Prenatal skin care

Pregnancy is a joyous time in a woman’s life. Momentous changes will occur during pregnancy and the best way to minimize skin problems is to use naturally based treatments both topically and internally.

Suggestions for external care

Moisturize daily and make sure you moisturize more than normal to keep skin looking healthy and reduce dry skin and blemishes.

Excess oil

Finding skin oilier during pregnancy? Consider trying an all natural, vitamin Enriched soap and a high-quality facial cleanser to reduce acne.

Take care of your skin

Massage your belly with an all-natural salve to keep skin supple and elastic in areas prone to stretch marks.

Be careful of sun

Make sure to use sunblocks with high UV filters that are pregnancy safe, look for all natural products without synthetic chemical additives.

Suggestions for internal care

In order to treat the underlying cause of your skin problems and provide more permanent solutions there are plenty of natural health products to be taken internally.

Hydrate! And eat your greens!

Stay hydrated by consuming three or more litres of water a day. Both water and dark leafy greens are important for your liver which acts as your own personal blood filtration device. It is critical for keeping your acne as well as your energy level and overall mood intact.

EFA Supplement

Supplements with essential fatty acids (EFAs) are useful for:

• preventing stretch marks
• supporting your baby’s brain development
• ensuring skin elasticity

Check to see if your EFA supplement is micro-filtered so that you and the fetus aren’t overexposed to pollutants or heavy metals.

Take a good multivitamin/mineral supplement     

Taking a good multivitamin/mineral supplement during pregnancy is an important way to help replenish your body’s lost stores. Important antioxidant micro nutrients for the skin include vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and zinc.  If swallowing capsules is difficult, consider using a liquid multivitamin/mineral supplement.

Get enough protein

Adequate protein intake is important so that tissue repair and growth are effective and unimpeded. If you are a vegetarian a protein powder may be helpful.

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet is essential to skin health. Follow a whole-foods diet, low in processed and fried foods and high in fruits and vegetables.

A healthy spirit

Pregnancy-related stress can be intense and needs to be addressed.

Ways to care for yourself include:

• aerobic exercise
• adequate sleep
• emotional nourishment

Dugald Seely is a Research Fellow and Professor for the Department of Clinical Epidemiology at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. He has practices in both Ottawa and Toronto. His clinical and research interests are in women’s health, paediatrics and cancer.