Skin Care During Pregnancy

Well known to all is the fact that a pregnant woman consumes whatever affects the formation, development of the fetus and the health of the newborn finally. This fact makes it necessary for a would be mother to consume healthy food and have proper Ahaar vihar i.e. suitable diet and life style. The formation and development of the fetus is felt and known during the time of pregnancy and hence the care of other's food and behavior is important from day one of her pregnancy a sonly she can bestow good health to the child. In ayurveda a lot of medicinal preparations are given to pregnant woman to make the skin of the newborn baby glow, improve on complexion and body healthy.

Following are tips for pregnant women stated in ayurveda:

• Pregnant women must drink a lot of milk and coconut water.
• Ghee extracted from cow milk taken regularly is good for pregnant women.
• The coconut water or milk consumed is beneficial if taken with mixed sugar, turmeric and saffron.
• White flesh of coconut is healthy for the mother and the fetus.
• For pregnant women gruel of rice with milk, ghee and sugar is good and nutritious.

Safe skin care during Pregnancy

Highlights

Retinoid
Salicylic acid
Soy
Acne products
Hair removers & minimizers
Sunscreens
Makeup
The final word

 

Most pregnant women know that what they put (or don't put) in their bodies is important to the well-being of their growing baby, whether it's the right kind of protein, too much caffeine, or certain types of fish. But many pregnant women might not know that what they put on their bodies is just as important.

Most of us slather on oceans of lotions every day, but we don't think about what might be passing the skin barrier and being absorbed into our bodies. With a developing baby in your belly, this is a vital concern.

"Everything you eat, apply, or come into contact with may affect not only you but also your baby," says Sandra Marchese Johnson, a dermatologist with Johnson Dermatology in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

"Because some topical ingredients get absorbed into the bloodstream, there are some you want to avoid," adds Leslie Baumann, a professor of dermatology at the University of Miami and author of The Skin Type Solution (Bantam, 2006).

The more powerful and targeted products get, the more we need to be careful about what we have in our skin-care regimens during pregnancy. While most commonly used products are completely safe, there's a handful of ingredients considered potentially harmful to a growing baby. Below, see our guide to what to look for when shopping the beauty aisle.

If you plan to breastfeed, adds Johnson, continue following the guidelines noted below until you stop nursing.

Retinoids

These powerful substances, found in some antiaging moisturizers, are lauded for helping reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone. Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that speeds up cell division (quickening your skin's renewal) and prevent skin collagen from breaking down.

But retinoids are one of the skin-care ingredients that experts, including Baumann, recommend that expectant moms stay away from. Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy can be harmful to an unborn child. And oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin (Accutane, an acne treatment), are known to cause birth defects.

If you've been using a skin cream that contains a retinoid, don't panic. Retinoids have not been shown to cause problems in their topical form in pregnant women.

"There is no data to show these retinoids ingredients are harmful when used on the skin — doctors are just being extra cautious," explains Baumann.

On the label:
Differin (adapelene)
Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin)
Retinoic acid
Retinol
Retinyl linoleate
Retinyl palmitate
Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)

Salicylic acid

This mild acid is used to treat certain skin disorders, including acne, and you can find it in a number of skin products, such as cleansers and toners. It can penetrate facial oils to get deep into pores and clean out dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is in the aspirin family, so it can also help reduce inflammation or redness. BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is a form of salicylic acid and is used in some topical exfoliants to reverse signs of aging.

But salicylic acid is another no-no for pregnant women. High doses of the acid in its oral form have been shown in studies to cause birth defects and various pregnancy complications.

Again, doctors are being cautious by recommending that pregnant women avoid the topical use of salicylic acid. Small amounts applied to the skin — such as a salicylic acid-containing toner used once or twice a day — are considered safe, says Johnson.

But the concern is stronger about face and body peels containing salicylic acid. "This kind of 'soaking' in the ingredient is similar to taking one or more aspirin when pregnant," she explains.

"More product used equals more absorption into the bloodstream," adds Baumann. Always check with your doctor before having a peel treatment. Better yet, she advises, if you must have a peel, have it done professionally at your dermatologist's office. A dermatologist will know how to do it safely during pregnancy.

