Pregnancy Skin Care Tips

Pregnant women are always beautiful, they glow because they are working to bring new life into the world in just a few sometimes short and sometimes long months, pregnancy always seems to drag on towards the end as the excitement builds. However, pregnancy can also take its toll on the body at the same time. It is just as important to take care of your skin while you are pregnant, as it is when you are not pregnant.

Before You Start Skin Care Tips

Before you start any skin care regimen while you are pregnant, it is important to consult with your doctor. Some skin care items, even topical elements could be dangerous to your unborn baby. You already likely know that everything you put into your body has an effect on your baby. However, you may not know that everything you put on your body may as well.

Some creams or lotions that you put onto your skin will soak into the bloodstream and may include some ingredients that are not healthy for your unborn baby. Therefore, before you begin any skin care routine during any point of your pregnancy, it is a wise idea to speak with your obstetrician and find out which products he or she recommends and deems safe for your baby. Some elements you want to avoid include any products that contain chemicals such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and AHA’s.

Daily Skin Care Tips

After speaking with your obstetrician, you can now begin a skin care regimen that will suit your needs. Here are some tips to daily skin care that can help you keep your skin looking healthy.

1. Relaxation and Rest – The best form of skin care is to make sure that you are resting and relaxing. If you are constantly running and stressful, your skin will take notice.
2. Moisturize – While pregnant, your skin cells become dry relatively easily. Therefore, it is important to keep the skin hydrated using a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin and acceptable by your obstetrician.
3. Use Mild Soap – Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that may dry out your skin
4. Pamper Yourself – Go get yourself a facial and a massage. Pampering yourself can go right along with relaxation as well. You are the mom to be, so why not give yourself a treat now and then.
5. Always Use Sunscreen – Avoiding sunlight exposure is crucial to taking care of your skin while you are pregnant. If you need to be out in the sun however, use sunscreen at all costs.
6. Water – Make sure that you get enough water each day. Remember, since you are pregnant, the number of glasses you should be drinking each day increases.
7. Diet – Make sure that your diet includes an increased amount of vegetables and fruits each day.

Targeting Specific Skin Problems During Pregnancy

Acne – For some reason, even if they have never had an acne problem before, they will suffer from acne during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. As the hormones increase so do the chances of acne. Before you use any type of acne product, make sure you talk with your obstetrician. It is generally safe to use some antibiotics such as erythromycin during pregnancy.

Skin Discoloration – Also known as Melasma is common in pregnant women during the second or third trimester. This skin discoloration typically disappears once you have had your baby or soon thereafter, however, by making sure you wear sunscreen and limiting your time out in the sun you can help prevent these dark patches of discoloration.

Stretch Marks – Stretch marks are those unsightly marks that can appear during pregnancy. They look like bands, stripes, or lines on your skin. Some home remedies like rubbing your tummy with olive oil may help eliminate the chances of getting stretch marks. Check out the story we did earlier on Stretch Mark Prevention and Treatment.

Abdomen Troubles – If you are experiencing itchiness and dryness of the abdomen, you can use some good moisturizers to help with this problem. Avoid agents that dry the skin such as products or soap that have alcohol as an ingredient. It is also a good idea to stay away from overly hot showers as well.

Skin Tags – Skin tags are relatively normal during pregnancy and even while not pregnant as well. These are typically found in areas where your skin is rubbing against itself or your clothing. They are generally also found in areas of joints or creases such as your under arms, neck folds, breasts, and other such areas.

Knowing how to implement skin care during pregnancy can help you avoid many of the skin conditions that develop. Remember to talk with your obstetrician before you start with any type of regimen to ensure that it is safe for both you and your unborn baby.

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