Pregnancy and Skin Care: A Guide For Expectant Mothers

You already know that a mother's body changes drastically during pregnancy. Your skin is one of the parts of your body that will undergo big changes. There are several common skin disorders that happen to expectant mothers. Lucky there are techniques and products out there to help you deal with all of them.

The list of skin troubles that plague pregnant women are many. There are common problems that get worse during pregnancy, like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. There are visual problems like dark spots, stretch marks, varicose veins, and patches of discoloration. There are uncomfortable problems like dry skin, rashes, and itchy, puffy skin.

So what should you do about these issues? For one thing, don't worry too much. Most of these troubles are temporary; they will fade away after you deliver your baby. In the meantime, taking good care of your skin can mitigate many of these worrisome traits.

Take care to cleanse your skin regularly. This will prevent and treat acne problems. Use a mild cleanser daily followed by a lotion to prevent dryness. But don't cleanse your skin TOO often; this will dry out your skin and lead to itchiness. Also make sure you don't use acne medication unless you've talked to your doctor. (This includes over-the-counter medications.)

Protect your skin from the sun. The sun, while always devastating to the skin, can do more damage while you're pregnant. This is the usual culprit of dark spots, especially on the face. Use a sunblock with high SPF whenever you go outside, and cover your skin as much as you can by wearing long sleeves and pants. A hat with a wide brim will also help.

Along those same lines, keep away from intense heat while you are pregnant. Heat can bring on rashes and uncomfortable skin. To protect against hot weather, wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing.

Keep your skin moisturized throughout your pregnancy. This will prevent rashes and itchy skin. Pay special attention to your belly and breasts since this is where the skin stretches most. But stay away from scents and powerful soaps that may contain harmful ingredients. It's best to stick to all-natural products. Consult your doctor about any products you're not sure about.

Many of these tips are things you do already anyways. But what about those troublesome stretch marks? To avoid stretch marks, watch your weight gain. Aim for about 25 to 35 extra pounds, and put this weight on gradually, not all at once. Several types of shielding lotion are available to apply to your belly, and these will reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Keep in mind that stretch marks will fade after delivery.

In fact, all of the problems discussed here are temporary problems. So keep in mind that these issues are not here to stay, and that you may be uncomfortable for a time while your body is adjusting to your new maternal state. But in the interest of making your pregnancy as pleasant a time as possible, do take steps to prevent these common skin problems. After all, when people see you, you want them to notice your "pregnant glow", not your damaged skin!