Pregnancy skin help: acne, sun spots and more
August 26, 2011
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Many women expect the pregnancy “glow” but are disappointed to find their skin is everything but perfect. Pregnancy brings about its own set of skincare issues, including acne, dark spots on your face and itchy, dry skin. Not worry, mama! Find out how to safely care for your skin during pregnancy.
Acne help: Thanks to pregnancy hormones, many women feel like they look like they are going through puberty again! When treating acne and pimples during pregnancy, remember you can’t use salicylic acid, benzyl peroxide or Retin-A during pregnancy.
Seattle dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers says that products with alpha hydroxyl acid are safe to use during pregnancy. For a more natural approach, consider using Tea Tree Oil or Witch Hazel topically on your skin. For more extreme cases, she says oral erythromycin or clindamycin are considered safe during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor to see what will work best for your skin type.
Sun spots or hyperpigmentation: Pregnancy hormones can also give you skin discolorations or brown, patchy spots on your face or body. Sun exposure makes these worse, so avoid the sun or wear a SPF or at least a 15 or greater every single day.
Dr. Rogers says you can use an alpha hydroxyl acid exfoliate daily to help lighten existing spots. After talking to your doctor, you may be allowed to use a product with hydroquinone when you are in your third trimester.
Dry, itchy skin: Many women will experience dry, itchy skin – especially around their growing bellies. Moisturize from the inside out by staying well hydrated and drinking plenty of water. Moisturize 2-3 times daily with body lotion, such as Palmer’s Coco Butter Stretch Mark cream. Keep hot showers to a minimum because this will dry out skin even more.
Pictured is pregnant actress Bryce Dallas Howard at the premiere of The Help.
Photo: WENN
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