Dealing With Skin Changes During Pregnancy

While pregnant, have you felt like all of a sudden your skin has a mind of its own? Redness, breakouts, itchiness, and sensitivity- these symptoms are just one side effect of pregnancy. This article will help you learn how to deal with these changes during your pregnancy.

Rashes

If you suffer from red, itchy skin while pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Rashes on your feet and hands, in particular, could be a sign of something more complicated with your unborn baby. Your doctor will be able to do a blood test to confirm if that is what you have. Other pregnant women suffer from another common pregnancy rash called PUPPP, or pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. This starts on your stomach and can spread from there. Thankfully, this side effect will not harm your baby, but it can be beyond annoying. To help deal with the itch, use anti-itch creams, take oatmeal baths, and try and bear it! It won’t last forever!

Breakouts

Hormones, hormones, and more hormones- yours, in particular, are ALL over the place right now. So, your complexion could remind you of what your skin was like when you were a teenager. Though, this time around, you’ll want to be careful in how you treat your breakouts. Be sure to ask your doctor about what you’d like to use to treat your skin. Tea tree oil and a mild cleanser are a great alternative. Your breakouts should subside once your baby is born.

Sensitivity

You may notice that the same things you previously did with your skin now hurt! Avoid exfoliating your skin and using perfumed lotions, as it may irritate your skin even further. We suggest using unscented products, natural lotions, and washes with fewer chemicals in them. Still cleanse your skin, but avoid exfoliating and any other deep skin treatments while pregnant.

Dry Skin

Instead of breakouts, many women deal with dry, itchy skin during pregnancy. To help with the dryness, drink lots of water (especially now that you are expecting!), and even run a humidifier at night in your bedroom. Running a humidifier at night will help your body keep in as much moisture as possible. If your skin starts to itch from the dryness, help treat it with a warm, oatmeal bath. Really! Try it! Also, be sure to moisturize your skin after you bathe.

Sensitivity to the Sun

Due to pregnancy, your body is extra sensitive to the sun, so you will want to avoid being outdoors for long periods of time. While pregnant, your skin is extra prone to dark patches called melisma. Be sure to cover up and wear sunscreen (at least SPF 30) thoroughly while outdoors.