Facial care during pregnancy: you should pay attention to this

There are many uncertainties when it comes to skin care during pregnancy. Many women are at a loss, especially when it comes to skin problems such as pregnancy acne or pigment disorders: Which products are allowed, which ingredients should be avoided and how can the skin be sensibly supported during this time?

This article provides important information and tips on facial care during pregnancy and shows what care your skin needs during this special time.

The body changes

From the very first days of pregnancy, various changes are noticeable in the body. The entire system adjusts to take care of the growing child and the body adapts accordingly.

Changes can primarily occur in the areas of the cardiovascular system , the immune system and the hormone system . The hormone fluctuations that occur often also cause visible changes in the skin and hair. In order for pregnant women to continue to feel comfortable in their own skin and to be able to give their bodies the best possible support during pregnancy, they should pay particular attention to the care of these areas.

Hormones – how the skin changes

Hormones are messenger substances in our body that keep the whole system running. These little helpers work wonders during pregnancy: Even if it doesn't feel like it on some days, the entire hormone system adapts perfectly to the needs of the growing child every day and ensures that the baby and the mother get through the time healthy .

The pregnancy hormone HCG plays a special role. This stimulates the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body, which initiate important metabolic processes in the first weeks of pregnancy:

• Estrogen ensures improved oxygen supply and supports the cardiovascular system.

• Progesterone stimulates blood circulation and supplies the body and skin with important nutrients.

• Estrogen and progesterone also increase the water storage capacity of the connective tissue and make the skin elastic.

In many cases, these hormonal changes ensure the mother's typical baby glow : Small wrinkles are reduced, the skin becomes rosy and plumped up and appears firmer and younger overall.

However, the abrupt change in hormones does not always have exclusively positive effects on the skin. Hormonal fluctuations and increased sebum production often cause skin problems in many pregnant women. It is therefore important during this special time to optimally adapt skin care to changing needs.

Typical skin problems during pregnancy

So while some women really thrive during pregnancy, others struggle with dry or oily skin. It is not uncommon for pimples and blackheads to appear as a result of hormonal changes, including acne . Increased pigmentation on the skin is also a possible side effect of pregnancy.

While these skin issues can be frustrating, you're not alone. Almost half of all expectant mothers suffer from various types of skin problems, especially in the first few months of pregnancy. The skin needs a certain amount of time to get used to the new circumstances. But don't worry: With the right care and suitable products, this process can be helped a little.

Dry and itchy skin

Dry skin despite increased sebum production during pregnancy? That's not uncommon. In most cases, this can be attributed to water retention , for example on the legs. This edema stores excessive water - so that other parts of the skin are now lacking it. The skin on the stomach in particular is stressed and can itch and tighten during this time.

acne

You're just about to get to an age when you've finally left the acne of puberty behind - and pregnancy promptly brings new pimples and impurities to your face.

Pregnancy acne is not uncommon and occurs in many pregnant women. But how exactly does this arise? This is due to the increased production of progesterone . The hormone triggers increased sebum production and can lead to breakouts and breakouts. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the breastfeeding hormone prolactin is added and causes a further increase in sebum production.

Pigment spots – pregnancy mask

Typical pigment spots during pregnancy are also referred to as pregnancy mask or chloasma. These are small, brown or dark skin discolorations that often appear on the face.

The cause behind this lies in the increased production of the body's own pigment melanin during pregnancy. This is to protect the body from sun-related damage during this special time. You can also effectively fight pigment spots during pregnancy: a sunscreen prevents the overproduction of the pigment, as does vitamin C by blocking an enzyme that is essential for the formation of melanin.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks or pregnancy marks are an issue in almost every pregnancy. Every mother-to-be wants to prevent them as much as possible and give the growing belly the appropriate care.

Stretch marks are caused by tears in the subcutaneous tissue, which occur as a result of rapid stretching on the stomach, buttocks and chest. However, those who are prone to stretch marks and who are spared from them are actually almost exclusively dependent on their genetic predisposition .

Nevertheless, you can counteract this with a balanced diet, exercise and the right body care: Massages to improve blood circulation and daily creaming of the skin with oils and moisturizing products increase the elasticity of the skin and prevent stretch marks.

That's not good for the skin

For many women, the first impulse when it comes to blemished skin or problems with hyperpigmentation is to reach for stronger active ingredients, sometimes real chemical cocktails. But such products should be avoided during pregnancy - because everything that gets on the skin can affect the health of the baby.

