. Best of all, they're gorgeous, too; just like you!

PS. Be sure you're using sunscreen, too! An spf of at least 15 should be sufficient on days that you're just running errands but, if you're going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time, grab a great beach hat and be sure to go for a higher number so you don't burn.