As a pregnant woman, it is obvious you are likely to start seeing many changes in your skin. Regarding that, let us look at some tips on skin care for pregnant women.
When a woman gets pregnant, she is likely to see changes such as: –
- A sudden glow on your face
- Pinkish
- Reddish streaks on your stomach
These symptoms in pregnant women are not usually noticed or experienced by all pregnant women as their skin begins to change.
Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy
General Stretch Marks
These are one of the most talked-about skin changes that occur in women during pregnancy. Almost 90% of pregnant women will experience stretch marks. These stretch marks appear as pinkish or reddish streaks running down your abdomen and/or breasts.
- Possible Solution – Engaging in a pregnancy exercise and applying lotions that contain vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids have been said to help in the prevention of stretch marks generally. And if you already have them, to reduce the appearance, you need to do the following:
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- Eat a balanced diet
- Hydrate yourself twice every day
- Consume a lot of water
- Apply a cream or oil to stretch marks
- Scrub stretch mark areas once weekly
- Massage your skin
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Recommended product(s):
Mustela Stretch Marks Cream
The dermatologist-recommended cream from Mustela is paraben-, phthalate-, and phenoxyethanol-free. It is EWG Verified since 96% of the components are derived from plants. This lotion promises to give you silky, supple skin by increasing elasticity, preventing stretch marks, and improving the appearance of those that have already appeared. You can also use the Better Than Belly Oil, formulated to nourish the skin and minimize stretch marks with calming sweet almond and calendula oil.
Pregnancy Mask
The pregnancy mask is also referred to as Melasma and Chloasma. The melasma causes dark splotchy spots to appear on your face. Most commonly these spots always appear on the forehead and cheeks and they are a result of increased pigmentation.
When you become pregnant, your body begins to produce more hormones, these hormones cause an increase in pigmentation. Now about 50% of pregnant women always show these signs of the “pregnancy mask.”
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- Possible Solution – In order to prevent these “masks of pregnancy” from happening to you, you need to wear good sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 whenever you wish to be outside. Also, you can wear your favorite ball cap to protect your face from the sun while you are outside. During pregnancy, your skin is extra sensitive, and exposure to the sun increases your chances of these dark spots showing up on your face.
Recommended Product(s):
Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF 50
Pregnancy makes it especially vital to practice sun safety and use sunscreen with high factor (SPF50) UVB and UVA protection. Try the Sheer Mineral UV Defense from Skinceuticals. It contains a 100% mineral filter, it doesn’t leave any oily film or a chalky finish, and alpha hydroxy acids, which are typically safe to use during pregnancy and can help alleviate hyper-pi gmentation.
Pregnancy Glow
You may be wondering what is pregnancy glow. During pregnancy, your body produces 50% more blood, which results in more blood circulation through your body system. This whole process of increase in blood circulation causes your face to be brighter. The body is also producing a fair amount of hormones that cause your oil glands to work in overdrive, leaving your face too shiny.
Both exercises can result in the pregnancy glow you have heard of.
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- Possible Solution – If at all your skin becomes too oily during pregnancy, you can use an oil-free cleanser to clean your face.
Recommended product(s):
Pregnancy Glow Serum
An all-in-one serum created to give your skin the nutrients, antioxidants, and intense moisture it needs to glow visibly. This product has a potent blend of the most sought, safe, and effective ingredients that have been hand-picked to give your skin amazing results. You can as well go for the complete Pregnancy Glow Kit here. This kit contains the Pregnancy Glow Serum (1oz), Belly Oil (4oz), Foaming Cleanser (2oz), and the Pregnancy Blemish Mask if you are also prone to breakouts and blemishes during pregnancy.
Acne and Pimple Breakout
If before pregnancy you have a problem with acne, this is because, extra hormones in your body cause your oil glands to secrete more oil, which causes breakouts.
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- Possible Solution – There is a need for you to keep a strict cleansing routine. You can begin the process with a simple over-the-counter face soap. Because is best to use fragrance-free soap in order to avoid nausea. You should cleanse your face every night and every morning at most. Any more than this can cause your skin to become dry. After that, use an astringent to remove any remaining oil. Make sure to keep away from any acne-medicated astringents. Because they may contain acne medicine that is not recommended for pregnant women like you. And then finally, follow this procedure with an oil-free moisturizer.
If at all you find that you are having problems with acne, consult with your health care provider on acne treatment during pregnancy.
