Skincare during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a miraculously wonderful journey; nothing beats the joy of growing a whole new human inside your body that will forever be yours to love and cherish. But despite being as amazing as it is, it does come with a whole new slew of things to worry about. Not only does it bring with itself the dreaded nausea, mood swings and random body aches, it also takes a significant toll on your skin. During pregnancy, the hormonal changes that you experience can cause breakouts, discoloration, dullness as well as rashes. 

So if you’re going through this beautiful time but are worried about your skin acting up, stick around until the very end as we cover everything skin related during pregnancy!

Causes of skin issues during pregnancy 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to a variety of skin issues, including breakouts and discoloration. Hormones are responsible for the production of oils in the skin, which can cause an increase in sebum production leading to acne and other blemishes. 

Stress is another factor that can contribute to skin problems during pregnancy. Stress causes hormonal imbalances in the body that can trigger inflammation and dryness. It's essential to manage stress during your pregnancy by engaging in calming activities such as yoga and meditation.

Finally, nutritional deficiencies can also affect your skin’s health while pregnant. Having a well-balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals helps ensure that your body has all it needs to keep your skin healthy throughout pregnancy.

Skin issues during pregnancy 

Pregnancy results in the production of extra melanin in your body, and hence pregnant women usually experience hyperpigmentation during the time, which leads to the darkening of the skin including freckles as well as one’s overall complexion. 

Dark patches, also known as melasma, often appear on the nose and cheeks, and despite being unattractive, are not uncommon. It is advised to use a broad spectrum sunscreen to minimize their appearance and to prevent them from deepening. While they usually fade away after pregnancy, they might decide to be a little stubborn, but are usually not something a dermatologist can’t fix up. 

Linea nigra is a dark line that can form between your belly button and pubic area during pregnancy is also a result of hyperpigmentation. Thankfully that fades after giving birth, so no need to fret too much about it.

Stretch marks are another common skincare concern during pregnancy. They are a result of the skin stretching and expanding. To prevent stretch marks or atleast keep them at a minimum, it is advised to hydrate and moisturize the body as much as possible. We recommend the Leovard Multicream or even the Oil Fusion for a boost of hydration, helping to keep your skin soft, supple and smooth. 

Hair and nail changes are also very common during pregnancy. Some women either experience an increase or decrease in the growth and production of hair. Many women also experience excessive hair growth in different parts of their body, which usually returns to normal after birth.

Furthermore, pregnant women may also experience brittle nails, and or separation of the nail from the nail bed. Many of these conditions subside after birth, but good nail care is always recommended throughout pregnancy to reduce the severity of these issues. We recommend a nourishing nail oil such as the Oil Fusion to lend strength and shine  to the nails. 

Pregnancy safe ingredients 

While you may continue with your usual skincare routine during pregnancy, there are some things you must be extra cautious about, such as ensuring the use of pregnancy-safe ingredients. 

Olive oil is an effective home remedy for pregnancy skin care. It contains healthy fatty acids and antioxidants that help to moisturize, nourish and protect the skin. To use olive oil as a moisturizer, simply take some oil in your palms, rub your hands to warm the oil and apply onto your skin after showering while the skin is still damp. This will help lock moisture into the skin and prevent dryness during pregnancy. Additionally, you can also mix a few drops of olive oil with honey to make a face mask that will help reduce inflammation and keep your complexion looking clear throughout pregnancy!

Aloe vera is another natural ingredient that can be used in skincare during pregnancy. Aloe has many benefits including soothing irritation caused by inflammation or breakouts, hydrating dry patches as well as reducing redness caused by hormonal changes. Apply directly onto affected areas of the skin for relief from discomfort or opt for a product that contains the same, such as the Leovard soothing and hydrating Tonic. 

Vitamin C is another pregnancy safe skincare ingredient and is even recommended by many dermatologists. It helps fade hyperpigmentation and evens out the skin tone. Hyperpigmentation such as sun spots, uneven skin and melasma which occur due to an overproduction of melanin, can be effectively managed through regular use of vitamin C. The anti-inflammatory properties that are present in vitamin C also help in reducing redness and inflammation while also helping to even out the skin’s complexion. The combined reduction of redness, dark spots and irritation makes the skin clear, smooth and even.

It's also important to make note of the ingredients that should be avoided while pregnant, as those can be irritating or cause adverse reactions such as rashes or breakouts. Common irritants include retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), salicylic acid, fragrances, formaldehyde releasers, parabens, phthalates and synthetic colors/dyes - all of which should be avoided during this time in order to keep your skin safe from potential harm!

Takeaway 

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for any woman, but surely comes with its own set of skin issues. However, consciously choosing products that are safe and effective can make it a smooth ride, helping you enjoy and make the most of the time you wait for your bundle of joy to arrive!