All too often we’re told during pregnancy that our skin will develop an ethereal glow caused by an increase in hormones.
Whilst this will be the case for a lucky few, the reality is, as many as 50% of women will experience acne during pregnancyi.
Worried about using astringent, spot-zapping, skin care when pregnant? Here we explore the skin care that is safe to use during pregnancy to fight acne breakouts.
How does skin change during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can take a toll on the body and, as the body’s largest organ, the skin is not immune from the effects of pregnancy.
During pregnancy the body produces a surge of excess hormones and this can affect the health of the skin in the following ways:
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Skin feels drier during pregnancy
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Skin feels more sensitive during pregnancy
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Skin is oilier during pregnancy
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Skin is more spot-prone during pregnancy
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Skin is more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation during pregnancy
SHOPPING FOR SKIN CARE WHEN PREGNANT
Looking for help choosing beauty products that are safe to use during pregnancy?
So that you can be sure that you are doing the best for your skin and your baby, we’ve developed a helpful guide to shopping for pregnancy-safe skin care.
Safe skin care for pregnancy acne
WHAT CAUSES PREGNANCY ACNE?
During pregnancy the skin’s sebaceous glands go into overdrive and produce an excess amount of sebum. This oily substance clogs pores and can attract an increased amount of acne bacteria to the skin.
WHAT’S THE SAFEST WAY TO SOOTHE PREGNANCY ACNE?
Increased sebum production is a natural part of pregnancy as it helps make the skin more supple and flexible to prevent damage to the skin on the stomach as the baby grows. Unfortunately this increased sebum products happens over the entire body and can cause breakouts on the face, chest and back.
An ideal solution to control excess sebum production in pregnant women is Willow Bark. A key ingredient in our Clear Skin Serum, Foaming Face Wash and Oil Balance Moisturiser, this natural ingredient helps balance the production of sebum during pregnancy but is anti-inflammatory so will not irritate skin that is prone to sensitivity.
Safe skin care for pregnancy sensitivity
Have you noticed that your skin has become more sensitive during pregnancy? It’s common to be more sensitive to chemical ingredients during pregnancy and some women will find that their favourite skin care doesn’t just irritate their skin, it also gets right up their nose!
According to the NHS the senses become heightened in pregnancy and in early pregnancy, many women find scents and fragrances they normally enjoy have become intolerableii.
If the smell or sensation of your moisturiser or body lotion starts bothering you, try switching to a scent-free alternative.
Safe skin care for pregnancy hyperpigmentation
Is dry, dull skin stopping you from showing off a pregnancy ‘glow’? When our skin is congested with dead skin cells it can feel flaky and flat but exfoliating regularly will release dead skin cells from the skin, help moisturisers and serums to work harder and can even help ward off hyperpigmentation.
Often described as a ‘mask of pregnancy’ melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that affects pregnant women. Often a temporary condition, which fades once the pregnancy is overiii, you can help ward off hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the skin to bring younger, brighter skin cells to the surface.
For a safe way to exfoliate the skin in pregnancy opt for an exfoliator made with botanical extracts. We pack our Soft Buff Skin Exfoliator with high-potency enzymes from Pineapple as this tropical treat gently dissolves the bond that hold dead skin and hard skin cells to the skin’s surface.
Try to exfoliate the skin at least twice a week and, to further fight off hyperpigmentation, apply our Brightening Moisturiser once the skin is clean and dry. Safe to use during pregnancy, this hydrating moisturiser is formulated with Cucumber Seed, White Mulberry Bark and Hibiscus extracts.
This unique combination produces a synergistic action on the skin and when used daily, it has been shown to reduce melanin production, fade pigmentation and even out skin tone.
Has pregnancy changed your skin? Let us know by using #GreenYourRoutine on social.
[i] https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-during-pregnancy-treatments-causes
[ii] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/signs-and-symptoms-pregnancy/
[iii] https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/skin-conditions-people-with-dark-skin#1
