Pregnancy is the time when most women imagine their skin glowing and hair becoming silkier and more luscious! But they often get taken aback when they realize it’s not all glamorous. The same hormonal changes that bring a radiant glow can also trigger a host of skin issues, leaving you battling dry skin, acne, and worsening skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.
No, it’s not all daunting either, with the right skincare during pregnancy, you can help protect your skin and retain its glow.
In this guide, we’ll quickly walk you through everything Mangalore moms need to know to maintain healthy, beautiful skin during pregnancy!
What Are the Common Skin Concerns During Pregnancy?
1. Hormonal Acne:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can shoot up oil production and sensitivity, leading to acne. Before trying products on your own, it’s best to consult your doctor for safe and effective treatment options!
2. Pigmentation:
Hormonal fluctuations and increased sun sensitivity during pregnancy can cause pigmentation issues like melasma (dark patches on the face) and linea nigra (a dark line down the abdomen).
It’s highly advisable to use ample sunscreen and protective measures to avoid the same.
3. Stretch Marks:
As your skin stretches to hold your growing baby, stretch marks can appear — something that makes most pregnant women feel insecure about. Even though it can’t be prevented completely, it can still be minimized by thoroughly moisturizing with products like cocoa butter.
Do’s and Don’ts of Skincare During Pregnancy:
Just because it’s called “skincare”, doesn’t mean you can go all out and try everything that’s available in the market. Your skin needs careful pampering and not the aggressive kind. So, know what and what not to include in your skin care routine!
Manglorean mothers-to-be, keep a close eye on the Dos and Don’ts we have in store for your skincare during pregnancy!
Do’s
1. Use Herbal Products:
Opt for skincare products with ingredients like Sesame Oil, Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil, and Lavender Oil. These natural ingredients help moisturize, soothe, and heal your skin.
2. Hydrate and Nourish:
Drink at least 2 liters of fluids to stay hydrated. Make it a priority to consume food rich in healthy fats to help hydrate and repair your skin from within.
3. Moisturize Regularly:
In Mangalore’s summer heat, staying cool means investing in lots and lots of moisturizers! Use body creams and butter infused with herbs to keep your skin hydrated and happy.
4. Massage Your Skin:
Using a massage oil can benefit your skin as well as give you the good night’s sleep that you’ve been longing for. Massage oil is important in improving blood circulation, toning your skin, and restoring your pregnancy glow.
5. Use Anti-Rash Creams:
You’re just one rash decision away from making your skin suffer. As an expectant mother, it’s crucial to choose creams specially tailored for pregnancy. These creams help prevent and soothe rashes without complicating the issue.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid Hot Water Showers:
Hot water showers can feel amazing but they aren’t the best for your skin. It opens pores, which can lead to skin issues. Choose to take showers in lukewarm water instead.
2. Be Cautious with New Products:
Introduce new skincare products one at a time to monitor your skin’s reaction and avoid irritation, as your skin is much more vulnerable during this stage.
3. Say goodbye to Retinoids:
Retinoids can pose a huge deal of risks during pregnancy. Instead, consider choosing safer alternatives like azelaic acid only after consulting with your healthcare provider.
4. Limit Essential Oils:
Some essential oils, such as rosemary, cinnamon, and basil, can trigger contractions or other harmful effects for your skin. Try using safer options like lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood, which are gentle and soothing for your skin during pregnancy.
Products you must strictly avoid during pregnancy:
1. Retinoids
Avoid using products containing retinoids, like retinol and retinyl palmitate. These ingredients are usually found in anti-aging creams and undereye creams and they are capable of causing birth defects.
2. Tazorac and Accutane
Stay away from prescription medications like Tazorac and Accutane used to treat severe acne, as they too can cause birth defects.
3. Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acids
During pregnancy, it’s best to avoid acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. These ingredients are most often found in acne creams and other over-the-counter products.
4. Hydroquinone
Before using skin lighteners, make sure to read the label and refrain from using the products if it contains hydroquinone.
5. Aluminum Chloride
Limit your exposure to aluminum chloride in antiperspirants and deodorants, as increased exposure to those can pose a threat.
6. Formaldehyde
Make sure to stay away from products containing formaldehyde as it will most likely cause fertility issues and miscarriages.
7. Chemical Sunscreens
Do not choose sunscreens that contain chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone. Read the label and switch to a safer alternative.
8. Tetracycline
Refrain from using antibiotics like tetracycline. This may help to cure various skin conditions, but it can also be a threat to both mother and the baby.
9. Dihydroxyacetone
Consider limiting the use of self-tanners with dihydroxyacetone. It’s unsafe to use these products because if inhaled, it can be dangerous for you and the baby as well.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine for Mangalorean Moms:
1. Cleanse:
Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face with a mild, pregnancy-safe cleaner. Check for products suitable for all skin types.
2. Serum:
If desired, apply a pregnancy-safe serum that’s suitable for your specific skin type.
3. Moisturize:
Considering the fact that you live in Mangalore, you must use a moisturizer that has a lightweight, non-greasy formula because it works best in such climate conditions!
4. Eye cream (Optional):
If you have concerns like dark circles and puffiness, gently apply a small amount of eye cream to that area.
5. Sunscreen:
Protect your skin from Mangalore’s intense sun by applying a broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your face and exposed skin.
6. Stretch Mark Prevention:
Apply a moisturizing cream or oil like Bio-Oil on your belly, hips and thighs to prevent stretch marks. Massaging helps a lot as it promotes absorption and improves blood circulation.
You’re just one appointment away from restoring your pregnancy glow!
Taking care of your skin during pregnancy is indeed challenging. However, with the right skincare routine and a mindful approach, maintaining that radiant glow is possible. Because remember, giving your skin the extra love and care during this transformative phase is going to be worth it!
If you find yourself overwhelmed by skin issues, unable to prevent or cure your skin problems, let us be at your service! At The Skin Clinic, we specialize in addressing skin problems, including those faced by pregnant women. We offer tailored treatments for pregnancy dermatoses to meet your specific needs.
Visit The Skin Clinic today and take the path that prevents your skin concerns from overshadowing the joy of pregnancy!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. Can I use vitamin C serum on my face while pregnant?
Unlike retinoids, which are not recommended during pregnancy due to their potential risks, Vitamin C is a safe ingredient for your skin. It helps maintain your skin’s natural glow without potentially harming your baby!
2. How to maintain my skin during pregnancy?
Maintain hygiene by keeping your skin and hydrated with the right moisturizer. Use a mild shampoo for your hair and consult an expert for eczema treatment if needed.
3. How to check if skincare is pregnancy-safe?
Before you start skin care during pregnancy, it’s advisable to check with your dermatologist and gynecologist. Make sure to review the ingredient list with the experts and take their advice on the same.
4. What skincare ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?
Avoid products that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which are commonly used in acne treatments. Go for acne solutions with safer and milder ingredients to avoid potential risks.
5. How to get glowing skin during pregnancy?
The best and most natural way to keep your skin glowing during pregnancy is by drinking plenty of water. Besides that, it’s essential to follow a simple yet effective skin care routine that helps prevent any major breakouts.
