How to Deal with All Your Pregnancy Skin Concerns

Nov 302017

pregnancy_skin_problems “You’re glowing!” is one of the things you might expect to hear when you’re expecting. But the physiological changes that generate the pregnancy glow can also wreak havoc on your complexion. Like the rest of your body, your skin will experience changes along the journey to childbirth. Here are some of the most common skin problems during pregnancy – and what you can do about them.

Pregnancy Acne

Just as changing hormone levels can lead to breakouts during your menstrual cycle, elevated progesterone levels causes your skin to produce more oil. As a result, many women experience breakouts and even acne during pregnancy.

In a frustrating paradox, many acne products are unsafe to use during pregnancy. Check with your doctor before you try anything, but a gentle, oil-free cleanser is a good place to start.

Dryness/Itchiness

While some moms-to-be break out, others develop dry, itchy skin. Unfortunately for your pregnant bladder, you’ll need to up your daily intake of water with baby on board. You can also keep a humidifier on while you sleep for added hydration, and use a gentle lotion or moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin

Now that you’re pregnant, your skin may respond differently to your normal skincare routine. You may find you’re more sensitive to things like scrubbing and fragrances, so be gentle on your pregnant skin. Try unscented, natural products and skip the scrubs.

Melasma

Often referred to as the ‘pregnancy mask’, melasma is a very common – and harmless – skin condition, with up to 70% of pregnant women developing the tell-tale brownish blotches on their forehead, cheeks or upper lip. This discoloration is typically triggered by sun exposure, so cover up before heading outside and talk with your doctor to find a pregnancy-safe sunscreen.

Stretch Marks

Your baby is growing rapidly, and sometimes your skin has a hard time keeping up, which can result in stretch marks. Not everyone will get them, and for most who do, stretch marks are determined by genetics. But you can try to head them off with gentle exfoliation and a deep moisturizer. There are lots of products available, but it’s important to remember there’s no magic cure. Besides, stretch marks are a beautiful reminder of this amazing journey!

Please note that advice offered by Intimina may not be relevant to your individual case. For specific concerns regarding your health, always consult your physician or other licensed medical practitioners.

Odd Mom Out – The Weird Ways Pregnancy Effects Your Body

Just when you thought carrying around a human-shaped bowling ball in your uterus wasn’t enough of a wild, 9-month ride, Mother Nature had to go and throw you a few curve balls. All kinds of crazy changes happen during pregnancy, most of which your doctor probably hasn’t pointed out, and for good reason. The physical [...]

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

The Third Time’s a Charm – What to Expect During the Third and Final Trimester of Your Pregnancy

We hear you, new moms-to-be! Your back aches, your feet are killing you, and those awesomely huge boobs are just starting to be a pain-in-the-ass. Basically, you’re so over this being pregnant thing. Sounds like someone’s on their third trimester! And that means good news because you’re finally almost to the finish line. Beginning at week [...]

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

You’re One Tough Mother – Understanding the Trauma of Miscarriage

Miscarriage – the word alone is painful to hear, and the experience can feel almost impossible to survive. You’ve lovingly prepared your body to grow new life, and seemingly in an instant, your future family feels stolen away. The pain, confusion, and depression that can come after miscarrying make it difficult not to place blame [...]

Friday, September 21, 2018

Hormone Honeymoon: What to Expect in Your 2nd Trimester

Happy honeymoon, new moms-to-be! You’re 1/3rd of the way through your pregnancy and on to the greener pastures of your second trimester. Can you believe you’ve made it this far already without assassinating your partner for forgetting to stock up on pickles and chocolate ice cream? Also known as the “honeymoon stage,” the second trimester [...]

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

What is Adenomyosis & What Does it Mean for Fertility?

Issues surrounding one’s fertility are not often spoken about, and yet more and more women are opening up. At a recent event, actor Gabrielle Union spoke on her struggles with fertility and experiences with miscarriage – the details of which she wrote of in her 2017 memoir – and put a name to her condition: [...]

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Am I Crazy, Sick, or Just Pregnant? What to Expect During the Trials & Tribulations of Your First Trimester

If you’re reading this article, then we probably owe you a big congratulations, new mom! Somewhere within the first 1 to 12 weeks of your pregnancy – otherwise known as the first trimester – you noticed your period was a bit off, maybe felt a little nauseous in the morning, or wondered why your boobs [...]

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Craving for Two: How to Eat Safe During Pregnancy

Pregnancy sends your body and mind on a hormonal roller coaster ride. While you’re busy building a crib and painting the nursery in-between all those random mood swings, your body is going through its own interior decorating overhaul. Estrogen and progesterone levels skyrocket to facilitate healthy fetal development, all while leaving you wondering if your [...]

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Implantation Bleeding or Period: What’s the Difference?

If you are a diehard fan of the TV program ‘I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant’ like we are, then you’ll know that many women featured experienced irregular periods throughout their life, and in fact experienced what they thought to be a period during their surprise pregnancy. The existence of such a perplexing phenomenon can [...]

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Motherhood & Pelvic Floor Recovery

After all the work your body put into creating your little bundle of joy, you’d expect it deserves a rest, but your post-birth recovery has just begun. Both vaginal and cesarean births birthday can wreak havoc on your pelvic floor – the hammock-like structure of muscles integral to supporting your internal organs – and it’s [...]

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Pregnancy Myths – Sorting Fact From Fiction

From the moment women announce their pregnancy, they are besieged with unsolicited information and advice, that is, more often than not, based on half-truths, misinformation and old wives’ tales. Among these curious tidbits is the fact that heartburn during pregnancy means your baby will have more hair, and the myth that the position of your [...]

Tuesday, June 27, 2017