While expectant women expect many kinds of bodily changes, the most surprising ones are those that affect all the skin, notes the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or ACOG. Discuss your questions and concerns about your skin health and safe skincare with your doctor.
Common Skin Changes
According to a 2007 review in the "American Family Physician," the increased circulation of pregnancy can cause the brightening of the skin called "pregnancy glow." The normal hormonal changes of pregnancy can also lead to stretch marks, darkening, hirsutism or increased hair growth, more brittle and faster-growing nails, spider veins and varicose veins. The ACOG says that most of these conditions are harmless and will go away after you give birth.
Dealing With Benign Skin Conditions
Although they are little proven scientifically, you can try pregnancy stretch mark creams and lotions, according to the "American Family Physician" review. Prevent or reduce skin darkening, such as facial melasma or "pregnancy mask," with strong sunscreen and a hat. You can safely pluck, shave and even wax away excessive hair, but avoid electrolysis, laser treatment, depilatories, and bleach.
Regularly trim, moisturize, polish, manicure and pedicure your nails. Minimize spider veins by not crossing your legs and taking in more vitamin C. Prevent and relieve varicose veins, with more vitamin C, support stockings, walking, propping up your feet --- sometimes higher than your head --- not sitting or standing in one place for too long, and not gaining too much weight.
Skin Disorders
Already-established skin disorders --- like acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or candida --- may improve or worsen after conception. Pregnancy-specific skin disorders include pregnancy cholestasis, a liver problem that results in severe itching, Tell your doctor about any abnormal skin, hair and nail symptoms you notice, including changes to freckles or moles. Whatever your diagnosis, review with your doctor the risks and benefits that each treatment option poses for you and your baby. Some drugs --- for example, topical retinoids for acne --- are not recommended.
Skincare Product Ingredients
Your skin absorbs many compounds into your bloodstream. Some cross the placenta into your developing baby. Research the ingredients in any skincare products you use --- even those labelled "natural," "organic" or "herbal" --- to ensure their safety for you and your baby. You can start with Care2.com's "Are Your Beauty Products Safe?" quiz. The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database and TEDX-The Endocrine Disruption Exchange can educate you further about ingredients.
Accessing and Affording Safe Skincare
Safe skincare products can be costly, but you can look online for sales, coupons and bulk deals. You can concoct your own skincare items with easy, inexpensive recipes from a book like Annie Berthold-Bond's "Better Basics for the Home" or Janice Cox's "Natural Beauty at Home." If you cannot afford dermatology care, prenatal care or any other needed medical attention, contact your country's ministry of health. In the U.S., research your options at HealthCare.gov, freeclinic.us and the National Association of Community Health Centers' website.
References
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
- "American Family Physician": Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy; Marc Tunzi and Gary R. Gray; 15 January 2007
- American Pregnancy Association: Skin Changes During Pregnancy
- "Canadian Family Physician": Safety of Skin Care Products During Pregnancy; Pina Bozzo et al.; June 2011
- Care2.com Healthy Living: Are Your Beauty Products Safe? Quiz; Annie B. Bond; 20 May 2004
- Environmental Working Group: Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
