Your Complete Guide To Safe Skin Care During Pregnancy

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 70 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.

Pregnancy Skin Concern: Acne

One of the side effects of higher level of hormones during pregnancy is acne. The extra production of oil can trigger a bout of acne not seen since adolescence, or aggravate existing adult acne. Unfortunately, there is no way to stop the production of oil safely while pregnant, so figuring out an effective skin care regime is key. Use a mild cleanser that will not strip your skin dry, which will only further stimulate oil production. When looking for sun cream, moisturizer, and make-up, make sure they are oil-free and labeled "noncomedogenic". Most importantly, do not touch your face or pick at pimples as that will only further aggravate and inflame the skin. Lastly, make sure to eat a clean diet and avoid overly processed foods.