Pregnant women are often told that they are ‘glowing’ during this period and this ‘glow’ is often attributed to the joy that arises from the fact that they are carrying a life inside them. However, expecting mothers may not have moist, dewy, and glowing skin throughout their pregnancy and there are a variety of reasons for this. This might seem like a small concern in comparison to everything that a woman experiences during her pregnancy, but good skin is an indicator of a healthy body and it is important to not compromise on that. Skin problems that occur during pregnancy might not need medical attention but if it is severe, one must always consult their doctor.
Listed below are some skin problems that an expecting mother might face during her pregnancy and Ayurvedic remedies for the same:
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Melasma or 'Mask of Pregnancy'– Due to a sudden surge in hormones, pregnant women might experience botches and hyperpigmentation on their faces (mostly nose and cheeks). This may occur in other parts of the body as well, including the belly button, pubic area, and areolas. However, this condition is not permanent and usually tends to disappear after giving birth. Some natural remedies that one can follow during this period are:
- Turmeric paste along with milk and besan (gram flour) is a good exfoliating agent. Mix the ingredients well, apply it on your face until it dries and washes with warm water.
- Aloe vera gel is a go-to solution for any skin related problem. Instead of using preserved aloe vera gel, if possible, you can extract the gel from a plant and apply it on the pigmented area and wash it off after 20 minutes.
- Finely crushed almonds with milk and honey is also a good exfoliating product that can be used as a face pack to reduce pigmentation.
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Stretch Marks – This is the most commonly faced problem by all pregnant women. Stretch marks appear due to the expansion of the uterus. They are found on pregnant women’s breasts, thighs, buttocks, and lower abdomen. However, like melasma, stretch marks for most women disappear after they give birth, but one can always start early by following these steps:
- Sesame oil and almond oil can be applied in equal parts on the above-mentioned areas to ensure that stretch marks can be minimized.
- 100 ml of sesame oil and 5 grams of turmeric must be mixed well and heated for two minutes. After it cools down, this mixture can be applied to areas that are prone to stretch marks.
- Take ten grams neem leaves, manjishta (Indian madder), and tulsi (basil leaves) and mix it with a litre of water. This concoction must be boiled down until it becomes 500 ml. Drain the liquid and mix it with your bath water to prevent stretch marks.
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Acne – According to Ayurveda, aggravation of pitta can result in acne. It happens mostly during the first trimester as the body is still adjusting to the hormonal changes. Following these tips can help in reducing acne breakouts during this period:
- Juice from tulsi (basil leaves) can be applied on your face and washed after 20 minutes.
- Prepare a mixture of sandalwood paste, turmeric, and rosewater and this can be applied on your face. It can be washed with lukewarm water after half an hour.
- Make a fine paste of amla (gooseberry) and apply it on your face. This mask can be washed off after 20 minutes.
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Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP) – This is a skin rash that might occur in some women near the stretch marks well into their pregnancy. Although it is harmless and disappears after giving birth, this can cause severe itching and irritation which increases an expecting mother’s discomfort. Following these steps can help in preventing PUPPP:
- Add oatmeal to your bathtub and soak in it for approximately half an hour. This can be done twice daily if the rashes are too severe.
- Mix chamomile tea with warm water and apply it on the affected area using cotton. Let it dry for 20 minutes before washing it off. This can be done twice a day for best results.
- Two or three drops of clove oil can be added to half a tablespoon of coconut oil and applied to the area with the rashes. This can be rinsed off after half an hour or left overnight. This mixture can be applied twice a day for effectiveness.
Avoiding these skin problems by following the above-mentioned measures can make pregnancy relatively easier for the expecting mother. However, one must always take into consideration their allergies before trying any home remedies. Since this is a vulnerable period for the expecting mother, it is always advised to avoid remedies that they are not sure of and seek the advice of their physician if these problems become too severe.
May your skin glow during this special period.
Happy pregnancy!
