Mom-to-be are always associated with a glow or a radiance that reflects their inner happiness. And cinema/literature has done its bit to reinforce this myth. While the feeling of nurturing a life within oneself is beautiful indeed, it hardly translates into beautiful skin. At least there is no medical evidence of such a thing. A few women do get lucky but for those who are not, help is at hand.
The hormones that sustain pregnancy are known to wreck havoc on the skin. Quite a few women suffer from pigmentation, dry flakes, redness and itchy skin on the face, belly, chest and in some cases also the legs. One of the most dreaded problems is the 'mask of pregnancy' or 'Chloasma'. This is a condition characterized by dark patches of skin on the forehead, cheeks, chin and cheeks, which gives the illusion of a mask.
Though I was lucky to have sailed through mine without any major problems( apart from some dryness and itching ), I had followed a skincare routine from the early weeks. And remember, no skincare routine helps if not adequately supplemented with a healthy diet. Some tips to take care of skin during pregnancy:
1. Eat foods rich in folic acid as its deficiency is known to cause skin darkening.
2. Avoid the sun and in case you need to step out, do not forget to apply sunscreen ( SPF 35 or more if you are in India ).
3. If you find any changes in your skin, consult a doctor. Early intervention helps in most of the cases.
4. Acne around the mouth is quite common during pregnancy. If you have previously suffered from acne and had been using any medication, refrain from reaching out for the same. Avoid oral medication and rely only on topical applications that are deemed safe during pregnancy.
5. Some ingredients to be avoided are : Salicyclic acid, retinol, pthalates, hydroquinone, soy, oil of bergamot, lethicin, tretinoin. ( Women who use makeup/anti-aging creams need to be extra cautious as these are the active ingredients in quite a few cosmetics. Do have your doctor review the ingredients list. )
6. Some safe ingredients are : AHAs, glycolic acid and erythromycin ( topical application for acne ).
7. Drink lots of fluid to keep your skin hydrated and apply a heavy moisturizer/body butter all over ( especially after a shower when skin is still moist ) twice a day.
DISCLAIMER: The ingredients listed are for general reference. Get a go-ahead from your doctor before trying out any medication.
The hormones that sustain pregnancy are known to wreck havoc on the skin. Quite a few women suffer from pigmentation, dry flakes, redness and itchy skin on the face, belly, chest and in some cases also the legs. One of the most dreaded problems is the 'mask of pregnancy' or 'Chloasma'. This is a condition characterized by dark patches of skin on the forehead, cheeks, chin and cheeks, which gives the illusion of a mask.
Though I was lucky to have sailed through mine without any major problems( apart from some dryness and itching ), I had followed a skincare routine from the early weeks. And remember, no skincare routine helps if not adequately supplemented with a healthy diet. Some tips to take care of skin during pregnancy:
1. Eat foods rich in folic acid as its deficiency is known to cause skin darkening.
2. Avoid the sun and in case you need to step out, do not forget to apply sunscreen ( SPF 35 or more if you are in India ).
3. If you find any changes in your skin, consult a doctor. Early intervention helps in most of the cases.
4. Acne around the mouth is quite common during pregnancy. If you have previously suffered from acne and had been using any medication, refrain from reaching out for the same. Avoid oral medication and rely only on topical applications that are deemed safe during pregnancy.
5. Some ingredients to be avoided are : Salicyclic acid, retinol, pthalates, hydroquinone, soy, oil of bergamot, lethicin, tretinoin. ( Women who use makeup/anti-aging creams need to be extra cautious as these are the active ingredients in quite a few cosmetics. Do have your doctor review the ingredients list. )
6. Some safe ingredients are : AHAs, glycolic acid and erythromycin ( topical application for acne ).
7. Drink lots of fluid to keep your skin hydrated and apply a heavy moisturizer/body butter all over ( especially after a shower when skin is still moist ) twice a day.
DISCLAIMER: The ingredients listed are for general reference. Get a go-ahead from your doctor before trying out any medication.
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