Overview
If a woman is on the edge of pregnancy, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist every 3-4 months for routine maintenance (including any future clinic visits). This ensures your skin is in excellent condition and will remain that way throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
As pregnancy changes your whole world, you should ensure to safeguard your skin as it also can be listed in the changes that occur during pregnancy. There might be many breakdowns during pregnancies. One such breakdown might be listed as skin change during pregnancy.
Are skin problems common during pregnancy?
Do you frequently suffer from skin problems and acne? Well, you are not alone. More than 50 percent of women suffer from skin problems during pregnancy. This is because your body tends to change in many ways. This makes your skin sensitive, which include a poor diet, stressful work, lack of sleep, poor sleeping habits, unhealthy lifestyle, pollution, etc. While you can’t control all these, you can always take some steps towards healthier and healthier skin.
Changes in the skin during pregnancy
According to a fact sheet on CNN, common responses to pregnancy changes include darkening skin, skin that feels rough and can ache after exercise, feeling unusually heavy, sweaty, dry, flaky and tight, fissured skin, lost sleep, and moodiness.
Skin conditions such as acne and eczema do have a hormonal cause. New research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women who’re prone to these skin problems are also more likely to experience too much stress.
Women who have acne may be more likely to experience the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which can trigger cysts and lead to many uncomfortable side effects.
Rashes in the pubic area
Each pregnancy is different, but for women who have had a tubal ligation, pregnancy affects the skin on their abdomen and their pubic area in a way that may trigger the change to their pubic hair. Once the women have had the procedure, they may need a series of electrolyte and drug tests.
Melasma
Melasma is darkening of the skin, particularly the skin along the jawline. Usually occurs during early pregnancy or after menopause. Does not usually cause any visible skin damage, but can affect the jawline.
Eczema
Although it is possible to get relief from eczema or psoriasis during pregnancy, medications, diet, and lifestyle changes are all important factors in controlling these conditions.
If you have eczema, go to see your dermatologist early and often during pregnancy to check on a full-body skin exam and to see if there are any areas you’re not able to see.
Skincare Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
- Baking soda
- Sunscreen
- Retinoids
- Salicylic acid
- Phthalate
Hydroquinone
In women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, it’s best to limit exposure (if any at all) during pregnancy. It also seems that even pregnant women with normal serum hydroquinone levels (particularly between the 15th and 28th week) could be at increased risk for oral supplementation problems.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has also been linked to hormone disruption, increased cancer risk in males, and severe development issues in babies and premature infants. In 2000 the US Food and Drug Administration banned the use of formaldehyde in the cosmetics industry, so don’t expect to find it in the formulations of your favorite Skin-Care products anytime soon.
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone’s most common use is in the form of sunscreens, common usage of which is to prevent the sun from causing overexposure and premature aging. However, oxybenzone’s unique chemical structure in some formulas can induce oxidative stress which results in skin cell inflammation and skin aging.
Treatment for skin changes
The main skin problems that you may suffer from during pregnancy include rashes, pimples, cysts, etc. If you are concerned about your skin during pregnancy, then you should follow some of the below-mentioned tips:
Avoid using a chemical-based face wash
Instead, opt for a natural face wash. Just wash your face with a natural face wash using lemon juice or some tea tree oil. You can also apply oil on your face before washing it with the face wash.
Use natural vegetable oil and coconut oil to take care of your skin during pregnancy
Apart from the use of these natural oils, you can also use tea tree oil, tea tree oil body moisturizer, etc.
Moisturize your skin daily
As your skin gets more oily during pregnancy, you may not be able to moisturize your skin, as you used to. However, you can apply moisturizer every day as it will make your skin soft and supple.
Use peppermint oil as a natural treatment for acne
This is one of the best ways to get rid of acne. You can just add peppermint oil to your bathwater. Alternatively, you can add lemon juice and water and apply this mixture to your face. It will help you get rid of acne naturally.
- Do not apply any chemical product to your face.
- Choose your best anti-aging skincare products. The same product can be used during pregnancy also.
- Shower your body once a day.
- Do not use soap while washing your face and body.
Use natural oils for facial massage
For instance, when you massage your face with cotton balls soaked in cold milk, it helps to cleanse your face naturally.
Use natural products for hair care as well
Do not use shampoo and conditioner for hair during pregnancy. Use natural products, which can be easily available in the market.
- Use hair masks made out of fruit and yogurt.
Vitamin filled sunscreens
Herbal Remedies for Dermatitis and Photoaging Vitamins B and E are natural sunscreen to protect from the sun’s UV rays, but vitamin B2, also called niacin, is very important for DNA repair, DNA synthesis, and cell communication. low selenium and vitamin Kneryle inhibitors also are rich in selenium, copper, vitamin K, and vitamin E.
Avoid hot and humid weather.
Avoid plastic items (shampoos, body washes, bath oils, etc.) that may create trapped moisture on the skin.
Avoid harsh cleansers or body washes with harmful alcohol or chemical detergents.
Consider using dry shampoos that aren’t overly soapy or use an oil-based shampoo.
A few tips to keep in mind
• Once your pregnancy progresses, do not indulge in any kind of exercise or spicy food. Your body must heal from the side effects of pregnancy on its own.
• During pregnancy, drink a lot of water. You will be able to clear your sinuses. Also, it will help you to avoid any kind of infection.
• You should avoid heavy weightlifting exercises or work out in the gym. Just stick to cardio exercises as it can help you to gain stamina and become fit after giving birth.
• You can go to Pilates, yoga, swimming, or swimming with your baby. These are more effective than going for jogging.
• You must know that your diet must be rich in nutrients. If you are deficient in any nutrient in your body, it can make you prone to various complications during pregnancy.
• At the same time, you must consume enough amounts of proteins and carbohydrates. Your pregnancy diet must include foods like milk and milk products, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.
• To maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, you can have low-fat dairy products, salad dressings, and lots of olive oil.
How to check the safety of skincare products
The only time that we will always recommend that you test sunscreen products is if you are testing new products and testing them with something that you do not yet have access to.
If you are using a product that you know is already on your skin, the best way to test it to ensure that your sunscreen will not get in the way is to put the product on your skin, let it dry, and then scrape it off.
If the product dries quickly, your sunscreen should be fine. If you scrape it off too slowly, then the product can seep into your skin, and you may have to re-apply it. This will protect you from getting sunscreen in your eyes, nose, and mouth (smog), but not necessarily from being burned by the sun.
First, you will have to have a clear idea of whether or not it is a chemically processed product. Be sure to test the product thoroughly to make sure it does not seep into your skin. When you start testing a sunscreen, make sure you use something moisturizing on your skin. A lotion will help to insulate your skin and prevent it from being damaged by the sun.
Bottom Line
Many new mothers or expectant mothers often complain about temporary skin changes like darkening of the skin, rashes, and so on during pregnancy. It is often known that some home treatments can reduce this change. Avoiding some products with harmful chemicals can help your skin breathe. Using good skincare products can help your skin brighten during pregnancy.
Sirisha B 
Raju Ch