Your Guide to Stretch Marks and Skin Changes during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of incredible changes, not just internally, but externally as well. We've all heard of the wonderful 'pregnancy glow' that women get when they're expecting a baby. But did you know that your skin can go through all kinds of other changes when you are pregnant? We're breaking down these commonly-seen skin changes that women experience during pregnancy and tips on how to manage them:

1. Stretch Marks

2. Dry, Sensitive Itchy Skin

3. Pregnancy Glow

4. Acne Breakouts

5. Varicose Veins and Spider V

Stretch marks are a common concern for many pregnant women, appearing as reddish, pink, or white lines on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, and thighs. These marks are caused by a combination of factors: rapid skin stretching to accommodate your growing baby, hormonal changes, and genetics. If your mother had stretch marks during pregnancy, you may be more predisposed to developing them as well. While weight gain is inevitable during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy pace through balanced food choices can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Focus on consuming nutritious foods that support your health and your baby's development.

A lot of people ask what is the best way to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy and how do you get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy? While you can't completely prevent them from appearing, you can help lessen and lighten their appearance. The great thing about stretch marks is that they will eventually become a lot lighter over time and you will barely even notice them. But here are some things you can do to prevent or reduce the appearance of these lines.

Tips Remedies:

• Moisturize religiously: Massge your skin with a pregnancy-safe oil like our Skin Therapy Oil or moisturizer like our Nourishing Body Butter twice daily, focusing on areas prone to stretch marks. Check out our pregnancy safe 3-step skincare routine to help reduce and lighten the appearance of stretch marks. Click here to shop our 3-step Mama Skincare Kit or our Stretch Marks Duo.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin supple.

• • Healthy weight gain: Aim for gradual weight gain as recommended by your doctor.

• Avoid hot showers: This can dry out your skin even more. Keep showers short and use lukewarm water.

• Embrace them: Remember, stretch marks are a badge of honor a reminder of the miracle you're creating! Wear them with pride, Mumma.

1. Dry, Sensitive and Itchy Skin Stretching of the skin and loss of skin elasticity during pregnancy can lead to dryness and itchiness all over your body, including your face and neck, and especially your abdomen region. Changing hormones also lead to a lot of skin sensitivity. These are effects of pregnancy which will wear off after you have your baby. During the last trimester, some women may experience a great deal of itching, particularly on their hands and feet, along with other symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. This could possibly be a case of 'cholestasis', a condition connected to the liver. If the symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider to help treat the issue.

Tips Remedies:

• Hydrate from within out: Drink plenty of water and use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.

• Moisturize deeply: Nourish your skin from deep within with a rich moisturizer like our Nourishing Body Butter that is made from 95% natural-origin ingredients and completely safe for pregnant women

• Skip harsh soaps hot showers: Opt for lukewarm showers and gentle cleansers to avoid further dryness.

• Wear Sunblock: Wear a safe, hypoallergenic broad-spectrum sunblock like our SPF 30 Lotion daily to protect your skin which is super-sensitive during this time.

• Humidify your space: Leave a humidifier in your bedroom at night-time to draw moisture to your dry skin.

• Skip Visits to the Pool: Chlorinated water can further dry out skin, so try and skip visits to the swimming pool if you're suffering from excessively dry skin.

1. Darkening of Skin

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to a condition called hyperpigmentation, which simply means a darkening of your skin tone. This is also known as 'pregnancy pigmentation' and is more noticeable in certain areas like your face, hands, feet, underarms and thighs.

While it may seem concerning, don't worry! Your skin tone will usually return to normal after pregnancy, and for some women, after breastfeeding is complete.

Here's a breakdown of pigmentation changes during pregnancy:

• Melasma (Mask of Pregnancy): Some women may experience darker patches on their face, particularly on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. This is called melasma and is caused by excess melanin production.

• Darkening of Existing Moles Freckles: Existing moles and freckles may also become darker during pregnancy.

• Areola Darkening: The area around your nipples (areola) will likely become darker.

• Linea Nigra: A dark line may appear down your abdomen, called the linea nigra. This is very common and usually fades after delivery.

Tips Remedies:

• Daily SPF 30+ Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day, even on cloudy days. Reapply throughout the day, especially after sweating or swimming.

• Sun-Smart Clothing: When outdoors, wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Look for clothes with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for added sun protection.

• Prenatal Support: Continue taking your prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy. Folic acid, a key ingredient in most prenatal vitamins, may help reduce pregnancy-related hyperpigmentation.

• Balanced Diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can nourish your skin from within and promote overall well-being.

• Gentle Skincare: Avoid harsh products and opt for gentle cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers.

• Specially-formulated pregnancy skincare: Target hyperpigmentation with our 3-Step Pregnancy Skincare Kit that is specially designed with naturally-enriched products to help prevent darkening of skin and spots.

