Skincare and Pregnancy - How to Protect Your Skin and Your Little One
Becoming a mother is like a rebirth for a woman, with it’s fair share of difficulties and life-altering experiences. This is especially true for women who are becoming mothers for the first time. Your life takes on a new rhythm as you adjust to the demands of caring for yourself and your growing baby, from morning sickness to dietary restrictions to skin care concerns.
Your entire world changes the moment you learn you're expecting. Although the concept of a natural pregnant glow is appealing, the reality is that pregnancy may wreak havoc on the skin. Be kind to yourself during your pregnancy and don't worry about what you think your best skin looks like, because this a great time to let go of that concept.
For soon-to-be mothers, these months can be an emotional roller coaster, as your hormones are continuously fluctuating, frequently leading to an unbalanced state. Among other things, this imbalance manifests itself in the way your skin feels and the changes it undergoes. But with a baby on the way, you don't want to take a risk or go wrong with a single step in your skin care routine that might potentially have negative implications on your health and that of your little one.
Skin issues that commonly arise during pregnancy.
Throughout her lifetime, a woman's body will experience a number of hormonal shifts, the most significant of which occurs during pregnancy. Skin and hair problems such as acne, dullness, and hair loss usually disappear on their own after the first trimester, post which her complexion seems radiant. However, there are times when the opposite is true. There may be a rise in pigmentation and a flare-up of acne, which is known as the 'pregnancy mask' or melasma. Here is a comprehensive list of pregnancy-related skin issues.
Hormonal Acne
There is no such thing as a clean slate when it comes to dealing with acne. During pregnancy, acne can be caused by a number of factors, including changes in hormone levels, an increase in skin sensitivity, oil production, and overly dry skin. On the other hand, it is possible to receive treatment while you are pregnant, so don't put it off. Find out what you can do to improve your skin's health and minimise acne naturally by seeing a dermatologist.
Pigmentation
Your body's increased sensitivity to the sun, combined with the natural ups and downs of your hormones, can create pigmentation in the folds of your skin, such as at your neck or beneath your armpits. This increases the importance of using sunscreen. Melasma and chloasma are now more likely to appear on your face. It's a sort of hyperpigmentation that occurs when the body produces too much melanin, resulting in dark or brown spots on the face.
Linea alba, a line that runs down the middle of everyone's abdomen, is something we all have (meaning white line in Latin). Pregnancy darkens and browns this line, which is then referred to as linea nigra (which means black line). This occurs as a result of hyperpigmentation, and after delivery, the skin will typically return to its previous appearance.
The Appearance of Stretch Marks
During pregnancy, this is one of the issues that affects a significant number of women. To accommodate your growing baby, your skin will likely undergo some stretching and expansion, which might leave you with stretch marks. Stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, as they are more generally referred to, are a typical occurrence during pregnancy.
Despite the fact that the skin is quite elastic, when it is overstretched, there is a permanent snapping of the collagen and elastin fibres in the tissue, which gives rise to these. Moisturizing your skin on a regular basis, especially during pregnancy, is critical for minimising their appearance.
Can you use just about any moisturiser? The answer is yes. A good moisturizer can assist with skin dryness or irritation, however, it will not prevent stretch marks altogether, no matter how thoroughly you apply it.
Cocoa butter is regarded as one of the greatest moisturisers for minimizing stretch marks, and it is safe to use while pregnant as well. You may also try using argan oil, rosehip oil, or coconut oil because these oils help your skin retain moisture and lessen their appearance.
When it comes to dealing with stretch marks, the earlier you begin, the better. Waiting a few months or a year or two to act on it, isn't going to help you get rid of your stretch marks.
Skincare Rules for Mammas-to-be
Avoid skipping your skincare routine entirely
The majority of the time, pregnant women stop utilising any kind of skincare during their pregnancy. This is not a good idea. To keep your skin healthy, you should still use a cleanser, sunscreen, moisturiser, and other such products. If it makes you feel more at ease, you might want to give natural and organic skincare products a try.
Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise
Applying moisturiser on a regular basis is the best way to prevent stretch marks, calm itchy skin, and restore moisture to skin that has become dry due to pregnancy. Your knees, elbows and nipples are particularly susceptible to drying out, so be sure to apply moisturiser to them.
Before beginning any new skin treatments, speak with your OB/GYN
Once a month, you may get yourself a facial, your nails done or a hair treatment but avoid overheating and using any gadget that uses electricity. Avoid Botox, fillers, and laser treatments, as well as chemical peels, while you're pregnant. Check with your doctor what treatments are safe for you and your baby.
Sunscreen will never be more essential
Your skin may have a difficult time adjusting to new skincare products or the sun as a result of its increased sensitivity. Wear sunscreen whenever you're out in the sun, especially if you're pregnant, because your skin is more sensitive. Take precautions to protect yourself from the sun, such as wearing a hat, and sunglasses. Applying a thin layer of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying it every two to three hours can keep your skin protected from the sun's rays.
Say no to retinoids
Retinoids (also known as tretinoins) are a form of vitamin A that promotes cell division (skin regeneration) and prevents the breakdown of skin collagen. Some antiaging creams and therapies for acne, pigment disorders, contain these potent ingredients.
Retinoids are one of the skin-care compounds that doctors advise pregnant women to avoid as excessive vitamin A intake may harm the foetus. Oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin have also been linked to birth abnormalities.
Include Vitamin C in your skin care routine
It is an excellent antioxidant that can be used safely throughout pregnancy. It assists in the repair and healing of tissues, in addition to maintaining the health and radiance of your skin.
The Takeaway
We realise it won't be easy for you to give up your cherished skin care routine, but we also know that you'll do everything it takes to keep your baby safe. This includes avoiding products that could potentially harm you or your unborn child while you are pregnant.
You can utilise our pregnancy-safe skin care products to shine with confidence, knowing that you're making healthier choices for your little bundle of joy. Also, discuss your pregnancy skin-care issues and goals with your OB/GYN or dermatologist.
After this, all you need to do is kick back, relax, and enjoy your pregnancy.