Remember the time when you were feeling pleased with yourself and about your carefully curated and calculated skincare regime? But then you found out about your pregnancy and had to change your entire routine.
Well, this is because you might not be able to predict the way your pregnancy will affect your skin. This is because the skin concerns that you probably experienced before pregnancy may get better or even worse. Those with previously blemish-free skin may find themselves tackling acne, while the ones with normal skin type may suddenly develop sensitive skin. Your skin issues may even have you wondering, “What was that about pregnancy glow!”
Achieving divine glow may seem like a far stretched dream to you when your skin is overreacting to everything. But the good news is that with a little bit of extra care, you will be able to control your sensitive skin symptoms.
What Is Sensitive Skin
If your skin gets easily inflamed, swollen, red, or tends to get itchy and irritated, then it’s safe to say that you have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is common during pregnancy. About 90% of women experience such skin changes while pregnant. These changes mostly occur due to significant shifts in hormones, immune response, and metabolism. In addition to skin sensitivity, you may also experience an emergence of new skin conditions, such as acne and pigmentation.
What Is The Exact Cause Of Sensitive Skin During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body goes through several hormonal changes. This makes you more sensitive towards things that may normally not affect you at all, such as certain cosmetic ingredients, detergents, sunlight, and even foods. Certain body parts may tend to react more due to dryness while others may flare up due to contact with external irritants.
Yes, we know that sensitive skin might seem too much to handle during pregnancy but a little extra care can help you manage these symptoms more comfortably.
How To Tell If You Have Sensitive Skin
You can easily identify symptoms of sensitive skin at home. Some of the common signs include:
- Severe itching, stinging, or burning sensation after using a certain skincare product.
- Sudden redness or tenderness in the skin.
- Irritation, inflammation, or flare-ups after using products that have not affected you before.
6 Ways To Soothe Sensitive Skin During Pregnancy
Following the right skincare rules during pregnancy can save your precious skin from sensitivity and who knows, it may even help you achieve that dreamy pregnancy glow. Here are some pregnancy-safe skincare tips that can soothe and nourish your sensitive skin.
Use A Gentle Cleanser And Avoid Rubbing Your Face
Image caption: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser formulated with mild ingredients
While looking for a facial cleanser, “gentle” is the word that you should remember! Treat your skin with extra TLC and use a cleanser that clears dirt, grime, and dead skin cells effectively yet gently.
The best way to combat sensitivity is by choosing a face wash that is plant-based and rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid as they will help nurture and hydrate the skin. Make sure to wash your face twice a day and apply a nourishing moisturiser right after. Avoid scraping or rubbing your sensitive skin at all costs. This may cause skin tears or even infections.
Never Skip Your Sunscreen
Due to heightened sensitivity during pregnancy, your skin may not react well to sunlight. Never step out without sunscreen. Look for a sunscreen that is mineral-based, pregnancy-safe, with an SPF of 45 or more. It should contain botanical ingredients such as calendula and chamomile extracts that provide protection against sun-induced damage and soothe inflamed skin.
Make sure to re-apply the sunscreen after every 2-3 hours to save your skin from the harsh UV rays. Wear long-sleeved clothing, and carry an umbrella, hat, or sunglasses for higher protection from the sun.
Hydration Is Key
Image Caption: Hydration is important to nourish your skin from within
It is vital that you keep yourself hydrated at all times. This will nourish your skin from within and prevent dryness, which is also a common skin condition during pregnancy. Drink sufficient water and moisturise your skin with a good hydrating serum. It will boost the water content of your skin and lock in the nutrients.
Say No To Active Ingredients Such As Retinoids
Active ingredients such as retinoids should be completely cut out from your pregnancy skincare routine. While this ingredient works wonders to diminish ageing signs, research shows that the use of retinoids during pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects and other congenital diseases in babies.
It can also irritate your sensitive skin causing inflammation or breakouts. Instead of retinoid-based creams, look for anti-ageing products that are formulated with pregnancy-safe and mild ingredients. Other active ingredients to avoid during pregnancy are hydroquinone, formaldehyde, and oxybenzone.
Protect Your Skin Against Pollution
With increased levels of pollution all around us, it’s all the more important that we take necessary precautions to protect our skin. If the skin comes in contact with external irritants, it may react adversely, leading to breakouts, inflammations, and flare-ups. Additionally, pollution can speed up the ageing process causing visible signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol is one of the active ingredients that can reverse skin damage caused by pollution and reduce ageing signs, but as mentioned above, this active ingredient is unsafe to use during pregnancy. Instead of retinol, you can look for a day cream formulated with ingredients such as bakuchiol. It’s a natural alternative to retinol that boosts elasticity and firmness. Apply the day cream before stepping out of your house to keep your skin nourished and protected against pollutants.
Add Aloe Vera To Your Skincare Routine
Image caption: Aloe vera gel can soothe sensitive skin effectively
Aloe vera is a wonderful remedy for soft, healthy, and hydrated skin. It contains an enzyme called bradykinesia, which is helpful in treating sensitive skin and reduces inflammation. Apart from that, aloe vera also contains essential amino acids and possesses antioxidant properties that have a soothing and moisturising effect on your skin.
Apply the gel if you notice any irritation, redness, or inflammation on your skin. You can apply aloe vera gel both in your AM and PM routine to soothe and nourish your skin.
Follow the mentioned tips to get relief from sensitive skin during pregnancy. Indulge in extra-nourishing TLC activities and make sure to stay away from ingredients that aren’t pregnancy safe.
Also Read: Best pregnancy test kits