Recommended product(s)
Pai Copacabana Deep Cleanse AHA Mask
And
La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser
Consider gentle AHA-based treatments when treating spots. Try a weekly face mask, like the Pai Copacabana Deep Cleanse AHA Mask, and a straightforward, fragrance-free every day cleanser, such as La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser, which Dr. Bunting advises for pregnant women.
Varicose Veins
What about Varicose veins? They are bulky bluish veins that usually appear on the legs during pregnancy. This is because your body is compensating for the extra blood flow that is going to your baby.
They can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. And unfortunately, if you have a family history of varicose veins, you may obviously be prone to get them during your pregnancy. But the good news is, you can take measures now to prevent or decrease the symptoms when they come.
- How to prevent or decrease symptoms – You should do the following:
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- Avoid standing or sitting for long
- Walk as much as possible. It will help the blood returns to your heart
- Always prop your feet up on a stool when sitting
- Avoid sitting for long as well
- Wear support stockings
- Get enough vitamin C (It helps keeps your veins healthy and elastic)
- Sit with your legs higher than your head for at least half an hour a day
- Avoid gaining too much weight
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If your ankle or leg develops a rash, the skin on it changes color, thickens, or the veins are swollen, heated, sensitive, or red, or if they bleed, consult your doctor right away.
Spider Veins
They are also known as spider nevi. These are minute, reddish blood vessels that branch outward. Spider veins are also caused by the increase in blood circulation.
They usually appear on the:
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- Face
- Neck
- Upper Chest
- Arms
Honestly, spider veins do not hurt and usually disappear shortly after delivery. They appear more often in Caucasian women than in African American women.
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- Possible Solution – By increasing your Vitamin C consumption and not crossing your legs can help minimize spider veins. Unfortunately, spider veins may also be hereditary, a situation you can do nothing to prevent them. But then the fortunate aspect is that these will most likely fade away shortly after delivery. There is the laser treatment that can also be done to help remove any spider veins that have not faded away.
Dry Itchy Abdomen
What can this be?
The moment you take in, as your belly grows, your skin stretches and tightens causing a very uncomfortable dryness and itching. When you begin to experience severe itching late in pregnancy, possibly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue and/or jaundice, you should contact your doctor immediately.
This could possibly be a sign of cholestasis, which is related to the function of the liver. Normally your doctor may take blood tests to verify if you are experiencing cholestasis. Cholestasis occurs most commonly in about one in every 50 pregnancies and is not a problem after pregnancy. If the itching gets intense and spreads to your arms and legs, it could obviously be puristic urticaria papules and plagues (PUPP). The PUPP can occur in about one in every 150 pregnancies.
The symptoms of PUPP are:
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- Itchy
- Reddish
- Raised patches on the skin
But will definitely go away after delivery.
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- Possible solution – In order to help alleviate your dry itchy abdomen, you need to keep your abdomen Moisturized. You can also use anti-itch cream such as Calamine Lotion to help you with more relief. Cholestasis can be treated with medications. For PUPP alleviate, your doctor can prescribe oral medicine and anti-itch creams. Also, try taking a nice oatmeal bath to help relieve some discomfort.
Linea Nigra
What is Linea nigra? It is the dark line that runs from your navel to your pubic bone. This is a line that might have always been there, but you may never have noticed it before because it was a light color. So during pregnancy, this line darkens. It is possibly caused by the imbalance in hormones. And it usually appears around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy.
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- Possible Solution or Prevention – There is absolutely nothing you can do to prevent this from happening, but fortunately enough, after your pregnancy, this line will fade away on their own.
Skin Tags
What are skin tags? These are very small, loose growths of skin that usually appears under your arms or breasts. After pregnancy, those skin tags may disappear. If not, there are ways to remove them.
Before applying any medicated lotions or using oral drugs to reduce itching, be careful to see your midwife or doctor.
Please be aware that except the skin tag is bothering you, your doctor may decide not to treat you for it while you are pregnant.
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- Possible Solution – A dermatologist can easily clip the skin tag off. This process is quick and painless, and it might not even call for anesthesia. But until delivery, endeavor to avoid this surgery. Liquid nitrogen can also be used to freeze skin tags, which causes them to fall off the skin. Another method is the electric needle. This method can cauterize the skin off your body, is another method employed by skin specialists. After attempting the aforementioned three techniques, you might also be offered wart treatments that remove any lingering tags.
