Pregnant skincare routine

Pregnancy can cause some changes to the body, especially the skin, but there are pregnant skin care methods that you should know to protect your skin.

These changes are acne, dry skin, increased wrinkles, frequent cracks, or itchy skin.

To get rid of these common skin problems during pregnancy, you can consult a dermatologist at the Freshness Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser in Hurghada.

You can read more in this article to learn about the right skin care routine for a pregnant woman.

Signs of skin changes during pregnancy

You can notice that the body undergoes some changes as a result of the different levels of hormones during pregnancy, including your skin, and it may show the following signs:

• Melasma, or the so-called pregnancy mask, which causes skin discoloration.
• Stretch marks.
• The appearance of moles on the face.
• Increased sensitivity of the skin.
• Excess secretion of sebum, which can lead to the appearance of acne.
• face glow.
• Skin dryness.
• Increased wrinkles and signs of aging.

Women with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea may experience a change in symptoms for better or worse.

Pregnant skin care

The cosmetologists at the Freshness Center in Hurghada explain the different ways to take care of your skin during pregnancy, including:

Acne and hyperpigmentation

Use products that contain glycolic but large amounts are not recommended during pregnancy.

These and similar products may help azelaic acid Azelaic acid helps reduce fine lines, brighten skin, and reduce skin pigmentation.

It also contributes to the treatment of acne in addition to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical.

Anti-aging and wrinkles

Cosmetics, especially those containing vitamin C, can safely enhance the skin's vitality during pregnancy.

It also helps protect the skin from free radical damage and preserve collagen.

Other camel-safe antioxidants that can be used in skin care products include:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K.
• Products containing vitamin B3.

Dry skin and stretch marks

A pregnant woman's body may become dehydrated if the baby needs more water at any time.

Moisturizing products containing coconut oil, peptides and hyaluronic acid in addition to taking plenty of water can moisturize the skin and get rid of dryness.

And if stretch marks appear, the best way to care for pregnant skin in this case is to moisturize the affected areas frequently to help the skin to stretch naturally as the baby grows.

Sun protection

Sun protection is one of the most important ways to care for pregnant skin, as it prevents the appearance of wrinkles and protects the skin from cancer.

Use a sunscreen that helps bounce UV rays away from the skin.

Sunscreen ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Creams containing oxybenzone and its derivatives are the most commonly used sunscreen.

But experts have proven that the possible side effects of its use can disrupt the work of hormones, harming both the mother and the baby.

Exposure to this type of product may cause permanent changes in the mammary glands, and its consumption has been linked to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's.

You can also read : Skin pimples and the risks of stress.

Other ways to take care of pregnant skin

Below we review some of the problems that can occur during pregnancy - in addition to the previous symptoms - and how to deal with them? They include:

skin itching

Itching occurs especially in the abdominal area, where the blood flow to the skin increases, however, taking care of the skin of pregnant women means refraining from the use of chemical products.

Use natural products like aloe vera gel, almond oil, and coconut oil to keep your skin soft and supple.

You can also use calamine lotion calamine or cold compresses on the affected area.

Black Halos

Some women may suffer from the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, which causes them a lot of inconvenience.

But you can get rid of them easily by using some topical treatments or other methods that are recommended by the dermatologists at the Freshness Center, which are:

 Kojic acid

Use the appropriate and safe dose in pregnancy, as excessive doses may cause dermatitis.

 topical vitamin c

Vitamin C products can be used throughout pregnancy to keep your skin looking fresh and bright.

 Peeling skin

Some types of exfoliators may contribute to the treatment of dark circles, but do not use pregnant skin care products to treat this condition without consulting your doctor.

You can also read : "How to take care of teenage skin?".

Ingredients for pregnant skin care products that should be avoided

Some studies and clinical trials on pregnant women have shown some serious effects on the fetus related to certain ingredients in skin care products.

These products need to be used to be safe, but there are some substances that can harm your skin during pregnancy, including:

Retinoid

It's found in products that contain vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin, eyes, and immunity.

When consumed or absorbed through the skin, this substance is converted to retinol.

Some anti-aging skincare products use a type of retinol called a retinoid and help treat breakouts and reduce fine lines.

It helps surface skin cells to exfoliate faster and boost collagen production to rejuvenate the skin.

Over-the-counter products contain lower levels of the retinoid, while prescription medications such as Retin A (Tretinoin) contain higher doses.

These retinoids may cause birth defects in the fetus when taken in high doses ranging from 20% to 35%.

These problems affect the neurological cognition of the child.

High dose salicylic acid

Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, but caution should be exercised when using it.

The dermatologist recommends a freshness center to avoid products that contain a high percentage of this acid when taken orally because it is not safe for the fetus.

Hydroquinone

 This product is known as a prescription product that contributes to lightening the skin or reducing the pigmentation that occurs from melasma.

However, there is no exact link between severe birth defects and the use of products containing hydroquinone.

The fear of side effects may be due to the fact that the body can absorb a greater amount of this substance compared to the other ingredients during pregnancy.

phthalates

These chemicals disrupt the work of the endocrine glands, and studies have linked the occurrence of serious reproductive and hormonal imbalances to exposure to these substances.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is not used as a preservative or disinfectant in beauty products because it is a carcinogen that can increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage.

You can also read : Vaseline and skin tanning.

Ultimately, pregnancy won't be stressful if you eat healthy food, stay active, and follow a good pregnancy skin care regimen.

The dermatologist at Freshness Skin, Cosmetic and Laser Center in Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, recommends always moisturizing your skin to give a healthy glow during pregnancy.