On the label:
Salicylic acid
Beta hydroxy acid
BHA

Note: Alpha hydroxy acids, sometimes listed as AHAs, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, are safe.

Soy

Some moms-to-be seek out natural ingredients such as soy in their skin-care products, thinking that they're free from harmful effects. But that's not necessarily the case, says Baumann.

While soy-based lotions and facial products are generally safe to use, "Soy can make the 'mask of pregnancy' (dark splotches on facial skin) worse, as can oil of bergamot, which is in many organic products," she says.

Soy has estrogenic effects, which can make those dark patches, also known as melasma or chloasma, worse, Baumann explains. "The 'active soy' found in some product lines is okay, however, because the estrogenic components have been taken out."

On the label:
Lethicin
Phosphatidylcholine
Soy
Textured vegetable protein (TVP)

Bottom line:
If you have dark skin or melasma, avoid these products, or choose 'active soy' products instead. Otherwise it's safe to use.

Acne products

Many women have breakouts in the first trimester because of changing estrogen levels, even if they've always had clear skin. If you're dealing with pregnancy-induced acne, a dermatologist can likely give you a safe topical antibiotic, advises Baumann. You can find a dermatologist in your area through your health insurance company or at the AmericanAcademy of Dermatology Web site.

But if you prefer to avoid yet another doctor appointment, Baumann recommends using a facial wash that contains no more than 2 percent salicylic acid (look for the percentage on the product label). This small amount is considered safe.

If you want to be doubly sure, ask your obstetrician or midwife before use. As for what to avoid when it comes to treating acne, stay away from leave-on acne lotions, gels, and creams, as well as at-home peels, which can contain salicylic acid or retinoids, says Baumann. And, of course, steer clear of the oral form of the retinoid Accutane.

On the label:
Beta hydroxy acid
BHA
Differin (adapelene)
Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin)
Retinoic acid
Retinol
Retinyl linoleate
Retinyl palmitate
Salicylic acid
Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)
Tretinoin

Note: Glycolic acid is an AHA, and safe to use.

Hair removers & minimizers

Lotions that remove your hair chemically (depilatories) or that minimize hair between shaves sound like a dream come true when you can barely reach — not to mention see — your legs. The good news is that these products are considered risk-free.

"There are no specific ingredients to avoid when it comes to these types of products," says Baumann. "The only risk is an allergy."

Catherine Lynch, director of the division of general obstetrics and gynecology at the University of South Florida, says, "As long as you use [chemical hair removers] as directed, they shouldn't be a problem. It's a topical solution that isn't absorbed into your bloodstream, so it can't have any effect on the baby."

If you've had an allergic skin reaction to hair minimizers or removal creams in the past, then you should avoid these products during pregnancy as well.

Also, some women's skin gets extra sensitive during pregnancy, so you may have a reaction to these ingredients even if you haven't before. Before slathering your whole leg, do a patch test on a small piece of skin behind your knee and wait 24 hours to see if you react.

On the label:
Potassium Thioglycolate (depilatory)
Calcium Thioglycolate (depilatory)
Sodium Hydroxide (minimizer)
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract (minimizer)
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (minimizer)

Sunscreens

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't hit the beach. In fact, feeling the sand between your toes and that warm breeze in your hair may provide that perfect "relaxation point" your Lamaze instructor has been talking about. And as your mom always told you: Don't forget the sunscreen.

Sunscreens, including those with ingredients that penetrate the skin, are perfectly safe when you've got your own bun in the oven, says Baumann.

"[Ingredients] that do go deep into the skin do so in such small concentrations" that they're not worth worrying about, says Johnson. "I personally prefer titanium dioxide and zinc oxide — they are powerful physical sunscreens and do not penetrate the skin."

She adds, "In addition to sunscreen, we advise sun-smart behaviors — avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; using a sun hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing; and reapplying your sunscreen every two hours."

And if you have melasma, adds Baumann, you can try a UV protector with a skin lightener.

On the label:
Titanium dioxide
Zinc oxide
Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)
Oxybenzone
Dioxybenzone
Benzophenone
Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC)
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
Octocrylene

Makeup

You may not give a second thought to the kind of makeup you use, but even cosmetics are something to consider when pregnant, says dermatologist Johnson.

Many makeup products are marked "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" — meaning they're oil-free and don't clog pores. These are safe and will not affect the health of your baby.

