How To Treat And Prevent Dry Skin During Pregnancy

Dry skin as an early pregnancy symptom is not unheard of. Pregnancy is known to have drying effects on the skin, among the host of changes that it brings to the body. Dry patches on the face during pregnancy, inflammation, redness, fine lines, and chapped lips as a sign of pregnancy, are all part of the journey.

While all this may be normal, it does require extra care. These effects of pregnancy may persist postpartum. So it becomes of prime importance to cope well with these changes and have a seamless pregnancy journey, which helps later as well.

What is dry skin during pregnancy

Dry skin during pregnancy is a common skin concern that occurs due to a combination of hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and changes in the body's physiology.

Dry skin during pregnancy typically looks like flakiness in some areas, fine lines, redness, dry patches, or scaling, and takes on a rough texture. While this may seem alarming, it’s nothing to worry about and can be managed with a few simple steps.

Why dry skin during pregnancy

Dry skin, or dry facial skin during pregnancy is a result of multiple factors. Some reasons for this are as follows:

1. Hormonal changes

• Pregnancy triggers significant changes in the body. During pregnancy, hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which also maintain moisture levels, fluctuate causing changes in the production of sebum, which is the skin’s natural oil.
• This in turn leads to dry skin in face during pregnancy, as well as the body.

2. Increased blood volume

• As the body supports the developing fetus, blood volume increases to meet this demand.
• This increase in blood volume can lead to water retention in various parts of the body, sometimes causing dryness in other areas, such as the skin.

3. Nutrient redistribution

• During pregnancy, the body drastically alters itself to meet the needs of the fetus. As a result, the body's nutritional requirements change to support fetal development.
• This affects how nutrients are distributed to various organs and tissues, which influences skin hydration and can cause dryness.

4. Stretching of the skin

• The skin stretches as the body accommodates the growing baby.
• This stretching, particularly in areas like the abdomen, breasts, and thighs, can cause discomfort and lead to dryness and itchiness.

5. Environmental factors

• External environmental factors, such as weather conditions, humidity levels, and exposure to central heating or air conditioning systems, can impact skin hydration.
• Cold weather, low humidity, and dry indoor air can contribute to dry skin, including dry lips during pregnancy.

6. Dehydration

• Pregnancy increases the body's demand for fluids to support both maternal health and fetal development.
• If hydration needs are not met adequately, it can result in very dry skin during pregnancy.

7. Skincare routine

• Changes in skincare routines, including the use of harsh soaps, fragrances, or other irritating products, can worsen dry skin in pregnancy.
• One’s skin becomes extremely sensitive during pregnancy, and there are less hormones at play to protect it.
• Skincare products that you usually use may not suit the skin at this stage and can also lead to or increase dryness.

8. Genetics

• Genetic predisposition to certain skin conditions or types can play a role in how an individual's skin reacts during pregnancy.
• As your skin’s make-up is a result of your genetics, if there is an inclination towards dry skin, then that is only increased at this stage and requires proper care.

How to deal with dry skin during pregnancy

Dealing with dry skin during pregnancy involves a combination of skincare practices, lifestyle adjustments, and maintaining health conditions.

Dry skin can persist after pregnancy as well and requires the utmost care throughout.

While there is no way to entirely fix it, it’s crucial to maintain a routine that deals with it adequately.

1. Hydrate from within

• Drink plenty of water to maintain optimal hydration levels. This is especially important for dry skin when pregnant.
• Water helps in maintaining the skin’s barrier function, which protects it against dryness and flakiness. Consume about 8-10 glasses daily, and eat items that are high in water content.

2. Effective skincare

• Choose cleansers that won’t strip your skin of their natural oils and avoid soaps that may dry out your skin.
• Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to your skin after bathing or showering to lock in moisture.
• Use thicker, richer creams or ointments for the dry skin on the face during pregnancy, and make sure that they are compatible with your skin type while being low on harsh substances.
• Be careful when washing or cleansing, and avoid scrubbing at all costs.

3. Baths

• Opt for lukewarm baths instead of hot ones. Hot water can exacerbate pregnancy dry skin and face dryness, and rid the skin of its oils which are already fluctuating and need to be preserved.
• Look to take oatmeal baths that soothe the skin and have moisturizing effects. Use oatmeal that can dissolve in water, sprinkle it in your bath, and soak in it for 15-20 minutes.
• Dry skin on the face and early pregnancy stretching can also be calmed and healed through this.

4. Wear comfortable clothing

• Choose loose-fitting, breathable fabrics that minimize friction against dry skin in pregnancy.
• Tight fabrics tend to rub against areas that are already sensitive and experience itching. This type of clothing doesn’t let the skin be and increases the discomfort it feels, thus persisting dryness.

5. Sun protection

• Sunscreen helps prevent further drying and irritation caused by sun exposure. So, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to repair dry patches on the face during pregnancy.
• Try not to unnecessarily step out in direct sunlight, and wear long-sleeved, sun-protective clothing when outside. Opt for bigger hats and gloves to protect the skin from the sun.

6. Nutrient-rich diet

• Consume a balanced diet rich in minerals and antioxidants to help build skin health. Include foods high in vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc.
• A nutrient-rich diet not only helps the skin remain nourished and well, but it also aids in fighting dry skin in pregnancy and maintaining the body’s health.

7. Avoid scratching

• This is crucial to dealing with dryness. One has to resist the urge to scratch dry skin, come what may.
• While the itching can be frustrating, scratching sensitive skin can worsen irritation and potentially lead to skin damage.
• This way, the problem will only prolong itself and have deadly consequences.

How to prevent dry skin during pregnancy

 
Preventing dry skin during pregnancy involves a combination of proactive skincare practices. It means making sure to cut down on the usage of products and substances that are not suitable for your skin at the time.

• Pregnancy comes with its share of issues, flakiness, inflammation, and dryness are some. One may experience skin peeling on face during pregnancy, swelling and redness in other areas, and even hyperpigmentation. Be sure to use items that are compatible with these changes like aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
• There is nothing like a simple cleansing and moisturizing routine to ensure that toxins don’t remain in your skin and dry it out.
• Use safe sunscreen, and be sure to limit going out in harsh sunlight.
• There are multiple skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy which may sometimes be included in products for dryness and irritation. Avoid retinol or strong medication like Accutane. While it’s unclear if salicylic acid is harmful or not, it’s best avoided at this time owing to how delicate your skin is.
• Above all, pregnancy can be a stressful time as well. One needs all the help and reassurance that they can get. Try stress-reduction techniques and engage in deep breathing, meditation, and prenatal yoga to calm the nerves. This also reverses the effects of itching, which is exacerbated by nervous scratching.

While it’s difficult to completely eliminate dryness, cases with very dry skin during pregnancy can be prevented by following the tips given above.

Conclusion

Although dry skin during pregnancy is inevitable, there are multiple ways to cope with the same, and it becomes crucial for the mother to prioritize herself during this time.

Avoid harmful products, refrain from scratching sensitive areas, and take good care consistently. Be it dry patches on the face during pregnancy, or postpartum practices and skin tightening after pregnancy, you’re covered with our guide.

Simple steps help and a healthy, nourishing diet can lead to a stress-free experience when dealing with pregnancy dry skin and face dryness.