How to manage dry skin during pregnancy?

Dry skin during pregnancy is a common experience, and you are not alone in this phase. There can be various skin-related changes during pregnancy, including dry face, dark spots, acne, etc. Pregnancy is both nerve-cracking and exciting. It is nerve-cracking because the body goes through innumerable changes, and one of the earliest signs is dry skin. It is exciting as it is a new experience; you are growing your little ones.

Before diving into the common questions below that pregnant ladies are worried about, let's talk about your skin science during pregnancy.

• How often should I moisturise my face during pregnancy?
• Should I wash my face with lukewarm water or cold water?
• How do you treat a dry face during pregnancy?

Skin Science- Our skin is composed of various layers, of which there are three divisions from inside out.

• Hypodermis
• Dermis
• Epidermis

Each of these divisions is subdivided into several smaller layers. In this article, we will focus mainly on the outer layer of the skin- the epidermis. We will be talking about a small layer of the epidermis known as the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the part of your skin exposed to the air around you. It's the part you may see with your naked eye.

On the surface layer of the stratum corneum is a layer of water, fats, and wax referred to as the hydrolipidic barrier. This oily barrier can help you in two ways:

• To keep pollution like dust, dirt, pollen, etc., away from the stratum corneum.
• To save the skin's moisture from evaporating off the skin surface.

Moisture evaporation is what we're most concerned with nowadays. That is because pores and dry skin become visible when the hydrolipidic barrier breaks. Let's investigate this in more detail.

What causes dry skin during pregnancy?

Among the various bodily changes, dry skin from pregnancy is one of the foremost changes you must combat. During pregnancy, your skin becomes very sensitive and reacts dramatically to external stimuli. Hence, it is better to learn the various reasons for dry skin and take necessary precautions. The following are the root causes of your dry skin during pregnancy days:

• Lack of hydration

The body needs hydration and more fluids to improve blood volume and oxygen regulation within the skin layers. Therefore, you need to hydrate yourself with lots of water.

Also read: What Is Skin Hydration & How to Hydrate Skin

• Insufficient moisturising

Nourish your skin by choosing good skin care products like Waterlight Gel Moisturiser 72-Hour Hydration. It instantly hydrates, nourishes, moisturises your skin and gives you plump, radiating skin. Using good moisturisers helps you get rid of dryness during your pregnancy and post-pregnancy period. However, it is important to check the complete list of ingredients and consult with your physician before using new skincare products.

Shop Waterlight Gel Moisturiser

• Frequently washing your face

Washing the face too often is another cause of dryness in the skin. Do not wash your face too often. Avoid harsh chemical facewash as your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy.

• Inadequate application of sunscreen

If you are a working woman and often move out during the day, use sunscreen with an SPF quotient of 30 or more to protect your skin from dullness and dryness. Pink Foundry recommends Dewy Hydrating Hybrid Sunscreen SPF 50+, a water-based sunscreen that protects skin against UVA and UVB rays with new-gen filters and hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier with 1% Squalane. Don’t forget to check the complete list of ingredients and consult with your physician before using new skincare products.

Shop Dewy Hydrating Hybrid Sunscreen

• Frequent skin breakouts

Another major problem that pregnant ladies face is acne breakouts, which are very common during pregnancy period. We recommend the Acne Care & Healing Gel Moisturiser with Tea Tree & Cica, a lightweight & non-greasy gel moisturiser created specifically for skin types that are prone to acne and helps speed up the healing of acne and refines skin texture. Please check the complete list of ingredients and consult with your physician before using new skincare products.

Is dry skin while pregnant normal?

It is quite normal and can be treated with proper treatment and pampering. Succumbing to dry face during pregnancy is the most common problem faced. However, there is nothing to worry about because such symptoms are normal and can be treated easily.

If you are pregnant, enjoy your journey and pamper your skin with Pink Foundry, which guarantees non-comedogenic, dermatologically tested, vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free products. If the dry skin on face during pregnancy gets severe, immediately seek medical attention.

How to treat a dry face during pregnancy?

Dry face during pregnancy is treated by drinking more water and supporting electrolyte balance as recommended by your prescribed doctor, which is beneficial for hydrating your skin. The best way to treat dry skin while pregnant is to keep the skin hydrated and protected with pregnancy-safe moisturisers, hydrating sunscreen, humidifiers, lukewarm showers, oatmeal baths, etc. Let us look at effective ways to keep your skin hydrated and nourished throughout your pregnancy.

• Integrate hydration into your skincare: Opt for products integrated with hydrators like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to ensure adequate nourishment.
• Choose your skincare products carefully: As your skin is sensitive, avoid paraben and PABA-free products. Also, choose hypoallergenic and clinically tested products to avoid agitating your skin.
• Opt for products with essential nutrients: Your skincare products must have nutrients like vitamin E that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to boost collagen production and reduce inflammation.
• Remember to use a proper sunscreen: If you are planning to step out of the house, apply a hydrating, broad-spectrum with a SPF 30 or more hybrid sunscreen. This will protect you from harmful sun rays and keep your skin hydrated. Remember to reapply every two to three hours.

Also read: How Much Sunscreen To Apply On The Face

Conclusion

Once you embrace the best products for dry skin during pregnancy, you will gradually start noticing a radiant, moisturised glow and smooth texture. But remember that there's no universal approach to getting rid of dry skin. Sometimes, you might have to seek professional advice from a dermatologist to observe the best results. So, if the symptoms irritate you more often, kindly seek help from your doctor. Stay Happy and Hydrated! Happy Pregnancy!

FAQs:

1. Should I wash my face with lukewarm water or cold water?

The answer is NO! Washing the face too often is another cause of dryness in the skin. Do not wash your face too often. Avoid harsh chemical facewash as your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy.

2. How often should I moisturise my face during pregnancy?

Your skin needs great care while you’re pregnant, so choose enriching moisturisers like Waterlight Gel Moisturiser 72 Hour Hydration (after checking all ingredients with your physician). It instantly nourishes and moisturises your skin and gives the desired hydration.

3. How to treat a dry face during pregnancy?

Drinking lots of water is the primary solution. Using a proper moisturiser and sunscreen is also important.