Managing Dry Skin During Pregnancy

The ‘pregnancy glow’ is a term used to describe an expectant woman’s healthy, flushed complexion, brought on by a rush of new hormones and excitement for their impending arrival. However, this can be far from reality and many women often find themselves dealing with a host of new concerns such as skin dryness. If this sounds familiar, read on to discover how to safely prevent and treat skin dryness during pregnancy.

Causes of dry skin during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body takes vital resources needed to help the baby grow and develop properly. This includes water, and so the majority of the water you drink will go to the baby first, leaving you with what’s left – causing the skin to become dry and you to feel slightly more dehydrated than normal.

How pregnant women can prevent dry skin

You can help prevent the skin from drying out during pregnancy by eating water-rich foods such as fruits, nuts and vegetables. These kinds of watery foods are absorbed quickly into the body to help you stay hydrated. You should also ensure you are drinking plenty of water (around two litres) throughout the day.

Another cause of dry skin during pregnancy is sun damage which can happen all year round, even on cloudy, grey winter days. This is due to the sun’s UVA rays that reach into the deep layers of the skin, damaging its structure and important proteins such as collagen and elastin. These proteins are responsible for keeping the skin soft and hydrated so once they’re damaged, the skin becomes drier. In pregnancy, a woman’s skin also becomes more photosensitive so ensure you apply a teaspoon-sized amount of broad-spectrum sun protection to your face every morning.

Dry skin treatment when pregnant

Skin dryness during pregnancy is best treated with very hydrating and oil-rich skin care that helps restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Look for formulas that include super-moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, omega oils, glycerine and shea butter as they will help lock in hydration throughout the day. By night, opt for a richer cream that will help the skin repair and rejuvenate itself as you sleep, or apply an intensive night mask with calming ingredients.