When you become pregnant, your whole body begins to change. Your blood volume grows by 30per cent to 50per cent to support the baby and contribute to your rosy, pregnancy glow. Your metabolism increases to support your body and the growing baby. Your hormones surge to keep your womb healthy, support your baby's growth and keep other hormones in check.
All of these factors affect your skin. Some skin becomes clearer, while others may experience more oil, dryness, dark spots, stretch marks, acne, and other changes.
Common pregnancy skin changes include: Dark spots, hyperpigmentation or melasma: During pregnancy, you may develop dark spots on your skin, face or nails from increased melanin. Melanin gives skin and hair a darker color. Most melasma and spots will fade after giving birth. To prevent melasma, wear a hat outside and at least 30 SPF broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen.
Stretch marks: Your body is undergoing a radical transformation as your baby grows. Many times your body changes faster than your skin can grow causing reddish lines or stretch marks. Stretch marks are common on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, breasts or thighs and will fade over time. You cannot prevent stretch marks, but using a good pregnancy-safe moisturizing cream can help. Acne: Increased oil production can occur during pregnancy, causing pregnancy acne. Normal acne treatments may harm your baby, so watch out for products with the ingredients listed below.
Linea nigra: Some women develop a dark, vertical line from their naval down to their pubic area during pregnancy. This line normally fades gradually after giving birth.
Create your pregnancy-safe skin care routine Follow these tips to create a skincare routine that will help your skin maintain a healthy glow throughout pregnancy. Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser: Wash your face in the morning and evening. Cleansing twice a day helps prevent breakouts by removing extra oil, makeup and dead skin cells.
Use a moisturizer and mineral sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day: A daily moisturizer will help to block out dirt and prevent dryness. A mineral sunscreen helps prevent melasma and dark spots.
Use moisturizing creams and stay well-hydrated: A good moisturizing cream will keep skin supple and help to prevent stretch marks.
