For a lot of women skin changes during pregnancy are less about the glow and more about the itch. For me it was a cocktail of both and thankfully the itch was on my belly and the glow on my face. 

A jar of deliciously rich body lotion disappeared weekly but it did the trick (if I resisted the urge to scratch it off that is). But some women aren’t so fortunate. Here we look at the most common skin conditions that affect women during pregnancy with useful remedies to heal them.

Hyperpigmentation 

During pregnancy the hormones oestrogen and progesterone increase to a level that stimulates the production of melanin cells. Known as the tanning hormone melanin protects the skin from ultraviolet light. However, rather than a bronzed sun-kissed tan the result is an uneven spread of yellow or brown pigmentation on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.  Chloasma (otherwise known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’ or Melasma) occurs in up to 70% of pregnant women and is more obvious in those with darker complexions.

 Remedy

The ultraviolet rays in sunshine also stimulate the body’s production of melanin so limiting exposure to the sun is advised. A tinted moisturiser and high factor all natural sunscreen like Avado Organics’s 30+ Baby Sunscreen will block rays whilst avoiding the nasty chemicals found in conventional sunscreens. A deficiency in folic acid has also been found to increase skin discolouration so eating foods rich in folate like spinach, lentils and sunflower seeds may help.

Stretchmarks

Pregnancy stretchmarks are a bit like war wounds without the doom and gloom – they are the historical remains of a life-changing event. That’s a nice way of getting some perspective but that doesn’t mean women welcome them with delight. During rapid weight gain the fiboblasts in the dermis layer of the skin are prevented from forming collagen and elastin fibres that normally act to keep skin taut. Hence why over 75% of women develop stretchmarks during pregnancy.

Remedy

Studies have found creams rich in vitamin E massaged in to the skin reduce the likelihood of stretchmarks during pregnancy. Avado Organics Stretch Mark Crème is ideal for this as its main ingredient Avocado Oil is naturally high in vitamin E. Massaging Certified Organic Avocado Oil in will increase the production of collagen. (see article 'Is Your Skin Stressed Out?') Past the prevention stage and looking for a cure then laser treatments and dermabrasion are options.

Sensitive, itchy skin

Relieving an unrelenting itch on a stretched belly can leave skin feeling quite sore depending on how long mum has been itching. Not limited to an expanding abdomen the itch is often felt on hips, thighs, breasts, feet and hands.  The likely cause during pregnancy is an increase in oestrogen. 1% of women experience a more intense itch with red bumps or hive-like rash called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). This is harmless for both mum and baby and often disappears soon after birth.

Remedy

A soothing, synthetic free natural body lotion formulated for dry and sensitive skin will keep skin hydrated and soft so that when it is itched incessantly flaking and bleeding are minimised. The Avado Organics All Natural Body Lotion contains ingredients like Calendular and Rose Hip Oil that have been specifically blended for sensitive skin. Taking warm rather than hot showers and using mild natural soaps like Avado’s Lavender and Ylang Ylang Shower Gel will avoid irritating sensitive skin further.