Many women find that during pregnancy, their skin goes through a number of changes.
Dr Jennifer Crawley, skin expert for Childs Farm, the UK’s fastest growing baby and child toiletries brand, reassures mums to be that these changes in pregnancy are very common -and do improve once your baby is born! Here, she shares her expert advice on what the changes might be and how to tackle them.
“Common changes to the skin during pregnancy can include acne, dry or sensitive skin, pigmentation changes, broken veins, and perhaps the most expected problem of them all, stretch marks,” Dr Crawley explains.
“During your first or second trimester, you might find that your skin is suffering from acne breakouts. This is due to the increase in pregnancy hormones, but can be kept at bay by a good skincare regime. Try to get into the routine of washing your face with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening, as this will ensure that skin is clear and toxins are removed. Once your baby is born, your hormones should re-balance and as a result the acne will subside.
“Blood supply is increased during pregnancy, and this can lead to skin being more delicate and dry. If you’re finding that your skin is more sensitive, I’d recommend using creams instead of lotions, as the former is more hydrating and moisturising for the skin. Childs Farm’s moisturisers, for example, are full of naturally derived ingredients such as Shea and cocoa butter -they are suitable for sensitive skin and are also safe for people who may be prone to eczema. They are also dermatologist and paediatrician approved. Moisturise regularly, and keep your fluid intake up as this will keep both your body and skin hydrated.
“Stretch marks are most likely to develop during your second trimester, most commonly on the breasts, tummy and thighs. Stretch marks develop as the elastic tissue in the skin stretches more, and at a faster rate than usual, initially they can look quite an angry red colour, before fading to a silver/grey. Prevention through moisturization of the skin is key as keeping the skin supple helps it to cope with the changes it faces during pregnancy.
