Pregnancy is a wonderful and transformative stage in a woman's life, but it also brings with it many changes, especially to the skin. During these nine months, it is essential to pay special attention to facial care to maintain healthy and radiant skin.
During these nine months, the body goes through a series of hormonal and physical adjustments that can noticeably affect the skin on the face . From the appearance of dark spots and acne breakouts to increased sensitivity and dryness, skin changes can be numerous and sometimes challenging.
Skin care during pregnancy is not only important for aesthetic reasons, but also for the health and well-being of the mother and baby .
Using safe and appropriate products is essential, as many common ingredients in conventional cosmetics can be harmful. Ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, retinoids and sulphates can not only irritate the skin, but can also have adverse long-term effects .
We reveal everything you need to know about facial care during pregnancy and how you can maintain the beauty and health of your skin with natural and safe products.
SKIN CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY
NORMAL SKIN
Women with normal skin usually have balanced skin, neither too dry nor too oily. However, during pregnancy, they may notice several changes due to the increase in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone .
POSSIBLE CHANGES
- Increased Radiance: Increased blood flow can give skin a brighter, healthier appearance.
- Acne breakouts: Hormonal changes can cause occasional acne breakouts.
- Increased sensitivity: Skin may become more sensitive to certain products.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Gentle cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser that maintains the skin's natural balance.
- Light Moisturizer: Opt for a light moisturizer that won't clog pores.
- Sun protection: Use sunscreen with an adequate protection factor daily to protect the skin from UV damage.
DRY SKIN
Women with dry skin often have insufficient sebum production, which can result in tight, flaky skin. During pregnancy, these symptoms may intensify.
POSSIBLE CHANGES
- Increased dryness: Skin may become even drier due to hormonal changes.
- Flaking: Lack of moisture can cause visible flaking.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Intense hydration: Use a moisturizing cream rich in ingredients such as shea butter and natural oils.
- Avoid harsh soaps: Use cleansers that do not strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Humidification: Consider using a humidifier at home to keep the air humid and help your skin retain moisture.
- This ultra-hydrating serum from OhMyKoko, based on hyaluronic acid , probiotics and prebiotics , is ideal for dry and dehydrated skin . It strengthens the skin barrier while fighting expression lines and signs of premature aging.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin is characterized by excessive sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores and acne . During pregnancy, increased hormones such as progesterone can intensify these problems.
POSSIBLE CHANGES
- Increased sebum: The skin may become more oily.
- Acne Breakouts: It is common to experience breakouts due to clogged pores.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Balanced cleansing: Use cleansers that remove excess oil without drying out the skin.
- Oil-Free Moisturizer: Opt for oil-free moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated without adding extra oil.
- Balance oil production: use a sebum-regulating product that is able to normalize sebum production and correct pores. Pay attention to the ingredients, which should be natural and respectful of your skin and its condition.
OhMyKoko's sebum-regulating serum contains Niacinamide and botanical extracts such as lotus flowers . Include it in your skincare routine for combination or oily skin . It will help you reduce oil and fight free radicals, wrinkles and expression lines . In addition, it stimulates the skin's natural collagen production.
COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin has characteristics of dry and oily skin in different areas of the face. During pregnancy, these contrasts can become more pronounced.
POSSIBLE CHANGES
- Dryer areas: Dry areas may become more flaky.
- Oilier oily areas: Oily areas can produce more sebum and breakouts.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Dual Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser that balances both areas.
- Balanced hydration: Apply a facial moisturizer that respects the needs of your face.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin is more prone to reactions and irritations . During pregnancy, this sensitivity can increase due to hormonal changes.
POSSIBLE CHANGES
- Increased irritation: Skin may react more to products and environmental factors.
- Redness: There may be an increase in redness and rashes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Gentle products: Use products designed for sensitive skin, without fragrances or irritating ingredients.
- Soothing hydration: Opt for moisturizers with natural ingredients that have a soothing effect and are kind to your skin's sensitivity.
- Sun protection: Use mineral sunscreen to prevent irritation and combat damage from external factors.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF FACIAL SKIN DURING PREGNANCY
MELASMA
Melasma, also known as the "mask of pregnancy," is a common condition characterized by dark patches on the skin, mainly on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. This is due to increased melanin , which is stimulated by pregnancy hormones.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
- Sun protection: Use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Opt for mineral formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Avoid sun exposure: Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to minimize direct sun exposure.
- Natural Ingredients: Use products with vitamin C to help lighten dark spots.
ACNE
Hormonal acne is another common problem during pregnancy. Increases in androgen levels can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, clogging pores and causing breakouts .
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
- Regular cleansing: Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser.
- Avoid comedogenic products: Use non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores.
- Natural treatments: use natural treatments based on ingredients such as lotus flower or vegan niacinamide.
DRYNESS AND FLAKING
Some women may experience drier, flaky skin during pregnancy, which can be uncomfortable and lead to irritation if not treated properly.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
- Deep hydration: Use moisturizing creams rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Gentle exfoliation: Exfoliate your skin regularly with gentle exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and allow for better absorption of moisture.
- Drink plenty of water: Keep your body and skin hydrated by drinking enough water daily.
Skin may become more sensitive to products that were previously well tolerated due to hormonal and metabolic changes during pregnancy. Use products formulated for sensitive skin, without artificial fragrances or colors. |
THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL INGREDIENTS
During pregnancy, skin care should not only focus on beauty but also on safety . Many conventional products contain chemicals that can be harmful to the mother and the fetus . This is where natural cosmetic products play a vital role.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
⚠️PARABENS
Parabens are preservatives found in many cosmetic products and are associated with endocrine disruption . There has been much debate about their safety, especially during pregnancy.
⚠️PHTHALATES
They are used to set fragrances and can interfere with the hormonal development of the fetus . It is best to avoid products with synthetic fragrances that contain phthalates.
⚠️RETINOIDS
Although effective in combating aging, retinoids can be harmful during pregnancy and are associated with birth defects . Avoid products with retinol and retinoic acid. An ideal alternative is bakuchiol or vegan retinol, so called because it is the natural alternative to retinol.
⚠️SULFATES
Sulfates are cleansing agents that can be irritating and drying to the skin , worsening pre-existing conditions. Look for sulfate-free products for gentle, safe cleansing.
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🎤 We invite you to explore our 'We Talk With' section, where you will find our interview with a renowned physiotherapist and expert in the pelvic floor, who offers you the best advice for your health and your skin.
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