Changes that occur with a woman during pregnancy are expressed not only in the aggravation of feelings and emotions, but also in the deterioration of the condition of hair, nails and skin. About a third of all pregnant women face similar problems. And despite the fact that such changes usually do not have a negative effect on the fetus, they can deliver a lot of inconvenience to a woman.
You will learn about the reasons, features of care and prevention of dry skin during pregnancy from our article. Below are a few effective recipes for face and body masks that will help in the fight against its dryness.
Causes of Dry Skin During Pregnancy
Even before a woman finds out about her position, hormonal restructuring begins in her body. From the moment the fertilized egg is introduced into the uterine wall, all organs and systems are already working to help the pregnant woman endure and give birth to a healthy baby. But far from always occurring changes proceed smoothly.
Many women carrying a baby may be faced with the fact that suddenly their skin became dry. During pregnancy, the sensitivity of the skin really increases. Itching, peeling, irritation may appear. And often not only the skin of the face suffers, but also the arms, legs, and abdomen.
The most common causes of dry skin during pregnancy include:
- changes in the functioning of the endocrine system;
- lack of fluid in the body;
- insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals;
- allergic reactions.
Hormonal changes
From the first days after egg implantation, an intensive increase in the amount of hormones in the body, namely progesterone and estrogen, begins. On the one hand, they “do” everything possible to prevent an abortion, and on the other hand, they cause the very changes in the hormonal background that negatively affect the condition of the skin.
Progesterone produced in large quantities reduces the elasticity of the skin, but increases its sensitivity. At the same time, an excess of estrogen leads to a violation of the regulation of the function of the sebaceous glands. The insufficient production of sebum contributes to the fact that the skin becomes drier, begins to peel. In this case, the hair loses its natural shine. Since hormonal restructuring is experienced by all women, without exception, the situation when the skin becomes very dry during pregnancy is not uncommon. Women with oily skin most often complain of acne, and with normal and sensitive skin - peeling and irritation.
Lack of vitamins and fluids in the body
During pregnancy, the needs of women double. First of all, she needs to ensure a sufficient intake of fluid in the body. Water is necessary not only for the baby and mother, but also to some extent for the formation of amniotic fluid. To maintain optimal water balance, a woman needs to drink up to 2 liters of fluid per day, including main dishes, tea, juices, etc. But it is important not to overdo it. Excess water is harmful, as is its lack, since this is fraught with additional stress on the kidneys and the formation of edema.
Dry skin during pregnancy may be due to a lack of vitamins, especially A and E, which are responsible for elasticity. In the diet of a woman carrying a child, beef liver, eggs, sea fish, butter, carrots, beets and other products must be present.
Do I need to see a doctor?
The obstetrician-gynecologist should be aware of all changes in the state of health of a woman, especially those that cause her great anxiety. The causes of dry skin on the face during pregnancy can include not only insufficient moisture and hormonal changes in the body, but also infectious diseases. The latter, in turn, carry a danger to the health of the baby.
Only after going to the doctor can a woman make sure that nothing threatens the health of the child. An obstetrician-gynecologist will prescribe a set of necessary studies for a pregnant woman, select a special diet and prescribe treatment or vitamins to prevent dry skin. It is strongly not recommended to use any ointments and creams without a doctor's prescription.
Diagnosis of the disease
Only a competent specialist can determine the exact cause of dry skin during pregnancy and make the correct diagnosis. If irritation, peeling and itching are detected on the face or other parts of the body, you should immediately contact a local gynecologist.
The doctor will conduct an examination, give a direction for the delivery of a general blood test, prescribe the necessary treatment, consisting of moisturizers, ointments, antihistamines, vitamins allowed during pregnancy. In especially difficult cases, the gynecologist is obliged to refer the patient for a consultation with a dermatologist.
Effect on the fetus
In most cases, a woman carrying a baby does not need to worry if she has dry skin during pregnancy. The most common reason for this condition is a banal allergy to food or household chemicals. The danger to the fetus is only irritation and peeling caused by infectious diseases, which is extremely rare in obstetric practice.
Thus, dry skin does not affect the development of the baby. But she can cause discomfort to the expectant mother, because due to a decrease in elasticity, the following unpleasant symptoms may appear in a pregnant woman:
- stretch marks on the chest, abdomen or hips;
- itching
- peeling;
- irritation and redness of the affected areas;
- dandruff.
To eliminate the above symptoms, it is necessary to choose funds for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. But treatment must be prescribed, or at least agreed with the doctor.
What to do with dry skin during pregnancy?
