Pregnant women in Kenya do their best to still look good when pregnant, whether in their first or third trimester. However, one of the challenges they face is the sudden appearance of skin conditions that need to be managed to avoid any permanent damage to the face and other affected areas. Changes in the pregnant woman’s body are largely attributed to the increased production of hormones, namely progesterone and oestrogen. These hormones cause noticeable changes in the skin, making it important for expectant women to adopt a different yet effective routine in taking care of their skin.
Some of the simple ways that pregnant mums can keep their skin looking good are:
Anticipate changes to the skin
Although some women do not experience any changes in their skin when pregnant, most do, which makes it important to prepare in advance. Buy moisturiser or lotions to keep your skin soft and prevent itching as the pregnancy progresses to minimise the appearance of stretch marks. Also, if you develop pregnancy acne avoid squeezing the pimples or cleaning your face using harsh cleansers or soap.
Keep hydrated
Drinking water is a common tip giving to women that want to maintain good skin, whether pregnant or not. However, when pregnant the need to drink water regularly is important to keep healthy and also to replace water lost from the body as a result of one’s current situation. Also, it is important to eat nutritious meals as the nutrients help in development and maintenance of healthy skin.
Use safe skin products
Skin problems such as acne or rashes are common when pregnant, making it important to seek professional help in selecting the right medication to manage your condition. Most dermatologists will prescribe topical creams that are safe and can be bought over the counter. If possible use skin products specially designed for expectant women and the words “safe for pregnant women” is printed on the packaging. These products are usually free from oil and harsh chemicals.
