How to Deal With Skin Issues During Pregnancy

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Most women who are pregnant seem to have that special glow that makes her look more beautiful than before. However, because of the hormones produced in the body of mothers-to-be, the glow might not last long; it can be replaced by skin problems that can be annoying. Common observable skin changes during pregnancy are dark spots, dark lines on the abdomen especially on the face called pregnancy mask, acne, linea nigra, and stretch marks.

These skin irregularities are also considered early symptoms of pregnancy. Some of them may develop during the early stages of pregnancy and might just disappear after the baby is born. Because of the high risk of suffering from these skin problems, you need to learn basic pregnancy skincare. This means that if you prefer to have fewer skin problems while pregnant, always keep your skin clean by washing with soap and water.

Here are some tips on how to deal with the different skin problems that pregnant women experience:

Pregnancy Mask

Pregnancy mask or chloasma or melasma refers to dark spots that appear on your face during the early stages of pregnancy, especially during the 5th to 6th weeks and may remain all throughout the pregnancy. This is referred to as a face mask because the dark blotches appear on the cheeks, on the forehead, and on the jaws, making it appear like a dark mask.

During pregnancy, the body produces more melanin, a substance that is responsible for your skin color. The more melanin there is, the darker your skin will be. Other parts of the body that become darker during pregnancy are the armpits, the neck, the nipples, and the inner part of your thighs.
One way of preventing skin darkening during pregnancy is by avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. Since you might shy away from using creams and other treatments while gestating, there are several natural remedies for this condition.

You can mix lemon juice and cucumber pulp and apply the mixture to your face. Make it stay for around 15 minutes and rinse well. Doing this twice a day will gradually lighten your skin. Mashing a ripe banana and applying the paste to your skin can also minimize the dark spots in your skin. You can also wait until you give birth because the dark blotches would just disappear.

Linea Nigra

This refers to the dark line that runs vertically from just below your navel to just above your pubic bone. The more advanced your pregnancy, the darker this line appears.

The line has been always in this place but it is not as pronounced and as dark as to when you are pregnant. Usually, the line darkens during the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy. There is no known remedy for it but be consoled that it will just fade after delivery.

Acne during Pregnancy

You might think that you have already passed that stage when your face is full of acne, which usually occurs during your adolescence. Although you might possess smooth and healthy skin right now, you might get shocked at seeing red bumps on your face, neck, and other parts of your body, which is called acne early pregnancy.

Pregnant women experience this during or around their 6th week of gestation. Acne develops because, during pregnancy, there is an increase in the production of progesterone in your body. This hormone is responsible for increased secretion of sebum, an oily substance that fills the skin pores, making it a good place for bacteria to build up. The bumps redden and swell, which is not pleasing to the eyes.

Amazingly, the acne will just disappear as your pregnancy advances. To avoid these unsightly bumps on your skin, eating the right kind of food is important. Always include fruits and vegetables in your diet and drink a lot of water.

Getting enough rest and sleep is also important. Likewise, keep your skin clean at all times by using a soap-free cleanser in the morning and at night. If you have oily hair, wash it regularly. Always rinse well your jaws and the hairline.

Always use a clean pillow, towel, and head coverings to keep your skin clean at all times. Avoid the sun as much as possible because sunburn can increase your skin irritation.

There are also skin medications that you must avoid because they can be absorbed into breast milk and might be ingested by the baby. These are products that are composed of topical retinoids.

Scratch Marks

One of the issues that mothers-to-be have to face is having a belly full of stretch marks. As the skin stretches on the fourth or fifth month, the belly becomes itchy and the tendency of the expecting mother is to scratch. The result is the tiny lines that crisscross and look reddish.

Because the skin stretches, scratching can destroy the cells and after delivering the child, the marks remain. The best way to prevent this is not to scratch the belly. There are some creams and lotions that can be applied to minimize the itchiness. After giving birth, the marks will just fade.

In some cases, retinoid is prescribed to help make the lines fade. Laser treatment is one option as well. However, some women have accepted the marks as part of motherhood and so they do not mind having it. In some women, the marks will become lighter and fade while in others, they could become darker and the lines larger.

Indeed, motherhood comes with so many inconveniences including skin issues. However, the dark spots and the lines will usually disappear a few weeks or months after giving birth. The important thing to do is to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, eating fatty foods, and scratching itchy skin.  Enough rest and sleep and plenty of fruits and vegetables can help keep the skin healthy during pregnancy.

Author Bio:

“Hello, my name is Valeria.  I’m a blogger, a pediatrician, and a specialist in the field of pregnancy and parenting. I like to help people with their questions.”