New Year, new baby! Or so all these new celebrity bumps would have you think.
What with the likes of Victoria Beckham and Natalie Portman recently announcing their good news, I thought now would be a good time to answer all those questions you soon-to-be Mums might have about combating skin changes during pregnancy.
As this is such an exhaustive topic, I’ve split this into three separate posts covering common pregnant skin complaints, skincare ingredients to avoid, and the biggie….stretch marks!
Here’s the first in the series.
How will my skin be affected by pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a huge change for your body, so unsurprisingly can have knock-on effects on the skin.
- The “pregnancy mask” – not to be confused with your superhero alter-ego, the “pregnancy mask”, or chloasma, are darker patches of skin that appear on the face and neck as a result of increased levels of melanin, the tanning hormone.
- The “glow” – biological fact rather than old-wives tale, the rosy tint is caused by improved blood circulation, whilst higher levels of oil secretion and water retention give pregnant skin a plumped, dewy appearance.
- Acne – during pregnancy the sebaceous glands in your skin become enlarged and secrete more natural oil which can block pores and cause breakouts.
- Sensitive skin – hormonal surges during pregnancy can often cause temporary rashes. Thinner skin, resulting from natural stretching, may also be more sensitive and so prone to irritation, dryness and itchiness.
- Spider veins – during pregnancy, tiny branches of veins can appear on the upper balls of the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
How can I manage these changes?
Never fear – though some of these skin side effects may seem undesirable, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent or minimise them.
- Gentle Moisturising – to avoid aggravating sensitive skin, turn to natural skin care products that are free from harsh chemical detergents, preservatives and synthetic fragrance. Pai’s Chamomile & Rosehip Organic Moisturiser will soothe away any rashes or itchiness and leave skin beautifully soft and conditioned. Remember: always look for the Soil Association organic kitemark to be sure of a product’s true natural credentials.
- Avoid sunlight over-exposure – what should be a general life rule becomes even more important during pregnancy. Too much sun can darken the patches of the “pregnancy mask”, making them more visible. Similarly, avoiding extremes in temperature can help prevent the appearance of those spider veins.
- Regular Cleansing – moisturising is important, but cleansing is even more so. Invest in a detergent-free organic cleanser such as Pai’s Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser and use daily before bed. This will lift away dirt and make-up without stripping away natural oils – to leave skin in perfect balance.
For more tips on how to keep your skin and body healthy during pregnancy, look out for next week’s blog – Ingredients to avoid whilst pregnant.
Sarah’s Organic Skin Care Blog – https://blog.paiskincare.com
Sarah is the founder of Pai Skincare, an organic skin care line for sensitive skin.
Receive other tips & news like it…