How Pregnancy Changed My Skin By: Adria Craig
When I was studying to be an esthetician, we learned how to take care of your skin. We learned fun facts like the older you get, your cell turnover rate decreases. Another fun fact is that your skin can be affected by your hormones. I am four months pregnant and my skin has had a bit of time adjusting to all the new hormones.
I have had oily skin since middle school. So oily that I can wash my face and five minutes later, it feels like it’s covered in oil again. I hated it in high school because it caused my acne. However, as a mom to be, I now have to moisturize my face at least three times a day. I have never had this dry skin even when I lived in the Midwest.
During pregnancy, you may experience a “pregnancy mask.” Meaning, you may get hyperpigmentation or discoloration on your face. You will see it along your chin, jawline, or forehead. Two weeks ago, I noticed it on my forehead and yes I did freak out. Sometimes your pregnancy mask will go away after pregnancy, and sometimes it won’t. You can use chemical peels and vitamin c serums to help break up the discoloration.
Now as I just mentioned, I have always had acne. I found a regimen that helped me fight my acne since going off birth control. I used Curology because they created a formula for me based on the photos that I sent. They gave me a formula for before I was pregnant and updated it once I became pregnant.
Your skin will change during your pregnancy and that’s just the way it is. But hey, you are creating life, so give yourself a break.