Pregnancy and skin are two of the most important aspects of a woman’s life and her well-being but sometimes during pregnancy, it is difficult to properly take care of your skin and health at the same time due to many reasons like stress and anxiety. During pregnancy, hormonal changes occur inside the female body and her skin similarly goes through a lot of stress and damage. Higher levels of progesterone on the other hand can cause sebum and oil production which leads to acne formation and clogging of pores. Females should try to follow a good skincare routine to avoid such situations and to take care of pregnancy and skin both at the same time. They should try to use good products of a well-known brand. Below, we will cover some of the do’s and don’ts related to pregnancy and skin:
5 Essential Skincare Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy Glow:
1. Practice a Good And Gentle Skincare Routine
There are certain guidelines to follow to have good skin during pregnancy like every day, use of a mild cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Exfoliants and scrubs that are too abrasive might irritate the skin. A good skincare routine with branded and good products can improve skin condition and texture. Pregnant skin is sensitive already so one should try to use products that are mild on application and provide a soothing effect so can improve the overall skin condition. Pregnancy and skin are very closely related because of hormonal changes so a good skincare routine is essential for pregnant women to follow.
2. Opt for Pregnancy Approved Skin Care Products for safety of pregnancy and skin
There are many skincare products that are available in the market claiming to be safe during pregnancy but one should avoid any harsh product as they can harm both pregnancy and skin conditions, buyers should always check the reviews of the product before buying it and should try to use pregnancy approved and friendly products. Some skincare products like retinoids and salicylic acid are not good for pregnancy and can completely destroy the texture of the skin, so such products should be minimally used.
3. Keep Up Your Hydration Level for Optimum Wellness
Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential for overall health during pregnancy, but it also has benefits and advantages for skin. Dehydration often causes your skin to become very dry and flaky and therefore leaving it more prone to irritation, itching, and infection. Drinking the recommended amount of water keeps your skin moisturized from inside and that can prevent dryness and irritation. It can also help in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles on skin that occur due to lack of hydration. Moreover staying hydrated will help your body flush out toxins, which can lead to smoother, more vibrant skin.
4. Make Sure to Protect Your Skin From Sun’s Harmful Rays
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause an increase in the synthesis of melanin that can lead to hyperpigmentation and darkening of the skin. Melasma is a disorder of the skin that is characterized by dark spots appearing on the skin and most commonly on the face. Exposure to the sun can aggravate melasma and can cause it to darken even more. Some of the other damages of excessive sun exposure are early aging, skin damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer so it is recommended to use a good sunscreen that has SPF 30 for the protection of the skin from the sun and all exposed areas of the skin should be protected. Looking after pregnancy and skin both at the same time is difficult but worth the results.
5. Opt for Lukewarm Water Instead of Hot One
Hot water can cause your skin to strip off its natural oils and leave behind dry, itchy, irritated extremely painful skin. This especially occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes like elevated progesterone can already cause skin dryness and itchiness. To protect the skin during pregnancy it is very important to use lukewarm water instead of cold water for bathing and taking a shower that can prevent dehydration and skin irritation.
5 Skincare Mistakes to Avoid During Pregnancy for a Healthy Baby and Glowing Skin
1. Avoid Products that have Retinoids and Salicylic Acid to protect pregnancy and skin from their harmful effects
Retinoids are a type of Vitamin A derivative that is usually present in anti-aging skincare treatments and regimens. Retinoids are thought to be safe and sound for topical use and there is also evidence that large doses of Vitamin A can lead to birth abnormalities. So pregnant women should avoid using retinoids in their skincare products. Salicylic acid is broadly used for the treatment of acne but large amounts of salicylic acid should be avoided in pregnancy because it can harm the fetus. So it is better to stick to pregnancy-friendly products from a good brand.
2. Refrain from Using Strong Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments
Chemical peels are the ones that cause the removal of the top layers of skin and cause new skin production by using different kinds of acids such as glycolic acid and on the other hand the laser treatments target and cause the removal of damaged skin cells because it uses high-energy light that is extremely harmful in pregnancy. These both are highly dangerous for pregnancy and skin. These treatments can be very useful in treating certain specific skin diseases and conditions but they can also be harsh on the skin and cause irritation and redness.
3. Avoid Smoking and Usage of Tobacco to Ensure Safe and Healthy Pregnancy and Skin
Smoking is extremely injurious for health for a normal individual but in pregnancy its damages are doubled and can promote accelerated aging, wrinkles and more of a poor complexion. Smoking while being pregnant can cause many types of birth defects and can cause stillbirth. The chance of issues including premature labour, low birth weight, and stillbirth. It is advised to stay away from smoking while pregnant, not only for the sake of your skin but also for the overall health and well-being and health of your developing kid.
4. Refrain from using Hair Removal Products that contain Potent Chemicals to Protect Pregnancy and Skin
Avoid some of the hair removal treatments that contain harsh and strong chemicals like bleach or depilatory lotions. These kinds of products can be very damaging and irritating for pregnancy and skin ,and may have chemicals that are very dangerous and harmful for the growing foetus. Bleach on the other hand is a very harsh and damaging chemical that is often frequently used for the removal of hair. It can cause skin irritation and may also be absorbed into the bloodstream causing a major risk to the growing fetus.
5. Limit Sun Exposure to a Limited Amount
Many of the skin conditions and problems occur due to the overexposure of sun to skin and it can cause major skin problems like sunburn, higher risk of skin cancer and premature aging. On the other hand higher sun exposure can be extremely dangerous for the developing baby inside the womb. The sun radiates dangerous UV radiations that can absorb into the skin and cause wrinkles and higher chances of appearance of age spots and skin cancer. When pregnant many women may also be more prone to skin changes like melasma or “pregnancy mask,” which is a skin condition that is characterized by brown patches on the face. Melasma can be triggered or worsened by sun exposure.
Therefore, before beginning any new skincare routine during pregnancy, it is advisable to speak with your healthcare professional to confirm that the products and treatments you are using are safe for you and your growing baby in order ensure safe and healthy pregnancy and skin.
