Your skin is just one of the many parts of your body that change during pregnancy, according to the Parents and Discovery Health websites. Because of all the hormonal changes in your growing body, you may have dry skin one week and oily breakouts the following week. You cannot necessarily stop these hormonal surges from wreaking havoc on your skin tone, but you can potentially enhance your appearance by adopting a quality skin care routine during pregnancy.
Potential Problems
During pregnancy, you may suffer from unwanted acne breakouts, according to the Discovery Health website. This is more likely to be a problem among expectant moms who suffered from oily skin before pregnancy. However, any mom-to-be is prone to acne during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
Warning
You cannot safely use some skin care remedies during pregnancy, according to the Discovery Health website. Topical retinoids, like Retin-A or salicylic acid, have not been proven to cause birth defects, but medical professionals do note it is far better to be cautious and to avoid strong skin care treatments when expecting.
Prevention/Solution
During pregnancy, you should improve your skin care regimen, according to the Discovery Health website. Washing your face twice a day with a nonresidue or glycerin-based facial cleanser can help your skin. Keep in mind that there is indeed the possibility of washing your face too much. Overwashing your skin can cause unwanted dryness. Also, be sure to incorporate a moisturizer with a sunscreen SPF of at least 15 while you are expecting.
Makeup Considerations
Use as little makeup as possible during pregnancy, according to the Discovery Health website. If you must continue wearing makeup, grab the foundation stick, a pencil for eye makeup, waterproof mascara and a moisturizing lipstick. Too much makeup can lead to skin problems, especially as your hormone levels change during pregnancy.
Potential Treatments
After the first trimester of pregnancy, you’re safer trying to treat acne with topical medications, according to the Parents website. You can also visit a qualified esthetician every two weeks for facials. Be sure to let the professional know you are pregnant. If you would rather deal with your skin at home, you can apply a clarifying mask once a week. Exfoliating your face three times a week is also recommended during pregnancy. If you have a serious acne situation, your doctor may need to prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to protect you and your growing baby from potential infections.
Photo Credit
- pregnancy expectation image by forca from Fotolia.com