To cope with the problem, you must first determine the cause that led to its appearance. Further, based on the result, you should build a treatment regimen or special care for very dry skin. During pregnancy, a woman should guarantee the mandatory implementation of such actions:
- Provide the body with enough fluid. It is best if it is ordinary clear water. The lack of fluid in the body of a woman is reflected not only in the condition of the skin, but also in her well-being.
- Maintain a balanced diet. Preference should be given to fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as foods rich in animal protein.
- When cleansing the skin, refuse toilet soap, including baby soap. Instead, use a special moisturizing milk, micellar water or, in extreme cases, cream soap.
- Regularly nourish and tone the skin using special face masks that can be easily prepared at home.
- Do not forget about applying moisturizers, oils or lotions to the skin. It is not necessary to use cosmetics of expensive brands. It can be a regular baby cream, as well as olive or sea buckthorn oil.
Dry skin of the body and hands during pregnancy
Every woman can face the problem of dry skin. And first of all, unpleasant symptoms, such as itching, redness, peeling, appear on the hands. The explanation is very simple. The fact is that it is the skin of the hands that is most susceptible to the aggressive action of household chemicals and other substances. The palms of pregnant women often peel off, there is always a feeling of tightness, and often microcracks appear. To avoid this, all homework should be done with rubber gloves, and be sure to go outside in mittens.
Dry body skin during pregnancy is also not uncommon. If you do not moisturize it, stretch marks may appear on your stomach, chest, or hips. That is why dry skin should be treated with various oils, such as olive. This will help prevent stretch marks and eliminate discomfort.
Drug treatment
If, during pregnancy, dry skin flakes up strongly, itches, which is accompanied by the appearance of purulent lesions on the combed areas, a woman should immediately consult a dermatologist. Only a specialist after the examination will be able to prescribe drugs that will not harm the expectant mother and child. In addition, peeling, scrubs and lotions containing alcohol should be discarded. With severe skin irritation, a pregnant woman can be prescribed one of the following drugs:
- Bepanten. A drug that improves tissue regeneration is widely used in various pathologies. The cream should be applied in a thin layer on the affected surface, rubbing it lightly. It is recommended to use 1-2 times a day.
- Pantoderm. The cream is indicated for use in combs, cracks and other small wounds with the threat of infection. It is used externally 1 or several times a day.
- "D-Panthenol." The drug is widely used for dermatitis and various skin diseases. "D-Panthenol" is allowed to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Folk remedies
With dry skin of the face and body of a pregnant woman, it is recommended:
- Apply nourishing masks based on honey at least 2-3 times a week.
- Periodically take a warm bath with milk, glycerin, essential oils, decoctions of flax seeds and oats.
- Moisturize dry hands with a special cream of melted lard and mutton fat (1 tbsp each). The resulting mass should be applied to the affected area, covered with polyethylene, and then wrapped with a warm cloth. Use at least every other day. Apply on hands should be at night.
- When washing, use medicinal infusions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula).
Effective masks for dry skin
Every woman can cope with the problems caused by dry skin on her face during pregnancy. To do this, it is not necessary to buy expensive moisturizers and masks. Even the most simple and affordable means can very well moisturize the skin. The following are the recipes for effective face masks:
- Combine a teaspoon of liquid honey and fat cream. Add 1 egg yolk. Mix the ingredients together. Apply the mask to the face for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse with purified or mineral water. Use several times a week.
- For the next mask, you will need the flesh of one ripe avocado, honey and natural yogurt (1 tbsp each). All ingredients should be thoroughly mixed with each other, and then apply the resulting slurry on the skin of the face and body. Soak for 20 minutes and then rinse.
- For the next mask you will need vitamins A and E, which are sold in liquid form at any pharmacy. To begin with, in a small bowl, pour oatmeal (2 tbsp. L.). You can take ordinary flakes, previously grinding them in a coffee grinder. Add 4 drops of each vitamin and a little olive mask to the flour to make the consistency of the mask. Apply the resulting mixture for 20 minutes twice a week.
Prevention of skin problems during pregnancy
The following recommendations will help avoid drying out of the skin of women in any position:
- When taking a shower, use cosmetics as little as possible.
- Apply a washcloth to cleanse the skin no more than 1 time per week.
- Get rid of solid soap forever. Instead, it is better to use cosmetic milk or moisturizing shower gel.
- Before going out to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
- Use more fresh vegetables and fruits and less carbohydrates found in confectionery and bakery products.
- Stop smoking and other bad habits.
- Drink more water and other tonic drinks.
- In the cold season, do not forget to apply nourishing cream and put on mittens on your hands before going out.