1. Pregnancy Glow You've probably wondered why some pregnant women look like they're glowing. It's simple, really. During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood circulation through your body. This is what gives your face a flushed, radiant look. Hormonal changes also lead to an increase in oil secretion, giving your skin a slight sheen. Enjoy this natural radiance, mamas!

1. Acne and Breakouts

While the extra pregnancy 'glow' might come from increased blood flow, it can also lead to oilier skin. This excess oil, combined with hormonal fluctuations, can clog pores and create the perfect environment for pimples to form. If you had acne-prone skin before pregnancy, you're more likely to experience breakouts during this time. However, even women with typically clear complexions can develop pregnancy acne.

Types of Pregnancy Acne:

The breakouts you experience during pregnancy might be similar to the acne you had as a teenager, or they could be a bit different. Here are some common types:

Whiteheads: Small, closed bumps under the skin.

Blackheads: Open clogged pores filled with sebum (oil) and dead skin cells.

Papules: Small, red bumps that are tender to the touch.

Pustules: Small, red bumps with white pus at the center.

Nodules: Large, painful bumps deep under the skin.

Cystic acne: Large, pus-filled cysts deep under the skin (the most severe form).

While you can't completely prevent pregnancy acne, there are steps you can take to minimize breakouts and keep your skin feeling comfortable.

Tips Remedies:

• • Gentle Cleansing: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Harsh products can irritate your skin and worsen breakouts. At bath time, use gentle, naturally-enriched cleansers like our Naturally Glowing Skin Cream Bar Soap that's enriched with the goodness of honey, turmeric and vitamin C for sensitive skin.

  • Moisturize, But Not Too Much: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores like our Moisturizing Body Sorbet.

  • Use Natural Acne-Fighting Ingredients: Stay away from any retinol-based products during your pregnancy. Instead, use natural acne-fighting ingredients like aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, honey etc. as topical treatments.

  • Healthy Habits: Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water to support your overall health and skin wellbeing.

  • Makeup Minimization: Opt for mineral makeup that won't clog pores, and remove all makeup thoroughly before bed.

  • Don't pick or squeeze your acne: This can worsen inflammation and potentially lead to scarring.

If you're struggling with persistent or severe acne breakouts, consult your doctor or dermatologist. They can recommend safe and effective treatments for pregnancy acne.

1. Varicose Veins and Spider Veins One common concern for pregnant women is the development of varicose and spider veins. Let's break down these two conditions:

Varicose veins appear as dark blue or purple, bulging veins, most often on the legs. They occur due to a combination of factors during pregnancy:

• Increased pressure and weight on the legs: Your growing baby puts extra strain on your leg veins.

• Increased blood circulation: Pregnancy hormones can cause veins to relax and widen, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently back to your heart.

These factors can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like aching or throbbing in the legs, swelling, fatigue and itchy skin.

Spider Veins are smaller, red, web-like veins that can appear on the face, neck, chest, arms, legs, or ankles during pregnancy. Similar to varicose veins, they're caused by increased blood circulation. The good news is that spider veins often fade significantly or disappear completely after delivery.

Tips Remedies:

• Movement Matters: Regular exercise, like walking or swimming, promotes healthy blood flow and reduces pressure on your legs.

• Elevate Your Legs: When sitting or lying down, elevate your legs above your heart whenever possible. This helps blood flow back towards your heart and reduces pooling in the legs.

• Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Take frequent breaks to move around and prevent blood from stagnating in your legs.

• Compression Stockings: Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings designed for pregnancy. These stockings gently squeeze your legs, aiding blood flow and reducing swelling.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excessive weight gain can put extra strain on your veins. Aim for a healthy weight gain as recommended by your doctor.

• Reduce Sodium Intake: High sodium intake can contribute to fluid retention and worsen swelling. Limit processed foods and salty snacks.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body fluids balanced and improve circulation.

• Wear Loose-fitting Clothing: Avoid tight clothing that constricts your legs and restricts blood flow.

• Cool Compresses: Applying cool compresses to your legs for short periods can offer temporary relief from swelling and discomfort.

• Prenatal Massage: Consider getting a prenatal massage to improve circulation and reduce leg aches. Make sure your massage therapist is experienced in working with pregnant women.

Remember: Consult your doctor if you experience severe pain, redness, or warmth in your legs. Don't self-medicate with any medications or herbal remedies without consulting your doctor first.

While the skin changes you experience during pregnancy can be surprising, remember that they're a temporary part of this beautiful journey. By incorporating the tips and recommendations throughout this guide, you can navigate these changes with confidence. Embrace the healthy habits that benefit both you and your baby, and pamper your skin with gentle, nourishing care. Most importantly, enjoy the incredible experience of pregnancy and the miracle of creating new life!