How To Treat Dry Skin During Pregnancy - Merindah Botanicals

How To Treat Dry Skin During Pregnancy

Hoping for a gorgeous glow and instead being plagued with dry skin during pregnancy?

Pregnancy can be both exciting and nerve racking. It’s exciting because you’ve got a little life growing inside you, but it’s the changes your body is going through can be overwhelming.

You may experience a lot of physical and emotional changes. Most women get glowing skin because of the pregnancy hormones. And as a result of these fluctuating pregnancy hormones, there is an increased water retention capacity in the body, which causes the so called pregnancy glow.

But sometimes these hormones can also trigger dry skin during pregnancy.

Is it Normal to Have Dry Skin in Pregnancy?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your skin lose its elasticity and moisture as it stretches and expands to accommodate the growing baby. This may lead to dry, flaky, red or itchy skin. In some cases, the skin also starts peeling and appears scaly.

It is quite normal and can be treated easily. A body lotion for dry skin will become your BFF during your pregnancy.

Skin dryness skin is a normal symptom of pregnancy and should not be a cause for concern. If you are pregnant and have dry skin, read on to find out how to treat dry skin during pregnancy.

When Does Skin Appear Dry During Pregnancy?

Usually, skin dryness appears during the initial months of pregnancy or in the first trimester and, in some cases, it may remain dry up until the third trimester. The neck, hands, stomach, and face are the most commonly affected areas. But other areas like elbows, knees, and heels could also get dry. Some pregnant women may even experience itchiness in the thighs, breasts, and arms as well.

What Causes Dry Skin During Pregnancy?

The major causes of dry skin are the hormonal changes your body goes through. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can rob your skin of oil and elasticity, thus making it dry.

But hormonal changes alone are not responsible for dry skin. A lot of other factors can lead to skin dryness during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the body requires more fluids to cope with the demands of the growing baby and there is always a risk of dehydration which can trigger skin dryness.

The pregnancy hormones can stimulate the oil glands to produce extra oil resulting in acne. Frequent washing of the face to combat oiliness and breakouts may cause the skin to become dry.

Dry skin can be a result of pregnancy-related stress and dietary changes during pregnancy can affect the elasticity of the skin.

Eczema During Pregnancy

If you have eczema, it is likely your raging pregnancy hormones could be making the situation worse.

Dry skin is more likely to become scratchy or itchy. Scratching the skin can lead to small tears or cracks in the skin, thus making it susceptible to infections and scarring.

If you already have a history of eczema, you may experience flare-ups during pregnancy.

Tips to Deal With Dry Skin During Pregnancy

Here are our top tips on how to treat dry skin during pregnancy:

Use mild cleansers to clean your skin rather than harsh soaps which can strip the skin of natural oils. Always pat dry your skin after washing instead of rubbing it.

Many women prefer to switch to completely natural skincare and body products during pregnancy due to the harmful ingredients in synthetic personal and skincare products.

We recommend using a natural body lotion for dry skin during pregnancy to combat skin dryness and prevent stretch marks. 

To keep your skin silky soft and hydrated, use a body exfoliant like our Invigorating Body Scrub.

If possible, refrain from wearing synthetic clothes as they can trap heat which can aggravate dry skin. Opt for comfortable cool, cotton fabrics.

Resist the temptation to scratch the dry skin no matter how itchy it feels. Scratching can cause small cuts or cracks in the skin, leaving it exposed to infections.

Avoid swimming in swimming pools when your skin is dry as the chlorinated water of the pool can further affect dry skin.

How Can You Prevent Your Skin From Getting Dry During Pregnancy?

Prevention is the best cure. Here is how you can prevent dry skin during:

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating drinks like caffeine, tea, energy drinks, and soda. Go for fresh fruit juices, water or herbal teas instead.

Include foods with high water content in your diet like green leafy vegetables, fruits like watermelons and bone broth or soups. And maintain a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy which will not only have a positive effect on your skin but your health as a whole.

Eat fatty foods like olive oil, nuts and avocados as they promote healthy skin.

Use hydrating face masks once in a while as they can help to keep your skin soft and supple.

A healthy and active lifestyle during pregnancy is important too and taking walks, doing light exercises can also benefit your skin in many ways.

Pregnancy-related stress can also have an impact on your skin. Try to keep your stress levels low by practising meditation, yoga, breathing techniques, and listening to soothing music.

Before you step out into the sun, apply sunscreen with a good SPF to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays.

Avoid hot showers. Always shower with lukewarm water. Using hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. So take a bath or shower with warm water!

Apply a hydrating lotion or nourishing body lotion immediately after bathing to retain the moisture of the skin. Avoid synthetic body care products and perfume that are loaded with chemical fragrances.

Use a body lotion for your dry skin that is lightly scented with natural essential oils for a natural scent that gently lingers on your skin.

Using a humidifier in your bedroom during the night will help maintain the moisture levels of the room.

You can find more pregnancy skincare tips here.

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