2007-Aug-30 - Healthier Skin

Skin care during pregnancy is very important to most women. Pregnancy brings with it the glow of life but also the glow of oily skin sometimes. Sometimes there is very dry skin that comes along with pregnancy. All these changes to a women’s skin is due to the hormonal change that her body is going through. There is no need to worry though, with proper diet and the ability to change a skin care process all problems will be taken care of.

For your skin care you want to keep it moist. Use a moisturizer daily. Also start your day with using a cleanser and if your skin in really dry do not use more than twice a day. Also using any soap products will cause the skin to dry out quickly so avoid using any kinds of soaps.

Sun protection is also an important factor during pregnancy. Some women find they are more prone to a sun burn or tanning while they are pregnant. So using a daily sunscreen will help. This happens because of the elevated pigment due to hormones in the women’s body. Going into the sun to "even out" the affects will only worsen the situation. After the baby is born the skin usually returns to the original look.

When your skin is oily and breakouts are frequent you will want to use something with alpha hydroxy or witch hazel. Using other products like Retin A or salicylic acid may cause some issues. Before using anything though you would want to check with your doctor for their input and to make sure what you are using will not harm the baby at all.

While pregnant one should also watch the make up a women uses. Too much oil will be bad for the skin causing further breakouts. Also a woman may want to simplify her daily make up routine for ease. Perhaps not right away but toward the end of a pregnancy a woman gets very tired and two hours of make up does not sound appealing.

Facials are also a road to consider. A facial will keep your face clean and hydrated. They are also a relaxing thing to do for yourself when your body is going through such changes.

There are not only face problems that women find but the whole body in general. The skin on the stomach will be stretched and pulled. Most find it soothing to rub the stomach with a sort of gel of massage cream to keep the skin elastic and to try and help stretch marks from developing.

A lot of women use lotions and moisturizers to keep the belly area comfortable. The dry skin and stretching may cause the belly area to itch. Many women use coca butter also or a combination of lotions and coca butter to help with stretch marks. There are also special made creams and gels to use to avoid stretch marks. There really is not any particular scientific remedy for stretch marks but many women swear by these lotions and creams. They have been used for many years and many women will use nothing else.

There are many issues that come along with being pregnant. Even though it is a joyous and beautiful time in a woman’s life, there are still small problems that may occur. In the long run though it seems a little oily or dry skin or a couple of stretch marks are quite worth it when the result will give you a beautiful new baby all your own. A baby that you will nurture and love for the rest of your life.