Pregnancy
is an exciting time for women. Your body is changing, you’re preparing
for another addition to your family, and you’re enjoying the love and
support of your family and friends. Unfortunately, pregnancy also has a
few less-than-glamorous
aspects, such as the temporary skin issues that often arise. Luckily,
most of these skin issues resolve themselves shortly after delivery;
however, here’s a quick guide to several common
skin conditions developed during pregnancy, as well as what pregnancy-safe products can be used to treat them.
One
of the most common skin conditions associated with pregnancy is the
development of stretch marks, tiny tears under the skin that 90% of
women develop in the sixth or seventh month. While there’s no research
conclusively proving how
to manage stretch marks, moisturizer can improve the appearance and
also reduce itchiness. Speaking of itchiness, pregnant women often
experience itchiness and rashes as well. Similar to stretch marks, these
symptoms can be relieved with the use of fragrance-free
moisturizers.
The
hormonal changes women experience can lead to melasma and acne. Melasma
is the darkening of the skin on a woman’s face, and makeup and
concealer can camouflage the darkness, while sunscreen can prevent
further darkening and soy-based
sunscreen may even lighten the affected area. Women can improve any
acne on their face by washing their face regularly with fragrance-free
cleanser and using over-the-counter, pregnancy-safe products.
Unfortunately, many such acne products contain benzoyl
peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids, which can be dangerous to
pregnant women as they’ve been linked to pregnancy complications and
birth defects.
Finally,
a few skin conditions pregnant women face can be easily treated at
home. For example, puffiness on the face and eyelids can be improved
with ice and cold packs.
While
the skin conditions caused by pregnancy can be uncomfortable, pregnant
women can gain relief in the fact that it’s a temporary discomfort that
will soon be replaced by a child to love.
