Pregnancy and Your Skin
Tips to Keep It Looking Radiant
Sometimes in life things are not what we expect. We all hear about that radiant glow that pregnant women have but sometimes this isn’t the case. Just when you are filled with joy and anticipation of the arrival of your new little babe, you find that your skin is like defiant teenager, acting out. You may also find that you have unwelcome brown splotches showing up here and there. It may seem that your skin doesn’t know how to behave, so what is an expectant mom to do?
Some women find that they have an increase in acne lesions or perhaps experience acne for the first time during pregnancy when they have no prior history of the disease. Acne can have many causes and hormonal changes during pregnancy can certainly be a contributing factor. To treat acne there is no cure-all to the problem and treating with topical drugs such as Retin A or over the Counter medication like Benzoyl Peroxide are not appropriate during pregnancy.
Here is a list of things to consider in helping you clear your breakout.
Eliminate all pore clogging, (comedogenic) products from your skin care and make-up regimen
An example of a comedogenic ingredient would be Isopropyl Myristrate, which can be found in toothpaste and skin care products. Look for high-quality ingredients that are gentle yet effective. For your skin care, use a Cosmetceutical product line. Also try a pure mineral make-up such as line of powdered mineral make-up available as loose powder foundation dispensed in a brush or pressed powder compact.
Use a gentle effective cleanser that will not strip the skin of the natural oils but will remove make-up and pore clogging debris
I recommend the use of an ultrasonic brush such as the Clarisonic with your gentle cleanser because it cleans 30% better than manual cleansing and will provide exfoliation to remove excess dead skin. Exfoliation is important in helping to prevent further break out.
Don’t pick!
Picking pimples can spread bacteria, cause the pimple to rupture in the dermis and lead to scarring. Instead of picking, ice your pimples to reduce inflammation and speed the healing.
Acne is an inflammatory condition. Eating a highly anti-inflammatory diet will help
Avoid refined and heavily processed foods such as white flour and sugar. Consider using Agave as a natural low glycemic sweetener. Your skin is an organ of elimination and the greater the chemical burden your body has the more it will try to detoxify through the skin. Avoid artificial colors, preservatives, additives and artificial sweeteners.
Know your triggers
Foods high in sodium iodides such as Kelp, squid, crab or beef liver and many other foods can cause acne flair up. For some people, dairy products can be problematic. Keeping a food journal may be helpful in pinpointing possible triggers of a breakout.
Switch out your toxic household cleaners for safer non-toxic cleaners
Laundry soap, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners can contribute to acne challenges.
Reduce your stress level
Stress activates the adrenal gland to produce extra hormones, which stimulate oil production and contribute to acne flare-ups.
Get 8 hours of sleep at night
Your body repairs itself as you sleep which is important for skin health.
Drink 8 glasses of purified water daily
Have professional skin care treatments to help control acne
When seeking the help of an Aesthetician it is very important to follow his or her recommended protocol. Professional treatments such as Enzyme treatments and deep cleansing facials are very helpful in clearing breakouts but Chemical peels are not a good choice during pregnancy. If your Aesthetician has a nutritional certification they may suggest dietary changes and a neutraceutical, (vitamin), supplementation program as well.