Stretch marks are one of the most talked about skin changes that can occur during pregnancy. Almost 90% of pregnant women will experience stretch marks.
Stretch marks appear as pinkish or reddish streaks running down your abdomen and/or breasts.
What can I do?
Exercising and applying lotions that contain vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids have been said to help in the prevention of stretch marks. These remedies have not been medically proven to have a direct effect on stretch marks, but it never hurts to try.
If you find that nothing is working for you, take comfort in knowing that these streaks will fade to silvery faint lines after delivery.
Mask of Pregnancy
What is this?
“Mask of pregnancy” is also referred to as melasma and chlosma. Melasma causes dark splotchy spots to appear on your face. These spots most commonly appear on your forehead and cheeks and are a result of increased pigmentation.
When you become pregnant your body produces more hormones, which causes an increase in pigmentation. Nearly 50% of pregnant women show some signs of the “mask of pregnancy.”
What can I do?
To prevent “mask of pregnancy” from happening to you, you should wear a good sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 whenever you plan on being outside. You can also wear your favorite ball cap to protect your face from the sun.
Your skin is extra sensitive, and exposure to the sun increases your chances of these dark spots showing up on your face.
Pregnancy Glow
What is this?
When you are pregnant your body produces 50% more blood, resulting in more blood circulation through your body. This increase in blood circulation causes your face to be brighter.
Your body is also producing a fair amount of hormones that cause your oil glands to work in over drive, leaving your face shiny. Both of these things can result in the “pregnancy glow” you have heard of.
What can I do?
If your skin becomes too oily you can use an oil free cleanser to clean your face. Other than that, do nothing but smile!
Pimple Breakouts and Acne
What is this?
If you have a problem with acne already, your acne may become more irritated during pregnancy. The extra hormones in your body cause your oil glands to secrete more oil, which can cause breakouts.