SKIN CARE FOR PREGNANCY

If you were ever in doubt of the power hormones have over your skin, you won't be once you become pregnant.

As soon as you find out you’re expecting your whole world changes, and that might include changing your skin care habits and skin care products, too.

While it’s commonly known, and advised, that you must shelve your favourite Central Otago Vino, but having to abandon some of your skin care products may come as a complete surprise.

Truth be told, being pregnant may actually be even more of a life blessing than you realised.

Because its's probably high time you were more conscientious around what you put on your skin each and every day.

There’s always a risk that certain ingredients can be absorbed into your blood stream, cross over to the placenta (even small quantities and that’s why it’s especially important in the first trimester, when babies brain and organs are developing, to avoid chemicals that have links to birth defects. This is also tremendously beneficial for Mum to be as well.

Now is the time for heightened consciousness.

When you are pregnant, your hormone fluctuations can create havoc on the skin which can appear as breakouts, dryness and even changes in pigmentation.  Your skin may not be as tolerant of certain ingredients the way it previously was. So your skincare routine may need soft modification or even complete wholesale change.

We call it an upgrade, to more natural, gentle, hydrating and protective products. Either way, long term it is undoubtedly better for you. And bring a new little baby into the world is the most motivating time to make change.

All the changes you'll notice are extremely common. So to help you navigate and understand the skin care challenges that pregnancy presents, here's an overview of what to expect from your skin, when you're expecting.

Whilst some, (hopefully you), are blessed with the radiant pregnancy glow that's associated with carrying your baby, unfortunately others may be gifted some less favourable and more challenging conditions, like adult acne, heightened sensitivity or a marked increase in pigmentation, amongst many others.

Pregnancy-related skin changes happen to many people. Hormones can take the blame.
The most common include:
~ dry skin
~ darkening skin, a condition called Melasma or Chloasma.
~ acne

People with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may also experience a change in their symptoms (for better or worse).

(When it comes to pregnancy, surprising skin changes can affect other places, too — think stretch marks, spider veins, hair growth and even hair loss.)

There’s one hard and fast rule of pregnancy: no retinoids (aka tretinoin, (retin-A) Atralin, Tazarotene and adapalene. Retinol (vitamin A), a specific type of retinoid is an over the counter (OTC) weaker version but still we recommend avoidance. Retinol is great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles but can be absorbed through the skin and interfere with foetal development, so skip it while you’re pregnant.

When the radiant glow 'over-glows' and becomes redness.

Heightened sensitivity
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can also increase existing skin sensitivities and create some new ones, and you might find not only yourself more sensitive to the sun, but also certain products that you previously loved.

When pregnant, the volume of blood in your body can almost double, which often means the 'healthy glow' amplifies and becomes redness. The heat, plus heightened sensitivity, can also exasperate rosacea if you're already a sufferer.

Darkening skin
Melasma: A skin condition that causes greyish or brown patches on the skin, primarily on the face is often triggered by hormonal changes, including pregnancy, which is why melasma is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy.”

Drier skin
While some women's skin becomes oilier, for others dryness can occur. Since all the hydration goes to the baby first, so many women experience new dryer skin conditions.

There are various ingredients – both natural and synthetic – that are advised against in pregnancy:

-Phthalates/formaldehyde/toluene
-Ammonia
-Dihydroxyacetone
-Certain essential oils

The sheer number of chemicals to avoid during pregnancy can be overwhelming especially in cosmetics and skincare products so it’s best to go all natural all the way and not risk it for your baby’s health and wellbeing.

Essential Oils
Let’s be really clear, essential oils are not benign substances. They are highly concentrated chemical compounds that act directly on the body and can have a significant effect. Used correctly for many  they can be a blessing, but there are certain people who should be extra careful about their exposure. In particular, pregnant women

For example, as tempting as it may be to use lavender and peppermint oils to ease nausea and vomiting during your first trimester,  many experts suggest avoiding essential oils altogether during that critical first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Abstinence is the only way to remove any possible risk that they could cause uterine contractions, that may adversely affect the baby.

Some of the essential oils often contraindicated during pregnancy include: basil, cedarwood, clary sage, coriander, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, marjoram, oregano, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage and thyme.

Pregnancy safe is pregnancy suitable

OneHusk use all essential oils responsibly and in safe levels, however, all products should always be used at your own discretion.

The good news in all of this, is that the entire OneHusk range are 'pregnancy safe', not a single product is contraindicated for use during pregnancy.