Pregnancy Help Blog

Combat the Effects of Pregnancy on Your Skin

Our body goes through so many changes during pregnancy that it's hard to keep up. Each month brings something new. There are lots of books telling you what to expect of your body on the inside, but you're not always informed of the changes that happen on the outside. We're never so visually noticeable as when we are pregnant. While most of these changes are great, there's still a few that are not so great. I'll cover the not so great one and provide some tips.

Stretch marks - No one wants them yet almost 90% of women end up with them. They appear as pink and red streaks on your breasts and belly. Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help in the prevention of stretch marks. Your local pharmacy or health store will have them and they're not as expensive the commercial creams.

The Mask of Pregnancy - This looks like a ballroom mask of dark spotted marks around your forehead and cheeks with your eyes peering out. This is because of the enhanced pigmentation which happens though pregnancy and impacts about 50% of pregnant Moms. Because of this heightened level of pigmentation, be sure to keep out of the sun as much you can and slather on more than your usual amount of sunscreen.

Varicose Veins - This is where the veins in your legs (and sometimes your arms) turn bulging and bluish. This is because of the increased blood flow for your baby, and the veins get swollen holding the additional blood. They can be uncomfortable or even painful. Here's a few tips to help lessen the impact of varicose veins. * Walk or exercise as much as possible * Try not to stand for long * Keep your feet up when sitting * Avoid sitting for long periods of time * Get enough vitamin C to improve the elasticity of your veins * Wear support stockings

Acne and Pimples - Just like when we were going through puberty, our hormones are raging once again affecting the oil glands in or face. Because you're pregnant you shouldn't use certain medicated soaps and creams available at the pharmacy. Instead, you must be extra diligent with your facial hygiene. Cleanse with mild (non-scented - if you're prone to nausea) soap and lukewarm water morning and night. Use fingertips only in a circling motion, no facecloths, no scrubbing.

Itchy Belly - It only makes sense that our belly skin is going to stretch the farther along you are. It's not like you grow new skin, so your skin is going to be tight which causes itchiness and dryness of the skin. Keep your belly moisturized, coco butter is good for this and also helps with stretch marks. You can use calamine lotion if the itch drives you crazy. Try to take plenty of soothing baths with oils or oatmeal. If the itching gets worse as your pregnancy goes on and it travels to other areas of your body, and is accompanied by nausea and fatigue, be sure to speak with your doctor as it could be a sign of a liver problem called cholestasis.

Linea Nigra- In case you didn't know what it's called, it is the dark line that sprouts from your belly button to your pelvis. Thankfully this disappears after birth. In fact, it's always there, it just gets darker and more abundant during pregnancy.

The Glow of Pregnancy - "Oh, You`re absolutely radiant", you'll hear it over and over, but in actuality it is the fact that our hormones are producing this "glow" be secreting more oil and our increased blood flow is creating the bright pinkish appearance. Take the compliments as you get them and if your face gets to oil, use a gentle, oil-free cleanser.

I hope these simple and natural tips help you during your pregnancy. It only lasts 9 months but its imperative you take care of yourself during that times affects the rest of your life and your babies.

Alex is a freelance graphic designer & marketing pro with a passion for writing. She knows the importance of looking and feeling your best when meeting new people and believes in simple, natural skincare. If you liked this article, check out her other skincare tips in Anti-Aging Facial Exercises or The Natural Approach to Skincare.

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