Avoid cosmetics that contain retinol or salicylic acid (found in some makeup for acne-prone skin).

If you want to be super careful during pregnancy, try some of the minerals-only makeup lines. These products use ingredients that primarily sit on top of the skin and don't cause irritation for most people.

On the label:
Differin (adapelene)
Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin)
Retinoic acid
Retinol
Retinyl linoleate
Retinyl palmitate
Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)
Tretinoin

The final word

When you're pregnant, Baumann says, it's important to discuss any product you use on your skin with your healthcare provider.

But if you realize you have used a product that contains one of the potentially harmful ingredients noted above, don't panic, says Johnson. Simply stop using the product now and pick one with known-to-be-safe ingredients.

"Most over-the-counter products by reputable brands are safe," she says. "And if you are applying these products to less than 10 percent of your total skin surface, the risks of systemic effects are very low."

Skin Care During Pregnancy

Face it- pregnancy changes everything. Including your skin. Fortunately, there is plenty that you can do for skin care during pregnancy that is safe and effective. Read on to learn about skin care during pregnancy for oily skin and breakouts, as well as skin care during pregnancy for dry skin.

Skin Care During Pregnancy: Oily Skin

During the first trimester, many women experience an increase in breakouts and this is especially true for those who were prone to acne before pregnancy. According to most physicians, the reason for this is the dramatic shift in hormones. With an increase in androgen levels, many women experience an increase in oil production and unsightly breakouts along with it.

• Do NOT treat pregnancy-related breakouts with conventional acne medications. Many of these medications are harmful to fetal development and known to cause birth defects. Advise your dermatologist that you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, so you can develop a regime that is appropriate for skin care during pregnancy. Avoid all prescription acne medications, including vitamin A preparations such as Accutane or Retin-A. Also avoid over-the-counter creams that contain retinol or antibiotics.
• During the first trimester, also do NOT use cleansers, makeup and moisturizers that contain chemical exfoliants. These products include salicylic acid, glycolic acid and alpha and beta hydroxyl acids. Read labels, because many popular products contain these chemicals, and they may not be appropriate for skin care during pregnancy especially not the first trimester. Consult your obstetrician to see if he or she approves of using these medications on your face after the first trimester.
• Do use moisturizers, makeup, sunblock and cleansers that are labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic". These products are designed to keep your pores clean and clear, to help avoid breakouts.
• For oily skin care during pregnancy, DO use mechanical exfoliants to keep skin clean and physically remove pore-clogging dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Gentle scrubs with very fine particles are most appropriate, and you can make your own scrub by adding a small amount of baking soda to an appropriate cleanser.
• DO try a cleansing facial at a salon every two weeks or so for gentle, thorough cleansing. Advise the salon of your condition, and let them know that you are avoiding vitamin A preparations and chemical exfoliants.

The fundamentals of oily skin care during pregnancy:

• Use a gentle, nondrying cleanser on your face twice daily. Avoid moisturizing soaps, since they contain emollients that can clog pores in the meantime.
• Stay out of the sun, and apply an oil-free sunblock every day.
• Scrub with a mechanical exfoliant three times a week.
• Use a clarifying mask to gently coax the oil out of your pores once a week.

Skin Care During Pregnancy: Dry Skin

Women who are prone to dry skin may find this to be even more of a problem during pregnancy, both on the face and all over the body. During pregnancy, you carry an increased volume of blood along with the need to provide body fluids to sustain your growing baby. With all of these demands for fluid, moisture is taken away from your skin and diverted to address these other needs. The result is very dry, and often itchy skin.

Recommendations for Dry Skin Care During Pregnancy

• Do NOT use anti-itch ointments that contain cortisone or hydrocortisone. It is not yet known how these chemicals affect your developing baby, so until conclusive clinical trials demonstrate that these medications are safe your best bet is to avoid them. . While it's not proven that they affect the baby's development, there have been no clinical studies performed to make sure they don't affect your baby, so your best bet is to avoid them. (TRY BLOOMING BODY BELLY BLISS for your itchy skin; it soothes skin on contact and eliminates itch using natural ingredients that are proven safe for use during pregnancy.)
• DO drink more water. This is your first line of defense, to keep your skin hydrated from the inside, out.

