They say you're supposed to look naturally radiant when you're pregnant, but the reality is pregnancy isn't always pretty for everyone. While your body is being bombarded with constant hormone changes, you might start to experience things like acne breakouts, dry skin, and even hair loss. Suddenly your hair is thinner and your complexion is dull and you're not feeling so "radiant" after all.
I spoke with Stephanie Flor, professional makeup artist and founder of Aroundtheworldbeauty.org, a website dedicated to beauty rituals and traditions from around the world, to get the scoop on some of the best pregnancy beauty tricks our mamis and abuelas swear by! Check out some of these Latin American remedies that will keep you looking and feeling beautiful throughout those amazing nine months!
Mexico
"Mexico is the biggest producer of avocado in the world, so Mexican women know how to use the fruit to its highest potential, using it everywhere from their hair to their pregnant bellies," says Flor. Try making an avocado belly mask at home. This helps hydrate the skin and also works as a great natural SPF. Just take one whole avocado, mash it and massage it on your belly. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes.
Costa Rica
Costa Rican women for years have applied pure cocoa butter to their stomach, hips, and breasts during pregnancy. "This helps prevent stretch marks and keeps the skin hydrated," says Flor.
Chile
If you’re not experiencing a naturally glowy complexion, you might be battling dull skin. Take a tip from your Chilean sisters! "Chilean mommies use a facemask made of grapes to wake up tired skin especially during those hard months," says Flor, "It’s an instant pick-me-up , leaving skin glowing and fresh." This mask is mixed with flour and left on for 10 to 15 minutes!
Brazil
Women in Brazil keep their hair healthy and shiny by incorporating plenty of Brazilian nuts into their diet. Brazilian nuts are high in selenium, which helps your body process proteins responsible for hair growth, according to Flor. "This is such a great way to strengthen your hair and scalp during pregnancy," she says.
Colombia
In Colombia, women bathe in aguas termales (warm water) during pregnancy. "My mother always recommends taking a warm bath to open up the pores and relieve the skin of any itching," says Flor. It’s also a great way to keep relaxed when you’re not feeling your best!
