The Complete Guide To Safe Skincare During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Skin Concern: Stretch Marks

Rub coconut oil or shea butter across your belly and anywhere else you feel yourself growing during pregnancy. This will keep your skin soft and elastic. Also, consider the practice of dry brushing to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks, but also as a preventative measure. In addition to exfoliating your skin, dry brushing also helps with circulation. Additionally, staying hydrated and eating foods high in antioxidants and omega-3s will help to detoxify your body and replenish your skin’s moisture. Most important however may be your genes. If your mother, aunts, and sisters had stretch marks, you may have a higher chance of getting them as well.

Pregnancy Skin Concern: Melasma

Many pregnant women experience darkening of their skin around their upper lip, nose, cheeks, and forehead. Wherever your body is exposed to the sun, such as your arms, legs, and stomach, dark patches can develop. Approximately seventy percent of women develop this type of hyper-pigmentation, however, it should mostly fade after delivery.

A few ways to prevent melasma and protect skin during pregnancy is to wear a high-quality sunblock in addition to chemical-free make-up. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher with no fragrance or parabens, and wear it every day including cloudy days. Oil and fragrance-free beauty products are less likely to have a negative reaction with the sun. After delivery, if you find the melasma does not seem to be fading, seek out a dermatologist who can prescribe something or offer options involving laser technology.