Skin care during pregnancy: rules and overview of products

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many changes that do not always have a positive effect on appearance. Stretch marks, age spots may appear, as well as oiliness of the skin. All this is due to the action of hormones in the female body. How to take care of the skin during pregnancy? What funds to choose and what are they for?

Skin changes

Before pregnancy, the beauty of women's skin and hair was "followed" by estrogen hormones. They gave elasticity to the skin and shine to the hair, regulated the action of sweat and sebaceous glands, maintained hydrobalance, and also created a protective membrane that prevented bacteria and fungi from penetrating into the skin. During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen in the body is significantly reduced, instead, the level of hormones that are necessary for gestation and childbirth increases.

The lack of an important hormone can lead to such unpleasant consequences:

• acne;
• excessive sebum production;
• increased sweating;
• change in skin elasticity resulting in stretch marks;
• increased pigmentation;
• growth of papillomas, moles and warts.

In addition, in the first trimester, a woman may experience toxicosis, which is accompanied by vomiting. It threatens with dehydration of the body, which will certainly affect the appearance of the skin. There is also an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, itching, hair loss and brittle nails due to a lack of essential vitamins. The skin becomes loose, cellulite appears. Fortunately, most of these problems can be solved with the right choice of skin care products.

General recommendations

Pregnancy is a special state of the body, so cosmetics should also be unusual. The general requirements for their selection are as follows:

1. Hypoallergenic, since during this period the body is prone to allergic reactions.
2. Smell neutrality.
3. More UV protection for face and body creams.



4. It is forbidden to use products with antibiotics, retinoids and hormones in the composition, especially in the first trimester.
5. It is undesirable to try all kinds of cosmetic novelties, as the body may react negatively to new components in the composition.

It is also recommended to abandon all kinds of hardware cosmetology procedures, injections andaggressive types of massage.

Remedies for stretch marks

Skin care during pregnancy must include remedies for stretch marks on the skin. The chest and abdomen are especially susceptible to them. Most often, the following remedies are recommended for pregnant women:

1. Almond oil for stretch marks during pregnancy helps very well, it can be purchased at the pharmacy. It is recommended to use it daily, after a shower, applying a small amount with massage movements on damp skin.



2. Argan oil for stretch marks during pregnancy, reviews of which are extremely positive, is also an excellent remedy. Women report that this product perfectly moisturizes the skin.
3. Tea tree oil is also considered an excellent nutrient.
4. Creams high in hyaluronic acid or collagen help lock in moisture within the skin.

Especially positively proved such products as nourishing body milk Mama comfort, Hendel`s Garden pomegranate emulsion, Avent cream, "Mom and Baby" lifting cream, "Bepantol" emulsion. Among these funds, there are both budgetary and expensive ones, but they all work equally well on the dermis.

Facial Care

Just like the whole body, the skin of the face is undergoing some changes. Its fat content can change both up and down. In order for the skin of the face not to lose elasticity, you need to use moisturizers, lotions, and other cosmetics. Atit is important to select them so that the composition matches the condition and type of facial skin.

Experienced mothers are advised to pay attention to such products:

1. The Italian company Chicco produces a sick line of products designed specifically for pregnant and lactating women. There you can find moisturizing body milk, creams against stretch marks, products for moisturizing and nourishing the skin of the face.
2. The German company Sanosan offers creams that have an impeccable eco-friendly composition.
3. The Russian company "Our Mom" has released a line of facial care products that are completely hypoallergenic and also have a relatively low cost.

You should also pay attention to the face cream with vitamin C, as it can saturate the skin with useful substances. In addition, the skin of the face must be cleansed before applying the cream. Any lotions or foams that do not contain alcohol are suitable for this.

Fight against edema

Unfortunately, most expectant mothers are prone to edema. To combat them, first of all, you need to review the diet and remove too s alty food from it, which provokes fluid retention in the tissues. In addition, such simple folk remedies as will help eliminate the external manifestations of edema, such as:

• parsley decoction lotions;
• chamomile ice;



• mask of grated potato;
• lotions of weak black tea.

