Changes in women's skin during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many changes to accommodate the growing baby. These physical changes often include skin changes, sometimes unwanted ones. In this article, you'll discover all the changes a woman may experience during pregnancy.
Skin hyperpigmentation
Today, approximately 90% of pregnant women are affected by the phenomenon of hyperpigmentation.
What is it ? In certain areas of the body, the skin becomes darker, forming spots.
Why? Hormonal fluctuations cause stimulation of melanocytes, which produce melanin, the pigment responsible for darkening the skin (and tanning!)
Where is hyperpigmentation located? Most often, this pigmentation occurs in the nipple areolas, armpits, thighs, and perineum.
The pregnancy mask
About 50 to 75% of pregnant women are prone to pregnancy mask.
What is it? Brown spots appear on areas exposed to the sun (forehead, cheeks, nose)
Why? Hormonal fluctuations cause stimulation of melanocytes, which produce melanin, the pigment responsible for darkening the skin (and tanning!)
Where is the pregnancy mask located? Mainly on the cheeks, forehead, and nose.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks affect approximately 70% of pregnant women.
What are they? Stretch marks are small tears in the skin that form grooves.
Why ? With the body changing (growing belly, widening hips), the skin is no longer elastic enough and tears, forming stretch marks.
Where are stretch marks located? Stretch marks generally appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts.
Prevention : Choose anti-stretch mark oils and creams to support your skin.
The itching
Itching is a less common but can be distressing skin change.
What is it? Itching is characterized by uncomfortable itchy skin sensations.
Why? Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause skin changes that can be characterized by drier, irritated, and itchy skin.
Where is the itching located? There are no specific areas; itching can be anywhere on the body.
CAUTION: If you experience severe itching, consult your doctor as this may be linked to a liver disease called intrahepatic colestasis of pregnancy.
Hormonal acne
About 1/4 of pregnant women are affected by hormonal acne.
What is it? Acne appears as red or white spots.
Why? With the change in hormones, acne pimples can appear on the face (a bit like in adolescence).
Where are pimples located? Pimples usually appear on oily areas of the face, but can also occur on the upper back.
Care tip : Use gentle, non-comedogenic care to limit the appearance of spots.
Dull complexion
Almost all pregnant women are affected by a dull complexion and a poor appearance.
Why? Lack of sleep, overwork, and stress can leave your complexion looking dull and gray. To remedy this, it's essential to stock up on antioxidants!
Beauty tip : Take care of yourself by consuming antioxidants, and don't forget to stay hydrated. For a boost to your complexion, discover our hydrating and nourishing treatments for expectant mothers on our website.
Hair
Hair can react in different ways: shinier and thicker for some, or duller and prone to hair loss after childbirth. This is due to hormonal fluctuations.
Different cases are possible:
- Hair is soft, shiny and has never looked so radiant.
- Hair becomes flat, dull, and tends to fall out, especially after childbirth. About 50% of women experience hair loss after giving birth.
Why? The drop in hormones, the “baby blues,” stress, insufficient sleep, and fatigue unbalance the scalp, which leads to hair loss.
Advice : Opt for gentle shampoos and specific care for damaged hair during and after pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your skin undergoes many changes. It's important to treat it well and choose the right skincare products for each stage. Remember, taking care of yourself means taking care of your baby too!
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