Understanding Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a magical time filled with anticipation and joy. But let's be real, it also comes with its fair share of surprises...like pregnancy skin! While some women do experience improvement in their skin, the pregnancy glow does not happen naturally for all of us.
From hormonal rollercoasters to mysterious rashes, your skin becomes a canvas for the amazing transformation happening within you. So, let's dive into the wild world of pregnancy skin changes and discuss safe and effective options tailored to the needs of expecting and new moms.
Hormones Gone Wild: Hello Acne
One of the first things you might notice during this time, is an increase in breakouts. Hormonal fluctuations can cause your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive and produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and those pesky breakouts.
While it's tempting to reach for the tried and true treatments you used before pregnancy, it's crucial to avoid certain ingredients during pregnancy. This includes retinoids, retinols, hormonal therapies, and certain antibiotics.
Keep It Clean: The number solution to getting your skin clear is to use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities. It's important to have a cleanser specifically formulated for acne-prone or sensitive skin that won't strip your skin of natural oils and make the problem worse. Avoid harsh scrubs that can aggravate your skin and opt for gentle, circular motions when cleansing.
The Battle of Dryness vs. Oiliness
As if pregnancy didn't bring enough surprises, your skin might decide to play a little game of tug-of-war between dryness and oiliness. Some mamas-to-be find themselves dealing with dry, itchy skin that craves extra moisture. On the flip side, others might experience an increase in oil production, leading to that unwanted shiny look.
Finding The Balance: This is where an essence or toner comes in handy. It might seem like an unnecessary step, but is a game-changer in your pregnancy skincare routine for balancing dryness and oiliness. The Brightening Essence helps to restore the skin's natural pH, creating the optimal environment for your skin to thrive. It uses natural witch hazel to regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of pores. As a bonus, it also removes any remaining traces of dirt, oil, or makeup that your cleanser might have missed to further reduce the likelihood of breakouts.
The Notorious Chloasma
Chloasma is melasma that occurs during pregnancy, also known as the "mask of pregnancy" and can be a real head-scratcher. This condition causes dark patches to appear on your face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Blame it on those hormonal fluctuations once again. While chloasma is usually harmless and fades post-pregnancy, protecting your skin from the sun is crucial so don't forget that broad-spectrum sunscreen!
Unmasking the Mask of Pregnancy: Skincare products with mushroom extract, particularly shiitake and linghzi are are a great natural way to improve cholasma. Because of their rich concentrations of kojic acid, a natural hydroquinone substitute, they can help to brighten the skin, fade dark spots and lighten the areas of hyperpigmentation without the irritating side-effects.
Sea Buckthorn, Shiitake and Linghzi mushrooms are featured in the Rose Glow Brilliance Protection Souffle
Stretch Marks: The Battle Scars of Motherhood
Ah, the infamous stretch marks. They're like little souvenirs of the incredible journey your body undertakes to accommodate your growing baby bump. While they're a natural part of the process and vary from person to person, there are a few things you can do to potentially minimize their appearance.
Hydration is Key: Moisturizing regularly with emollient, fragrance-free products is key. While there's no magic cream to prevent stretch marks entirely, keeping your skin hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight gain can make a difference.
That Itchy Situation: Scratching the Surface
Itchy skin during pregnancy can be quite the nuisance. As your body expands to make room for your little one, the stretching can cause some serious itching. Fortunately, there are ways to find relief. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free skincare products that soothe and moisturize your skin. If the itching persists or becomes unbearable, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider.
Embrace the Journey
At Matrescence, we promote the importance of a simple yet effective skincare routine that keeps you feeling good without irritating your skin or adding unnecessary stress. Opt for gentle, pregnancy-safe products that address your specific concerns.
As you embark on this incredible journey, embrace the changes and give yourself the grace and self-care you deserve. Your skin may be going through some wild transformations, but it's all part of the beautiful process of bringing new life into the world.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance during pregnancy. Enjoy the journey!