The fundamentals of dry skin care during pregnancy:

• Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser formulated for dry skin.
• Use a rich, emollient moisturizer and sunblock.
• If your skin is extra flaky, remove the dead skin cells with a mechanical exfoliant.
• Use a moisturizing mask once a week.
• Keep rooms well humidified.
• Don't bathe too much -- and when you do, take short, lukewarm showers and baths. On your body, use a gentle moisturizing soap (such as Blooming Body Butter Me UP! Or So Sensitive!)
• Moisturize from head to toe with a rich cream such as Belly Bliss to trap water in your skin
• For very dry skin, apply oil after every shower, then top with a moisturizing cream or butter. We recommend our Resilience oil, followed by Belly Bliss.

 

Here are some things you can do...

Pregnancy is a time for pure bliss. However, it does have its share of petty annoyances like morning sickness and skin problems. The skin develops acne and you are helpless because you cannot even use strong acne treatments and powerful ingredients to correct the situation. However, what you can do is to follow a gentle and efficient skin care routine during pregnancy.

 
Follow a Simple Regimen

Rather than trying to follow a complex routine and using too many skin care products, try to keep your routine simple with just the basics. Here are the products that you should use.

Cleanser
Use a mild cleanser that is soap-less and doesn't leave any residue on the skin. Wash you face with tepid water and cleanser at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

Moisturizer
Use a rich creamy moisturizer to combat the excessive dryness during pregnancy. Look for moisturizers that contain antioxidants that protects against environmental damage in addition to hydrating the skin. Make sure you moisturize your entire body as well.

Sunscreen
Don't make pregnancy an excuse to skip using sunscreens. Sunscreens should be used all the time irrespective of the seasons or health conditions. Use a quality sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and apply it well in advance before you venture out in the sun. Ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are totally safe to be used during pregnancy!

Product Suggestions:

 Clinical Cleansing Complex
This is a great cleanser that resurfaces the skin, deep cleans it and also controls acne. Though it is powerful, it can be safely used on sensitive skin and does not make it dry. It also contains antioxidants that fights and eliminates free radicals.

Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser
This is a mild cleanser that is suitable for all skin types, even very sensitive skin! It contains green tea extracts that help to soothe the skin. Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser cleans the skin without ripping away essential nutrients.

NIA 24 Skin Strengthening Complex
This is a superb cream that is neither too light nor too heavy. With regular use, this cream reduces the wrinkles and fine lines and enhances the barrier function of the skin and accelerates the repair process by supplying moisture.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX
It is a hydrating moisturizer that has SPF contents as well. It offers full protection against sunburns and hydrates the skin efficiently. It contains Mexoryl SX which is photostable against UVA rays so it does not breakdown and lasts longer than most sunscreens. It is free of all fragrances and does not make your skin pasty! It moisturizes for 24 hours as well.

 Clinical SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen
It is the first of its kind powder sunscreen that contains physical UV blockers comprising of 25% titanium dioxide and 20% zinc oxide. This special nanotechnology formulation provides sun protection against a vast spectrum of sunlight.

Heal Skin Problems Safely

Pregnancy brings along with it a whole lot of skin problems like acne inflammations, stretch marks, itchiness and so on. However, you cannot just grab any over-the-counter product and apply it to the problem areas. Rather, you should take care to apply only safe ingredients.

Stretch Marks



The sad truth it is impossible to eliminate stretch marks completely. That is why it is important to prevent them at all costs. Use skin care products like serums and gels that moisturize the skin efficiently and thus help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Itchiness
This is a very common symptom during pregnancy. However, scratching on the skin results in the formation of marks and fine lines. Thus, whenever you feel itchy, take a little moisturizer and massage it over the area.

Acne
This is another common occurrence during pregnancy. However, you need to make sure that the acne care products contain ingredients that are safe to be used during pregnancy. You should definitely avoid ingredients like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and oral intake of salicylic acid.

Hydroquinone

Avoid any product containing Hydorquinone while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hydroquinones can cause serious side effects and should not be used while you are pregnant.

Sources:

www.articlesbase.com

 

www.bloomingbody.com

 

www.ayurveda-herbal-remedy.com

 

www.babycenter.com