Recommended product(s)
Some DIY treatments involve rubbing them with Vitamin E oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, or Tea Tree Oil. When utilizing any of the above treatments without your doctor’s approval, caution must be exercised. The last choice is laser removal, which involves using a strong light beam to blast the skin tags off.
Darkening of Freckles, Moles and Other Areas of the Skin
Increased hormones in the system cause changes in your skin pigmentation. This causes areas with dark pigmentation, such as freckles, moles, nipples, areolas, and labia can become even darker.
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- Possible Solution – Again there is absolutely nothing you can do to prevent this from happening. But if you notice that a mole or freckle changes in your appearance or shape, you should contact your doctor. Some if not all of these darker areas can remain darkened after pregnancy. The recent change in pigmentation can be noticeable, but not drastic. So calm down and follow this skincare for pregnant women tips to come out of pregnancy like you were never pregnant.
Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
There is a dearth of evidence-based information regarding the safety of particular products during pregnancy. Clinical experiments on expectant mothers that might even hint at proving specific components are dangerous are almost always unethical.
However, a few popular components in skin care products have been linked to very significant fetal consequences in some animal or case-specific research. That serves as the foundation for our suggestions.
Cosmetic products do not require FDA clearance to be sold on the market, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that they be “safe” based on their unique uses and labeling. All of this raises serious concerns regarding which cosmetics are actually safe to use while pregnant. Due to this, many experts choose to be cautious.
Retinoids
An essential nutrient called vitamin A is needed for good skin, reproductive, immunological, and eye health. Your body transforms it into retinol after consumption or skin absorption.
Most anti-aging skincare products contain retinoids, a form of retinol that has gained cult status for its ability to treat acne and lessen fine wrinkles. Retinoids accomplish this by accelerating the exfoliation of skin cells at the surface and increasing collagen synthesis to renew skin.
Prescription drugs, such as Accutane (isotretinoin), and Retin-A (tretinoin), contain far larger doses of retinoids than over-the-counter alternatives. Although the quantity of retinoids received by topical treatments is probably small, greater doses have been associated with birth abnormalities. As a result, it’s advised against using any retinoids when pregnant.
According to extensive research, taking prescription retinoids such as Accutane during pregnancy increases the chance of serious congenital abnormalities by 20 to 35 percent and can cause neurocognitive issues in up to 60% of children.
Therefore, it is advised that females of childbearing age take Accutane:
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- Use 2 methods of birth control.
- Be regularly checked for pregnancy care and be compliance by their doctor.
- 1-2 months before attempting pregnancy, cease taking the medicine.
High-dose salicylic acid
Salicylic acid, which has aspirin-like anti-inflammatory properties, is a frequent chemical used to treat acne. However, a 2013 study found that salicylic acid-containing products, like peels and oral medicines, should be ignored during pregnancy.
However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – (ACOG), has determined that topical OTC medicines containing salicylic acid in lower doses are safe.
Hydroquinone
A prescription drug called hydroquinone is used to lighten the skin or lessen skin pigmentation caused by chloasma and melasma, both of which can be caused by pregnancy. Hydroquinone and serious birth abnormalities or adverse effects are not causally related.
However, since hydroquinone is more readily absorbed by the body than other substances (25 to 35 percent, according to this study), it is recommended to avoid exposure altogether during pregnancy.
Phthalates
Endocrine-disrupting compounds called phthalates are present in a lot of cosmetic and personal care items. In research on animals, exposure to phthalates has been associated to severe hormone and reproductive abnormalities.
The FDA and specialized medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics are increasingly researching endocrine disruptors for their potential role in adversely altering congenital reproductive health.
Albeit, there are some human studies that support this. Diethylphthalate is the most prevalent phthalate you’ll find in cosmetics, which are the main cause of phthalate exposure (DEP).
Formaldehyde
Due to its reputation as a recognized carcinogen and the fact that it might at risk of infertility as well as miscarriage, formaldehyde is no longer frequently utilized in cosmetic products as a preservative or disinfectant.
However, there are formaldehyde-releasing substances that are frequently included in cosmetics and have a comparable, possibly hazardous effect. The Environmental Working Group has recognized the following among these:
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- DMDM hydantoin
- bronopol
- hydroxymethylglycinate
- quaternium-15
- imidazolidinyl urea
- diazolidinyl urea
Chemical sunscreens
The UV filter that is most frequently employed in sunscreens is oxybenzone and its variants. Although oxybenzone has been shown to be beneficial for skin protection, its possible negative effects on human health and the environment are making people less inclined to use it. Since oxybenzone is a recognized endocrine disruptor, using it during pregnancy raises concerns that it might mess with hormones and harm both the mother and the unborn child permanently.
