As your baby and belly grow you will notice some changes in your skin as well. Here are some tips to protect your skin as your body adjusts to pregnancy:
· Limit your weight gain to only what your OB provider or midwife recommends. This will limit the amount of stretching your skin will experience during pregnancy.
· Cocoa butter can help diminish the appearance of stretch marks and help fade skin imperfections.
· Keep your skin clean and use gentle cleansers that are moisturizing. Wash your face no more than twice a day to prevent over-drying.
· Moisturize and use sun protection every day. During pregnancy and beyond, begin using a daily moisturizer with at least SPF 15 that works against both UVA and UVB rays.
· During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels can trigger an increase in skin pigment cells and can create blotches called “chloasma” or the “mask of pregnancy”. You can avoid this discoloration by using sunscreen daily – regardless of the weather. If you know you will be out in the midday sun, consider adding an SPF 30 sunscreen for better protection.
· Some women have an increase in pigmentation in areas not exposed to the sun. These darker splotches may occur on your breasts or on your belly. Some women find increasing their intake of folic acid (a type of vitamin B) slows this discoloration. You may do this by taking a supplement, but it is even better if you can eat foods rich in folic acid like leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, nuts, avocado and beans.
If you have any other questions or concerns about your skin changes during pregnancy, be sure to discuss with your OB provider or midwife. If you need help finding a provider, call Labor of Love at 505.727.7677 or visit lovelace.com/laboroflove.