Are you worried about your skin during your pregnancy? Do you want to be the best looking one of your pregnant friends? Are you wondering how you can maintain your perfect skin through the asteroid field of hormones and bodily changes? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you will probably want to continue to read. Pregnancy is a wonderful yet terrifying yet exciting experiencing all at once. Pregnancy is one of the most stressful times and with hormones flying around all over the place, the last thing you need is to be worrying about your skin! But how can you keep your skin looking good throughout the 9 months you’re carrying? A great place to start on the quest for immaculate skin would be your local Vancouver Laser Centre. A skincare professional will be able to help you understand which treatments and products will be right for your body and will be able to provide the care you need. However, until you find one you like, here’s what to do and what not to do,
What to do if you get pregnancy acne
Even after years of not having acne, pregnancy can bring out a fresh patch, especially around your mouth and chin. The mouth and chin are the most common areas for pregnancy acne and if not treated away, it may last until the baby is born. Although some over-the-counter skin care products may work, it’s wise to choose carefully. Some may react poorly with your body and may jeopardize the baby’s health. If you can, consult with your dermatologist or find a skincare clinic that you like. Stay away from products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or any retinoids, as they are not safe to use during pregnancy. The best thing to do is try sulphur-based topical products. Additionally, you may want to try products containing glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids or any at-home microdermabrasion treatment. If none of those products work, you can always use topical prescription drugs that generally produce positive results.
Pregnancy mask and other pigment problems
As if pregnancy isn’t hard enough, pigment problems such as melasma are quite prevalent. Melasma, otherwise known as chloasma or “pregnancy mask” is the appearance of patches of dark, pigmented skin on the face. Pregnancy mask is related to pregnancy hormones and sunlight exposure. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for pregnancy mask but staying out of the sun or wearing sunscreen when you do venture out, drastically decreases risk of developing melasma. Using azeliac acid or a topical vitamin c product can be good for pigmentation.
Pregnancy belly itches
Unfortunately, the face isn’t the only region of skin that is affected by pregnancy. Often times, a simple belly itch all the way up to a serious rash can form on your body during pregnancy. The problem is caused partly because the skin is stretching and partly because of hormones. Using calamine lotion or moisturizer are great ways to safely reduce itchiness and prevent rashes.
If you’re trying to have a baby or you have successfully become pregnant, visit your local dermatologist or skincare clinic and get the help you need to avoid skin problems and ensure a safe pregnancy.
