Pregnancy can be overwhelming! Everything changes at once and you feel there’s no control over many things. This also includes your skin-care routine.

Pregnancy is a significant hormonal change that occurs in a woman’s body over her lifetime. After the first trimester, skin and hair problems like acne, dull skin, and hair loss typically heal themselves naturally, leaving the woman’s complexion looking gorgeous. But occasionally, there may be an acne flare-up and a rise in pigmentation, which is known as the “pregnancy mask” or melasma and is fairly common.

• Pigmentation

The skin of your genitalia, nipples, and belly button will all deepen in colour. Existing moles and freckles deepen. Melasma, often known as a “pregnancy mask,” is a black lesion that can form on your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. ​

Here, the superficial and middle layers of the skin have more melanin deposits. Thankfully, the hue disappears following delivery.

Most women typically have a thin white line (known as the Linea alba) extending from the centre of their pubic bone to their navel. This albino Linea alba may darken and become noticeable in the second trimester. Linea nigra is the new name for this line. In some women, the line can extend above the navel.

• Stretch Marks

The skin splits as a result of the tummy’s stretching and distension. The term “striae gravid arum” refers to these broken lines.

These are wavy purple lines that develop on the thighs, groyne, breasts, tummy, and breasts. They become paler in colour after giving birth, but the striae are lifelong scars.

• Changes in Blood Vessels

Palmar erythema, a redness of the palms, venous varicosities of the legs, vascular lumps on the gums, and “spider nevi,” or proliferation of blood vessels on the face and chest, are changes associated with blood vessels.

Because there are so many blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface, the increased blood volume also gives the cheeks an appealing blush. On top of this redness, the increased oil gland secretions also give the skin a waxy sheen and give the cheeks an appealing blush. On top of this redness, the increased oil gland secretions also give the skin a waxy sheen. This is commonly known as the “pregnancy glow.”

At the conclusion of the second or third trimester, the number of varicose veins in the vulva and vagina may increase. The groyne may feel “heavy” as a result of this.

• Hair and Nails

You appear to have more hair on your scalp overall. Because of the increased oestrogen, your hair will have a longer life cycle. Most women are dissatisfied with their hair loss, which they notice as clumps on the basin when they shampoo their hair because the extra hair sheds after birth. Losses may last for three to six months.

Additionally, your face, back, and legs may develop more hair. Your nails may become split at the ends and brittle.

Skin-care to follow:

• Don’t skip your skincare routine

Many women begin taking nothing at all during their pregnancy. That is also not a good practice. To keep your skin healthy, you must still use a cleanser, sunscreen, moisturiser, and other products. If it makes you feel more at ease, try using more natural and organic items.

• Use moisturiser

To prevent stretch marks, lessen itching, and soothe the dry skin brought on by pregnancy, moisturise often. Your entire body needs to be moisturised, but pay extra attention to your knees, elbows, nipples, and other dry areas.

• Sunscreen is a must

Your skin may not react well to the sun or new skincare products because of its increased sensitivity. Never go outside without sunscreen, especially if you’re pregnant, because the sun will irritate your skin more. For greater protection from the sun, make sure you’re wearing protective apparel like a hat, sunglasses, etc.

• Say NO to retinoids and isotretinoin

Stop using all night repair creams, especially ones that contain salicylic acid or retinoids. According to research, using retinoids while pregnant can result in birth defects. You should absolutely avoid using this chemical while trying to conceive or while pregnant. While isotretinoin typically gives you gorgeous, acne-free skin, it’s recommended to avoid using it while trying to conceive. Although isotretinoin is frequently used to treat acne, using it while pregnant might lead to birth abnormalities, thus it should be avoided while attempting to conceive.

• Vitamin C

It works well as an antioxidant and is safe to use when pregnant. It aids in tissue repair, healing, and maintaining healthy, luminous skin, according to the expert.

At Belief Hospital, we have doctors with proven expertise in many treatments. Consult us for any queries and the best solutions for your issues.