From Stretch Marks to Acne: Caring for Your Skin During Pregnancy

Motherhood is a beautiful journey every woman embraces in her lifetime. Though pregnancy comes with multiple challenges through out the body physically, mentally and skin. Multiple changes are witnessed in the body due to the hormonal changes. As the body changes, multiple skin concerns arise like acne, stretch marks and increased skin sensitivity. Understanding the transformation of your skin during this wonderful phase of life can give you comfort, awareness and confidence in handling your skin challenges. Here’s a comprehension on how to navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy skincare changes.

Understanding Skin Changes During Pregnancy

All the changes that take place in the body during pregnancy are due to hormonal fluctuations that lead to various skin changes. The changes differ from women to women where some experience increased oil secretions resulting in severe acne while some face skin dryness where dry patches or pigmentation spots known as “mask of pregnancy” are noticed. Stretch marks are common in every woman as the skin expands to accommodate the growth of your little ones.

Stretch Marks: Prevention and Care

• Stretch marks are seen on the abdomen, thighs and breasts where genetics too play a vital role in their formation. Keeping skin hydrated can help improve our skin elasticity.
• Moisturize Regularly – Use a moisturizer or oil with ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter or hyaluronic acid as they maintain skin hydration by improving its elasticity.
• Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water improves overall body and skin health. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water in a day to keep the skin supple.
• Gentle Exfoliation – Exfoliating your skin occasionally removes dirt and dust and promotes cell turnover and this can reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.

 Managing Acne During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes trigger acne breakouts during the first and second trimesters. Let us understand few strategies to manage acne during the pregnancy.

• Gentle Cleansing

  It’s better to avoid harsh scrubs as they irritate the skin and using a mild sulfate-free cleanser face wash twice a day.

• Non-Comedogenic Products

  Pick skincare and makeup products with labelling of “non-comedogenic” as they prevent clogging of the pores, and we can avoid acne.

• Spot Treatments

• Addressing Increased Sensitivity 

        The skin behaves sensitively during the pregnancy that causes irritation or allergic reactions. The following are few tips to take care of sensitive skin 

• Fragrance-Free Products 

         Choose products that are fragrance free and hypoallergic to minimize irritation.

• Maintain a Healthy Diet

Usually during pregnancy every woman eats a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, whole grains as they are essential for the baby’s growth and this in turn improves health too. Incorporating foods with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids like salmon and walnuts are beneficial for development of fetus as well the skin health.

• Sun Protection 

 During the pregnancy the skin and body seems delicate, sunspots and  pigmentation spots are seen when exposed to sunlight. To avoid this use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 when indoors and sunscreen with SPF 50 when outdoors.        

Final Tips for a Radiant Pregnancy Glow

• Regular Skincare Routine

  Incorporate consistent skincare routine with cleanser, moisturizer, sun protection and 24k gold serum during the morning and before bed.

• Exercise

  Exercising regularly and yoga, meditation impacts the body and skin in a positive way.

• Embrace the Changes

  Most of the skin changes that occur during the pregnancy are temporary and fade after the childbirth. Enjoy your motherhood with joy and be happy as you’re nurturing a beautiful life inside you.

• Use ARM Pearl Stretch Marks Removal Cream as it can turn back the clock on visible stretch marks.

Conclusion

Skin care during pregnancy need not be overwhelming but adopting regular skincare routine and understanding the changes that occur in the body like acne, stretch marks, pigmentation marks and taking measures to handle them can make expecting moms embrace their pregnancy journey special, memorable throughout their life!