According to a 2018 animal study, breastfeeding and mammary gland function were permanently altered by the exposure of oxybenzone during pregnancy at comparable levels to those used by humans. Other animal research has connected the substance to prenatal damage that is irreversible and may be connected to adult brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Safe Skin Care Ingredients During Pregnancy
Coconut Oil
If you have dry skin while pregnant, coconut oil is indeed a fantastic alternative. It is an organic emollient that can aid in soothing and moisturizing the skin.
Shea Butter
Another excellent alternative for pregnant women seeking for a natural approach to moisturize the skin is Shea Butter. Shea Butter is a rich, dense butter that can aid in skin stretching as well as nourishing and protecting the skin.
Aloe Vera
For women who are battling with pimples or other skin irritations, Aloe Vera is a fantastic solution. It is an organic anti-inflammatory that can aid in calming and soothing the skin.
Jojoba Oil
One of the greatest natural remedies for ladies with acne or other skin problems is jojoba oil. It functions as a natural anti-inflammatory and can lessen swelling and redness.
Vitamin C
Pregnant women looking for ingredients that can aid with dark patches might consider vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural skin brightener, but it can also be incredibly beneficial for preserving collagen. Antioxidants like vitamin C can aid in defending the skin against oxidative damage. And whether or not you are pregnant, you need that.
Vitamin E
Women who are pregnant and experiencing dryness can benefit from taking vitamin E. It is a potent antioxidant that can aid in hydrating and protecting the skin.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K, (similar to vitamin C), is a fantastic supplement for pregnant women who experience dark patches. It can help to lighten your skin naturally and make you look more radiant.
Hyaluronic acid
Pregnant women who are interested in a technique to moisturize and plump their skin can consider using hyaluronic acid. Due to its natural ability to help retain moisture, it is a fantastic option for sensitive or dry skin. Hyaluronic acid can also aid in minimizing the look of wrinkles and fine lines which are typical during pregnancy.
Benzoyl peroxide
This is an excellent choice for expectant women with acne-prone skin. It is a potent anti-acne substance that can aid in reducing inflammation and bacterial growth. It’s best for you to consult your dermatologist first since you should exercise caution with this ingredient because you can only use it in very little amounts.
Zinc oxide
When seeking for a natural sunscreen, pregnant women should consider zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a physical sun protection that functions by deflecting light away from your skin to shield you from damaging UV rays and sun damage (remember that sunscreen is always the most crucial element of a skincare regimen, but it is more crucial during this delicate and special phase).
Salicylic acid
Another excellent option for expectant mothers with acne-prone skin is salicylic acid. It is a potent anti-acne substance that can aid in skin exfoliation and pore unclogging. Salicylic acid should only be used in very small concentrations, just like benzoyl peroxide. Therefore, it is essential for you to see your doctor before using salicylic acid.
Glucosamine acid
Glucosamine acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that aids in skin exfoliation is glycolic acid. It might be a suitable choice for expectant mothers who struggle with dryness and dull skin. However, as with the other acids we’ve discussed, you should only use a small amount of this one, and it’s best to see your dermatologist before doing so.
Skincare Routine for Pregnant Women – Day-time and Night-Time Routine
We know we just got off a tone of information, and skimming through the ingredients and products list might sound overwhelming. To help you get started on your quest for the best pregnancy skincare routine, we’ve put together a general morning and nighttime skincare routine with a wide range of pregnancy-safe skincare products.
- Cleanse your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser first.
Recommended cleansers –
- Apply a toner next
Recommended toners – Botanics Cleansing Toner
- Then follow up with a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen after that
Recommended Mineral Sunscreen – Sheer Mineral UV Defense
- Thereafter, apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type
Recommended moisturizer – Chamomile & Rosehip Soothing Moisturizer
- After that, if need be you can use an eye cream
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Wrapping Up
As I wrap up this guide on the best skin care for pregnant women, you should understand that there are so much information and different opinions on the internet. To help not to get overwhelmed by the traffic of information and end up not knowing which way to go while pregnant, we had to put in our best effort into this guide.
So, we urge you to take every step of this guide seriously and you will definitely get the best skin care result while you are pregnant. But if you feel you are getting confused, pay attention to products with safe ingredients and whatever product you chose, and give it a test before fully integrating it into your routine. You can also consult your doctor for advice before you start if you feel undecided.