How to Take Care of Your Skin During Pregnancy

Pregnancy experience is unique for every woman. Pregnancy entails that your body will go through several changes to make room for your growing baby. You may experience both physical and emotional symptoms that may be mild or severe. Classic signs are missed periods, morning sickness, extreme fatigue, frequent urination, and of course, a growing belly.

 

During pregnancy, your body undergoes changes which affect almost every organ in your body. This means that the skin, your largest external organ, is definitely not exempted from these noticeable changes.

 

Skin changes during pregnancy

 

It is possible for your skin to become more sensitive during this time. Or that you’re having an allergic reaction to substances that you’ve never been allergic to before your pregnancy. This may be due to an increased blood supply on your skin, a higher hormone levels, and some other factors.

 

Skin changes during pregnancy aren’t harmful to you or your baby, so as long as you manage a good skin care routine and avoid harmful substances. The common skin conditions that can develop during pregnancy are stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, acne, spider veins and varicose veins.

 

How to care for your skin during pregnancy

 

Although there’s no one-size-fits-all routine, knowing what to skip when it comes to skin care will go a long way. Below are some tips to safely manage your skin conditions.

 

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are pinkish-purplish lines that typically develop across the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or thighs. It develops on areas where there is rapid growth and stretching of the skin.

 

Pregnancy causes your skin to stretch more than usual resulting in tiny tears in the dermal layer. Stretch marks may also be caused by a breakdown of collagen and connective tissue that supports your skin. There’s no proven method yet to prevent it, but there are ways to minimize its appearance.

 

To lessen the appearance of stretch mark, try avoiding rapidly gaining weight. Make sure to hydrate your skin and massage it using quality oils or moisturizers.

 

Stretch marks often fade to white or silver over time. However, it doesn’t completely resolve and postpartum treatments are frequently ineffective. You may try a laser or prescription creams, but consult your doctor first.

 

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation happens when there is an increase in naturally occurring melanin. The elevation of estrogen and progesterone in your body triggers an extra production of melanocytes causing dark spots on your skin.

 

Melasma or chloasma (also known as “mask of pregnancy”) is an example of hyperpigmentation that develops during pregnancy. Its common characteristics are brown patches appearing mostly on the forehead, cheeks, and nose.

 

Treatment is not always necessary since generally, hyperpigmentation is harmless. Also, it typically regress following childbirth. To prevent and minimize your symptoms, it’s good to remember that being pregnant makes your skin extra sensitive. Thus, exposure to the sun increases your chances of getting dark spots. Try wearing a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

 

Another good skin care alternative in treating hyperpigmentation is to include gentle massage on a daily basis using natural moisturizer. Other topical treatments include ingredients that lighten the skin like azelaic acid, corticosteroids, kojic acid, and vitamin c. Medical and cosmetic procedures available to treat hyperpigmentation are laser therapy, intense pulsed light (IPL), chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Please make sure to consult your doctor and discuss possible side effects before using these treatments.

 

Acne

Due to a higher level of progesterone, acne may develop or get worse during pregnancy. The elevated levels of hormones encourage too much production of sebum which causes build-up and clogged pores.

 

To prevent and treat acne during pregnancy, maintaining a good hygiene and skin care are important. Gently cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing your skin help manage breakouts.

 

Avoid oral and topical acne medications that contain retinoid, salicylic and beta-hydroxy acids as these ingredients can cause birth defects. Other skin care products (ingredients) to avoid are: isotretinoin (a form of vitamin A also known as retinol), tretinoin, oral tetracyclines, and acne medicated astringents.

 

Laser and intense pulse light therapy to treat acne is not recommended during pregnancy due to a lack of safety data. It is best to consider these procedures after giving birth instead.

 

Spider veins and varicose veins

The red veins that most commonly affect the face, neck and arms are called spider veins. This is due to increased blood volume and hormonal changes during pregnancy. The redness typically fade after childbirth. Spider veins can be treated using laser technology.

 

Varicose veins on the other hand are bulky bluish veins that usually appears on the legs, vulva, vagina, and rectum. Varicose veins are painful, and it develops because your body is compensating for the extra blood flow to your baby.

 

To prevent or relieve varicose veins symptoms, try limiting your sitting and standing periods. Other ways to keep the effects to a minimum is to elevate your legs, exercise often, wear support stockings, and getting enough vitamin C. Sclerotherapy is a treatment used to eliminate the symptoms. However, it is not recommended to undergo this while still pregnant.

 

Other caring tips for your skin

Exercise regularly to promote better circulation which helps bring nutrients to your skin. Increase your water intake to keep you hydrated and flush toxins. Also, simplify your routine and opt for a pregnancy-friendly makeup. Lastly, relax and get adequate sleep.

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