Have you noticed any changes in your skin now that you are pregnant? If you have, take comfort in knowing that skin changes like breakouts, heightened sensitivity or dryness are common during pregnancy. If you have not experienced any skin changes yet, consider yourself lucky – and remember the tips from this article in case you do experience some changes during the coming months.
One of the most annoying skin changes that can happen during pregnancy is that breakouts happen much more often than you may be accustomed to. Before you head to the drug store to pick up a medicated face wash or any other acne treatment, be sure to check in with your prenatal care provider about what acne remedies are both safe for pregnant women as well as effective against breakouts. Once you have a list of things that are safe to use, choose one and give it a try.
Sometimes, your skin might become much more sensitive during pregnancy than it has ever been. If you find yourself suddenly feeling itchy, or seeing irritated patches of skin, it may be time to clean up your laundry routine as well as your skin care and other household products as well. Choose laundry soaps, dish detergents, and personal care products that are free of dyes and perfumes. Whenever possible, choose natural products that are free of fragrances, parabens, and triclosan.
Now that it is summer, you will also have to play it safe in the sun. Choose natural, mineral – based sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or greater, and wear lightweight, sun – protective clothing including a hat and sunglasses. Not only are you trying to avoid painful sunburns, during pregnancy, sun exposure can cause dark patches of skin (chloasma) to appear.
Skin changes during pregnancy can be downright irritating. With the above tips and additional information and advice from your prenatal care provider, you should be able to address them fairly easily and get back to feeling comfortable in your own skin.
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