In addition, the skin of expectant mothers reacts very sensitively to synthetic ingredients and fragrances. Many women are unsure about many ingredients during pregnancy and ask themselves a wide variety of questions, for example: Is glycerin harmful and can I continue to use the sunscreen I am used to? Substances of concern during pregnancy are presented below.

retinol

Retinol is also known as vitamin A and is particularly well-known among beauty fans for its anti-aging effect. Unfortunately, high doses of vitamin A, especially in the form of retinoic acid , pose some risks for the unborn baby and can even cause birth defects.

Should pregnant women therefore refrain from using care products with retinol? Even if the absorption of vitamin A through the skin can only have a minor effect on the embryo: to be on the safe side, all face creams and sunscreens with vitamin A should be avoided during pregnancy. Prescription ointments, creams and tablets for acne that contain high doses of retinoic acid should not be used under any circumstances .

salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide

High doses of salicylic acid (BHA) can also pose a risk to pregnancy . In principle, a concentration of up to 2 percent is considered harmless, but to be on the safe side, the products should be avoided entirely.

teeth whitening products

Toothpaste with a whitening effect and other bleaching products should not be used during pregnancy. Due to the hormonal change and the increased blood circulation in the body, the gums are already sensitive anyway - bleaching agents from bleaching products can be particularly harmful here and promote gum inflammation . In the worst case, this inflammation can promote pregnancy complications such as premature birth or a low birth weight.

A gentle tooth cleaning at the dentist is recommended, which makes the teeth a little brighter and has a positive effect on oral health.

That's good for the skin

During pregnancy it is important to choose the right products for serums, masks, face creams and cleansing products. The ingredients should be formulated to be highly compatible and mild .

With the right care products, the body is ideally supported and pampered during this special time. Because one thing is important during pregnancy: that the mother-to-be feels completely comfortable and does something good for her body. With the right care, the skin can relax during pregnancy and cope with every hormonal change.

A regular care ritual with peeling, oils and creams pampers body and soul and helps to keep the skin supple and elastic. Making face masks yourself with home remedies such as chamomile tea or quark offers the skin a special wellness effect.

For acne and blemishes

Regular facial cleansing is important to rid the skin of excess sebum and bacteria. It should be put on a mild cleanser that removes excess sebum without damaging the skin's protective barrier. Cleansing oils that maintain the skin's natural pH value are also suitable.

Tip : In order to keep the skin healthy and clear, it is advisable to use a fresh towel every day and the pillowcase should also be changed regularly.

Proper care is also crucial for acne-prone skin during pregnancy. Products that have a mild anti-inflammatory effect are particularly suitable for impure skin during pregnancy. Ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide can provide relief from skin problems and prevent new breakouts from forming. They are completely risk-free for pregnant women.

Acne-plagued skin is usually particularly sensitive and should therefore be damaged as little as possible. Strongly irritating mechanical peelings should therefore be avoided - mild products with a low concentration of glycolic acid are more suitable. From time to time, a cleansing mask is a good idea to remove dead skin cells and regulate sebum production.

Important : In this exceptional time, it is all the more important not to touch your face with pimples and blackheads and not to press around on the inflammation. Otherwise there is a risk that pus and bacteria will spread to the skin and the tissue will be injured. With a little time and the right care, the body manages to fight the inflammation and get rid of the pimples itself - and usually without any scars or acne marks.

Do the blemishes get worse and are replaced by a real pregnancy acne, which also brings with it psychological stress? Then going to the dermatologist is the right decision. Although pregnant women are not supposed to use all of the ingredients, there are some things that can help stop acne. In an emergency, there are also antibiotic ointments that have been found safe to use during pregnancy.

For dry skin

Dry skin on the face and body is particularly troublesome during pregnancy as the skin starts to itch and tighten. The following tips can help:

• A nourishing bath with almond oil

• Rich care products for the face with active ingredients such as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid

• For particularly dry areas, add a little oil to the facial care product

• Pregnancy oils for the body with natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, evening primrose oil and calendula extract for improved skin elasticity

• Do not shower or bathe above 38 degrees

Gentle care products with mild, highly compatible ingredients such as hyaluronic acid are not only completely risk-free for the baby, they are also good for the body. After all, every woman should feel completely comfortable and beautiful at all times - especially during the unique time of pregnancy.