Last update: 03/03/2021
Stretch marks... a terrible word, upon hearing which half of the female population sighs hopelessly with grief, while the other half closes their eyes in horror, and opening them, just in case, begins to examine their body... what if they have already appeared?
Stretch marks have always been an unpleasant phenomenon for women of all ages, because they spare no one - neither very young teenage girls, nor adult women.
Skin care
Everyone knows that the skin of a pregnant woman’s face sometimes seems to glow from within. This is due to the fact that due to hormonal changes, more blood flows to the face and it looks refreshed. However, pregnant women also experience skin problems.
Age spots are a very common occurrence during this period. They can appear on the face, stomach and chest. As a rule, they go away within 4–5 months after the birth of the child.
However, to reduce their expression on the face, dermatologists strongly recommend using sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, and also not neglecting foundation - this will make you feel attractive and confident. By the way, BB and CC creams successfully combine the functions of moisturizing, sun protection and skin toning.
Acne - peeling and rashes on the skin of pregnant women - is associated with changes in the hormonal balance in the body. Skin may become drier, more sensitive and more prone to irritation. Don't worry, this is temporary.
- Use sun protection.
- Choose a new moisturizer for sensitive skin.
- Cleanse your skin with soft facial foams.
- Use anti-acne products, but first make sure that they do not contain substances that are not recommended for pregnant women.
What cosmetics are harmful for pregnant women?
Decorative cosmetics, as a rule, do not contain ingredients harmful to pregnant women. On the contrary, experimenting with makeup is a wonderful opportunity for pregnant women to take care of themselves and be positive.
With “care” products everything is different. Dermatologists recommend that during pregnancy you be attentive to what ingredients are in the creams, tonics and other cosmetics that a woman applies to her skin. The fact is that many substances can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, which can potentially harm the child.
Here is a list of ingredients that are considered unsafe for pregnant women.
- Retinoids. They are usually added to anti-aging cosmetics. These are vitamins of group A, which accelerate the renewal of skin cells and prevent the breakdown of collagen, but they can harm the unborn baby if taken orally. Although there is no official data on the dangers of retinoids when used externally, doctors still recommend refraining from using cosmetics with this ingredient while expecting a child.
- Salicylic acid and BHA, one of its forms. It is used in a large number of cosmetics and is intended to treat acne. It also harms the unborn baby, primarily when taken orally. Doctors do not object to the external use of salicylic acid in creams or tonics - if its concentration does not exceed 2%. But if this additive is in scrubs and peels, salicylic acid penetrates deeper into the skin, and this is already considered unsafe for the baby.
- Soy. Products made from it are useful for pregnant women when added to the diet. How is soy harmful when used externally? Cosmetics based on this ingredient make age spots darker thanks to the phytoestrogens contained in soy. By the way, bergamot oil has the same effect.
What is included in oils and creams for stretch marks for pregnant women?
- Oat extract
. Promotes skin regeneration, softens and moisturizes it. - Sophora japonica extract
. Strengthens capillaries and also brightens the epidermis. - Arnica extract
. Improves vascular tone, restores skin after damage. - Wheat germ oil
. Stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin. - Shea Butter
. Contains natural latex, which improves the elasticity of the skin. - Almond oil
. Returns tone and elasticity to the epidermis. - Grape seed oil
. Exfoliates dead cells, stimulates blood circulation and lymph flow. - Jojoba oil
. It contains amino acids similar in structure to collagen - they provide the skin with elasticity and firmness.
How to deal with stretch marks
Is it possible to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy? Dermatologists say that genetic predisposition plays a key role here, and about half of women observe the appearance of stretch marks while expecting a child - on the stomach, chest, buttocks and thighs. Even special creams against the appearance of stretch marks will not protect against them. If women in your family have them on the skin, then you are not immune from their appearance. Here are the factors that can increase the likelihood of stretch marks:
- multiple pregnancy;
- rapid weight gain;
- you are carrying a large baby;
- you have excess amniotic fluid.
Dermatologists still recommend preventive measures:
- taking a contrast shower with simultaneous massage with a hard washcloth, you can use scrubs;
- daily moisturizing of the skin with vegetable oil, milk or body cream.
You can also smear the oil on the expectant mother’s tummy, but no one can guarantee that there will be no stretch marks. Don’t get hung up on this: if they appear, their manifestations can be reduced.
Nails and hair during pregnancy
Great news: while expecting a baby, the expectant mother's nails become stronger, and her hair becomes shiny and thicker. Surprises are also possible: wavy hair can become straight, or vice versa.
- •\tIt is worth keeping in mind that the hair seems thick not because more hair has begun to grow, but because it is now falling out less. In normal life, on average, we lose about 100 hairs per day, and during pregnancy, the process of hair loss slows down significantly. After childbirth, the hair will return to its normal state.
- Many women are concerned about excess hair growth on the face and body - do not worry, this is temporary. Choose a hair removal method that is convenient for you. However, remember that depilatory creams are not considered completely safe for pregnant women.
- Also, you should not start using a home epilator if you have not had such experience before: as a rule, the number of ingrown hairs increases during pregnancy, and it is extremely difficult to deal with them, so it is better not to increase the likelihood of their occurrence.
Is it possible to dye your hair during pregnancy?
