Skin care during pregnancy: what is important now

Pregnancy is beautiful but also quite exhausting – both for the mental well-being and the pregnant woman’s skin. The stomach now needs special care, and the body and face care must also be changed frequently, as the hormonal changes can strongly affect the skin.

Expert interview about skincare during pregnancy

Dr Bernd Kleine-Gunk, chief physician in gynaecology at the Euromed Clinic Fürth and specialist in aesthetic medicine, answers what is essential in care.

Question:  Dr. Kleine-Gunk, pregnancy means significant changes for your skin, too. Most women know the risk of stretch marks, so the belly needs special care. What can you recommend?

Dr Little-Gunk:  Stretch marks are the most common cosmetic problem these days.

They sometimes appear late when the stomach is round. This is why starting with suitable skin care as early as possible is essential, preparing the skin for stretching. Care oils naturally with ingredients such as vitamin E have proven particularly effective here.

Question:  Which areas should you massage?

dr Small-Gunk:  All skin areas affected by the volume increase should be appropriately cared for. Stretch marks on the belly and the chest can also occur here due to increased size.

 

Treat water retention

Question:  Many women complain about water retention during pregnancy. The result is swollen legs and eyelids. What do you have to consider?

Dr Little Gun:  Minor water retention is relatively common and harmless and can be controlled by cold showers, elevating legs, or chilled creams.

Increased water retention, mainly when it occurs in connection with high blood pressure, can indicate medical complications – so pregnant women who notice water retention should consult their gynaecologist.

Facial care is essential.

Question:  Do you have to change your facial care now?

dr Little Gun:  Facial skin is now extra sensitive. Mild products with a skin-neutral, slightly acidic pH value of 5.5 do not irritate and keep the skin balanced. It is essential to use a face cream now that protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. The hormonal changes now make the skin very sensitive to the sun, which can lead to pigment disorders.

They are often localized on the zygomatic arches, upper lip and chin and usually go away spontaneously after pregnancy, but are very annoying.

 

Sunbathing is taboo

Question:  Shouldn’t you sunbathe at all during pregnancy?

dr Kleine-Gunk:  During pregnancy, protecting the skin of the face with high sun protection factors is an absolute must. Visits to the solarium are taboo since pigmentation disorders are primarily triggered by UVA radiation. UVA rays almost completely penetrate window glass and are very strong even on cloudy days, so applying a protective day cream is essential even when the sun isn’t shining.

Sunbathing should be avoided. When staying in the sun, clothing is the best protection – a wide-brimmed hat effectively protects the skin of the face and does not strain it!