These methodsanti-edema, it is recommended to apply before going to bed. Also, after them, you need to apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream to the skin of the face.

Acne treatments

Acne is a fairly common problem among pregnant women. In order to reduce the intensity of rashes or remove acne altogether, it is recommended to resort to such means:

1. Peach oil. The instructions for use say that it should be applied pointwise to each rash at night.



2. Tea tree oil has a pronounced antiseptic and antibacterial effect.
3. Salicylic acid dries up pimples.
4. Zinc and sulfuric ointments are also applied pointwise, directly on acne. It is important that the concentration of the active ingredient does not exceed 2%.

It is also recommended not to neglect traditional medicine, which include all kinds of homemade masks with seasonal fruits, kefir, yogurt or sour cream. In addition, black clay masks are considered completely safe and natural.

Fight against age spots

Pigmentation during pregnancy appears in almost every woman. In some, it is expressed in the appearance of a dark longitudinal strip on the abdomen, while in others it is in the form of shapeless spots on the skin. Creams that are commonly prescribed in such cases should be treated with caution, as they may contain substances that are dangerous for pregnant women. Instead, you need to pay attention to such skin care products duringpregnancy:

• grape seed oil;
• jojoba oil;
• lemon or cucumber juice;
• licorice extract.

Creams containing vitamin C or E are also allowed.

How to deal with pigmentation during pregnancy? Some types of spots, such as a longitudinal stripe on the abdomen, disappear on their own some time after childbirth. Therefore, using cosmetics, you can only reduce the intensity of the color of the spots.

Handcare

The skin on the upper limbs is constantly in need of nutrition, as it most often comes into contact with external irritants and chemicals. During pregnancy, this condition is exacerbated, so the skin of the hands should be given special attention.

Hands should be lubricated at night, when waking up, and also when there is a feeling of tightness or dryness. You can use a regular greasy baby cream or other familiar products. In addition, brush massage is encouraged to improve blood circulation, as well as paraffin therapy, which should be performed at least once every 2 weeks.

Footcare

Skin undergoes many changes during pregnancy. The legs also need extra care, as they can suffer from swelling, varicose veins, and other problems. Quality rest will help get rid of discomfort in the legs, as well as such pharmaceutical products as Lioton and Venolgon ointments. Products such as cooling gel for feet have shown high efficiency. Guam Duo, Sanosan Softening Cream, Mustela Toning Cream.

Also for foot skin care, you can use decoctions of herbs such as chamomile, lavender, calendula. Sea s alt is also effective, which is desirable to use pure, without additives and flavorings. Baths with these products relax the skin of the legs and relieve tension. These products are especially good after a long walk.

Helpful tips

Caring for your skin during pregnancy is not limited to the use of beauty products. It is also important to follow these simple rules:

1. Wearing a special bandage for pregnant women reduces the load on the skin of the abdomen. As a result, there are significantly fewer stretch marks than without the use of a support agent.
2. Body weight control will help avoid sudden weight loss or weight gain, which also affect skin elasticity.
3. Proper, balanced nutrition will help maintain the level of nutrients in the body, which affects the condition of the skin.
4. The intake of vitamin complexes for pregnant women allows you to maintain skin elasticity.
5. Drinking enough fluids will help you stay hydrated.

Also, experts recommend taking a contrast shower and doing a light self-massage with a jet of water.

Hazardous Substances

Pregnancy is a special condition of a woman, in which she is recommended to abstain from some of the usual substances in skin care products. Among them are suchSubstances:

• alcohol;
• perfumes with a strong or chemical scent;
• vitamin A;
• basil, tansy, juniper, wormwood, fennel, thyme essential oils;
• retinol;
• phytoestrogens that may be found in anti-stretch marks;
• sodium lauryl sulfate found in most shampoos and other cleansers.

In addition, for the entire period of bearing a child, such salon procedures using cosmetics as peels, body wraps, and massage using the essential oils indicated above should be abandoned.

Conclusion

To improve the condition of the skin, it is not enough to apply moisturizing body milk or other cosmetics. It is very important to get enough sleep, breathe fresh air every day, eat quality and varied foods, play sports, if there are no contraindications.