When you’re pregnant, surging hormones can temporarily change your skin tone and complexion. It’s not unusual for pregnant women to experience new hair growth, acne, skin discoloration and patches of dry skin. That’s why, if you want to look and feel your best, it can help to change your skincare routine and adopt healthy habits.
To help you keep your “glow” during pregnancy, be sure to keep up with the following skincare tips to stay beautiful – from the inside out.
- Stay hydrated. It’s essential to drink enough water to maintain health and a great complexion – even when you aren’t pregnant. Drink water with a squeeze of lemon or lime for extra Vitamin C. It will help to get a healthy dose of antioxidants that helps to fight damage to your skin.
- Follow a healthy, balanced pregnancy diet. Eat a good balance of whole carbohydrates from grains and fruit, protein, and healthy fats to maintain your overall health and resilience. What’s good for your body and baby is also good for keeping beautiful skin.
- Get enough exercise. Walking, prenatal yoga, and other pregnancy-approved exercise activities will help to increase circulation, which is essential for a healthy complexion. Exercise is also well known to increase skin tone and elasticity.
- Moisturize! While the tendency toward stretch marks is mostly genetic, you can help your skin stay in tip-top shape by taking a little time to use moisturizer to prevent or reduce stretch marks. Prevention is always better than trying to correct them later.
- Avoid oral or topical retinoids, or oral acne medications. If you’re experiencing severe skin symptoms, consult your doctor about switching to products that won’t cause unwanted issues during your pregnancy. Most women have their worst breakouts during the first trimester – read here for more tips to counter acne, oil, and develop a healthy daily beauty routine during pregnancy.
- Use sunscreen year round. Many women have an increased sensitivity to sun during pregnancy, and use of sunscreen can help prevent or treat melisma, the dark skin spots some pregnant women develop. Sunscreen is also always good for preventing premature aging.
And if you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with us at Central Utah Clinics Women’s Center!