Pregnancy brings with it all sorts of unexpected problems, and for many women, it is their skin that suffers. However, even the strangest changes in skin related to pregnancy are natural – and typically transient – so read on to brace yourself and plan for the next nine months.
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy carries with it radiant eyes, rosy cheeks, and glossy hair for many mothers. Others, however, can experience not-so-desirable skin changes, including wrinkles, acne, dark spots, and stretch marks. Here are some of the typical skin disorders that can occur during pregnancy, along with some useful advice about how to treat those that might be distressing.
Stretch Marks
Almost every pregnant woman gets stretch marks, which are reddish lines running along the belly or breasts. they are more likely to show if you gain weight quickly, so obey the advice of your doctor on weight gain. Often, however, having stretch marks actually just boils down to genetics.
Acne
Many women complain about an eruption of acne during pregnancy. This happens when all the chemicals in your body secrete more oil from oil glands, triggering breakouts.
PUPPP
Itchy rashes, during pregnancy, are normal. However, pruritic urticarial papules and pregnancy plaques or PUPPPs, are the most common rash for pregnancy. Such itchy, red spots pop up around stretch marks – typically near the end of pregnancy and can spread over the back, legs, and arms.
Cholestasis of Pregnancy
You shouldn’t neglect itchy skin at any point and especially not during pregnancy. Pregnancy cholestasis is a liver condition that arises from elevated levels of maternal hormones that impair regular bile flow through the gallbladder, resulting in itchy skin.
Taking Care of your Skin During Pregnancy
Drink Lots of Water
Water helps to wash the toxins out of the body. Water also helps preserve the proper level of amniotic fluid in your body which is good for you and the health of your developing child. If you find it difficult to drink water during pregnancy, please ensure that you drink liquids in other ways such as coconut water, adding a dash of lemon juice or a slice of lemon to water, or taking in soups, etc. Just keep an eye on your fluid intake to keep your skin clean and beautiful during pregnancy.
Eating Correctly
You need to watch what you eat when you’re pregnant because your baby often gets affected by the food you put in your stomach. It’s important that you eat good food and eat it correctly.
Foods containing omega oils such as fish, eggs, and nuts will help keep your skin smooth. Legumes, leafy greens, berries, and even chocolate contain vitamins that aid in the fight against wrinkles, skin discoloration and help to keep your skin looking fresh.
Stay Safe From the Sun
Your sensitivity to the Sun is a less than desirable side effect of pregnancy. You can burn much easier during pregnancy but it is important to stay away from chemical sunscreens. You can avoid sunburns and stay out of the sun by seeking shade and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Also, choosing a pregnancy-friendly sunscreen that contains zinc oxide will be a great idea.
For Acne and Oily Skin
If your skin is susceptible to acne, during the first trimester of pregnancy you will likely experience the worst breakouts. A product that contains alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, prescription topical erythromycin, or witch hazel is the best way to treat these breakouts.
Generally, most dermatologists do not promote the use of topical retinoids (such as Retin-A or Differin) or salicylic acid — so check the ingredient labels for any product you are buying. Although these ingredients have not been related to birth defects, it is best to err on the side of caution because there is no definitive proof one way or the other.
Switch to Organic or Natural Skincare Products
If you are using a chemical-based beauty product, you are recommended to convert to non-chemical organic or natural products. You can explore ideas of natural skincare products to try.
If you want to go natural, verify the ingredients. Keep away from products that contain retinol, or salicylic acid (often classified as willow bark), as these compositions have been known to result in birth defects.
Don’t try out Unfamiliar Products
Many expectant mothers are ignorant during pregnancy concerning what is not healthy for their bodies. Chemicals including parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, toluene, aluminum chloride, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), salicylic and beta-hydroxy acids may induce extremely dangerous results in the skin.
The chemicals in acne creams can also be absorbed into the body through the skin and ultimately through the bloodstream of the developing infant. When using some creams, make sure you check the ingredients before using them or consult with the doctor.
Invest in Essential Body Oils
Stretch marks are mostly inherited. If you are going to have them, you will and there is really little that can be done about it. However, by investing in a very good natural body oil, you can ease the skin into stretching and lessen the seriousness of possible stretch marks.
Don’t Compromise on Sleep.
A lot of rest will give you more stamina during the day and help prevent dark circles around your eyes during pregnancy that can ruin your appearance. One of the major ways to ensure you have lovely, perfect skin during pregnancy is by getting enough sleep.
Wrapping up
During pregnancy, exposure to certain chemical agents may lead to birth defects, premature foetal development, and complications of pregnancy. The evidence of the side effects of most skin and hair care products during pregnancy is not confirmed because not all products were properly tested.
Products such as soaps, shampoos, hair sprays, deodorants, and lotions have not proven dangerous during pregnancy. You can go ahead and use these products.
Chemicals from other skin and hair care items can however be ingested into the bloodstream via the skin. So, if you want to protect your baby from excessive chemical contamination, particularly during the first trimester when growing vital organ systems, you may want to stop using these items when you are pregnant.