Having issues with your skin and hair is normal during pregnancy: If you’re using medicated skin treatment/care products – oral or topical ones, consult your Dermatologist to find out if it’s alright to continue your treatment, as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.
Getting pregnant is not easy, when you’re finally there, nurturing life in your womb is your highest priority. This wonderful mom-to-be experience can also damage your skin, posing up new skin problems every now and then. Of course, morning sickness, headaches, tiredness are often discussed, but much less awareness we all have about the effects of carrying a baby inside on your skin. When your pregnancy hormones shoot up, your skin undergoes changes in a number of ways. While some skin damage is temporary and gets reversed as soon as you deliver your little one, some are permanent and will never fade away post-pregnancy. You need to take care of your skin the right way during pregnancy to avoid any permanent damage. Consult a Dermatologist, in case of immediate concerns. Looking for Skin Doctor near you? Try CureSkin Instead!
Here’s what Skin Problems you might face during pregnancy and Skin Doctor’s take on it:
Dry Skin
Dry skin can be itchy and irritating! In fact, dry skin is one of the most common problems mom-to-be women face, especially during the second and third trimesters. The stretched skin areas like the breasts and stomach, skin can get dry.
Pregnancy hormones usually cause dry skin. For some, it can be controlled with the help of some proven home remedies and preventive techniques, others may need prescription-strength treatment from a Doctor. Consult your dermatologist before you carry out any sort of such medication.
One way to prevent dry skin and itchiness is to really moisturise your skin well from the Day 1 of your pregnancy; Do not wait for the dry skin symptoms to manifest, not to forget, prevention is better than cure. Use dermatologist-recommended skincare products with ingredients that are pregnancy-friendly. Avoid hot water showers as it can dry out your skin leaving it in a very bad state. Taking a bath with lukewarm water is suggested for healthy skin during pregnancy.
Dark Spots
Many women suffer from dark spots on face and body during their pregnancy time. Dark spots are more common in skin areas like underarms, neck, stomach, and groin.
Usually, these dark spots caused by pregnancy hormones will disappear within 4 to 5months after you deliver your little one, so don’t bother about it too much. In reaction, may tend to scrub their skin hard; This will only worsen your skin and leave a permanent irreversible mark. If you’re feeling worried about dark spots and hyperpigmentation, consult your doctor for help. Do not attempt to self-medicate, it can harm your skin a real bad way.
Stretch Marks
Not much can be done to prevent stretch marks totally. During your pregnancy, your skin is stretched beyond a limit, hence collagen fibres tend to break, causing stretch marks. The best you can do is to moisturise those skin area that is extensively stretched such as your stock and breasts; This will improve skin elasticity and keep it hydrated, which in turn will reduce the depth of the stretch marks. Do not scratch the stretched area, as this will only worsen the condition; just try to moisturise regularly instead. Use a dermatologist recommended moisturiser – Try CureSkin – Get Customised Skin Care Kit from Dermatologist
Once you’ve delivered a baby, consult your dermatologist. There are a number of medical treatments available today that effectively fades out your stretch marks.
Pimples
If you already have acne-prone skin, the conditions may aggravate during pregnancy, especially in the 1st and early 2nd trimester. Do not attempt to use any acne treatment creams yourself; acne creams usually contain retinol, an ingredient that should be avoided during pregnancy. Instead, wash your face once in the morning and once at night, follow a gentle skincare regimen, and don’t pop/pick your acne. If your acne is getting out of control, consult a dermatologist to find out a pregnancy-friendly skincare treatment. A word of caution
If you’re already using medicated skincare products, consult your dermatologist immediately when you find out you’re pregnant. Some ingredients used in medicated creams can be harmful to pregnant women. Consult your dermatologist and get your skincare products changed accordingly.
Above all, worry not for any of your skin concerns! Most of your pregnancy-related skin conditions are temporary. They will probably vanish post-pregnancy once you deliver the baby. If you’re really worried about your aggravating skin conditions, consult your dermatologist and get an expert opinion instead of bothering about it!
Happy Pregnancy!