There is no scientific evidence confirming the dangers of using conventional paint with ammonia during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to temporarily switch to more gentle, possibly unstable, paints or coloring instead of classic coloring.
- During this period, you need to especially strictly follow the instructions for hair dyes - check them for allergenicity by applying a little dye to the skin and waiting the right time. Do not under any circumstances try to dye your eyebrows or eyelashes with hair dye: this is very dangerous and can lead to irreparable consequences, including blindness.
It is worth remembering that during this period it is not recommended to experiment with perm: firstly, the substances included in the special mixture may be unsafe for the child, and secondly, the hair does not behave as usual. The result may be unpredictable.
Experts' opinion
The products contain only natural ingredients - no parabens, fragrances or hormones. The emulsion and oil are great for use during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Conducted clinical studies prove the high effectiveness, safety and tolerability of products for daily skin care for children and adults. The products are also suitable for children with mild and moderate forms of atopic dermatitis and during the period of remission, accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life of patients. As a result of therapy, a decrease in the activity of the inflammatory process, a decrease in dryness, itching and flaking was noted.
Based on the results of the clinical study, the placement of information on the packaging of a number of products “Recommended by the St. Petersburg branch of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia” was agreed upon.
Sources:
- Smirnova G.I. Managing the course of the disease: atopic dermatitis in children, Russian pediatric journal, 2014 cyberleninka.ru/article/v/upravlenie-techeniem-bolezni-atopicheskiy-dermatit-u-detey
- Sukolin Gennady Ivanovich, Clinical dermatology. A short guide to the diagnosis and treatment of dermatoses, publishing house: Notabene, 2017
- Baumann Leslie, Cosmetic Dermatology. Principles and practice, publishing house: MEDpress-inform, 2016
Breast care during pregnancy
As a rule, everyone is ready for the fact that during pregnancy the breasts become larger - on average by 1 - 2 sizes. Her weight increases, and the ligaments cannot cope with the increased load. After breastfeeding is completed, it may become larger or smaller, everything is individual.
But if its size cannot be influenced, then is it possible to prevent the change in shape? Also, many women note that during pregnancy and childbirth, the nipples become larger and darker. Breast sensitivity may change during this period. What to expect?
1. As for the nipples, their size may decrease after breastfeeding ends, they may become lighter, but in each case everything is individual. The sensitivity of the nipples, as a rule, returns to the state it was before pregnancy.
2. Experts say that it is impossible to prevent changes in breast shape. This is a natural phenomenon. Here are some remedies you can resort to to make your breasts firmer:
2.1.1. after consulting with a specialist, do planks and other special exercises - they affect the pectoral muscles, and not the breast tissue, but nevertheless they can have an effect;
2.1.2. breast massage combined with almond, coconut or olive oil will improve skin tone. You need to be careful not to massage the nipple area, so as not to stimulate the production of oxytocin, which can cause uterine tone. It is recommended to do it about three times a week;
2.1.3. good posture, which can be achieved through yoga and gymnastics - as a result, the shape of the breasts improves;
2.1.4. It is recommended to wear special underwear, first of all, for comfort - during pregnancy, the breasts increase in size and need additional support.
Argan oil
Moroccan women have always been famous for their hair, eyebrows and beautiful skin, and all because rare and valuable plants grow in these eastern countries, the use of which has a positive effect on female beauty.
Argan oil is an elixir of youth also created by the Moroccans. It should also be used from the 3rd month of pregnancy to moisturize the skin.
Oil mixtures for the prevention of stretch marks on the abdomen:
- argan - 1 tbsp. l., neroli - 5 drops;
- argan - 1 tbsp. l., lemon and tangerine - 3 drops each;
- Rub the mixture with massage movements into problem areas
Oil mixtures for the prevention of stretch marks on the chest:
- argan - 10 ml, rosehip 30 ml, rosewood, geranium - 3 drops, immortelle - 2 drops.
- argan, jojoba - 10 ml, hazelnut - 60 ml, rosehip - 20 ml, add a couple of drops of tangerine oil.
- Rub the mixture 2 times a day with light movements.
It is better not to use such mixtures for nursing mothers.
Oil mixtures for existing stretch marks:
- argan - 6 tbsp. l., aloe vera - 25 drops;
- argan - 4 tbsp. l, coriander - 15 drops, grapefruit - 20 drops.
- Apply with light movements to problem areas of the body and massage. Leave on the skin until completely absorbed.
How to choose a bra during pregnancy
Doctors believe that there is no urgent need to use specialized underwear for pregnant women. The main thing is that it does not squeeze the chest.
- Breasts grow in the 1st and 2nd trimesters, only reaching the size that will remain during the feeding period by the 3rd.
- You can choose the same bras for pregnant and nursing women and immediately buy bras that need to be partially unfastened for breastfeeding.
- When choosing a bra, it is important to pay attention to the fabric composition: cotton and lycra are preferable. Such underwear stretches when necessary without causing discomfort. The straps should be wide and the cups should cover the entire chest. There is no need to choose bras with underwires: they can move and pinch the duct during breastfeeding.
- From the second trimester, colostrum may be released from the nipples - use special bra inserts.
- How many bras should you buy? As a rule, women during pregnancy and lactation need three special bras.
