The mistake that most women make is that they wait until their belly begins to swell before treating the potential problem. Some even wait until after the first few stretch marks appear. By this time, it can be too late and treatment may never completely rid the skin of the marks. This is why I chose to start conditioning and preparing my skin from as early as seven weeks of pregnancy.There are many skincare products that are specially formulated to moisturize and prepare the skin for pregnancy. With so many to choose from, all varying in price, which work the best? All of them do! They all use the same key ingredients that help to keep the skin moisturized, soft and supple. Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Collagen and Elastin are the elements in which work their magic and are the main ingredients in all stretch mark prevention and treatment products.

During my first pregnancy, I used Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula, Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks religiously throughout my pregnancy. I also used Queen Helene Natural Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Oil with Vitamin E for added moisturization. When I say that I used these products religiously, I mean everyday, several times a day without fail! The key is to be consistent. My skin was so well moisturized that I can honestly say there were only a few times that I ever experienced itching of my skin. I took that as a good sign, and sure enough, I ended my pregnancy completely free of any stretch marks! By taking the necessary steps, you can do it too!

The new year has already brought many new and exciting things into my life. I am thrilled to announce that I am now pregnant with my second child! Needless to say, you will begin to notice many new post topics relating to pregnancy. I have decided to start off with a topic in which many pregnant women can relate to, acne during pregnancy and how to safely treat it. Unlike my first pregnancy, I am experiencing some of the less than ideal symptoms, with (very mild) acne being one of them!

Acne is a skin condition that usually affects individuals who are experiencing puberty. The reason why acne usually occurs during puberty is because this is the time that we experience hormonal imbalance due to the changes in our bodies. There is also another time in life when women in particular experience hormonal imbalance and this is during pregnancy. A pregnant woman’s hormones will continuously fluctuate throughout pregnancy in order to accommodate the new change in her body. Unfortunately, acne can be one of the results of this hormone imbalance.

Acne During Pregnancy

Many women feel different kinds of emotions during pregnancy. The hormonal imbalance often makes women prone to mood swings and highly sensitive senses (i.e, smells, etc.). Having acne during pregnancy is stressful for all women, but especially those who are already experiencing insecurities due to the changes in their body.

Acne treatment in pregnancy may not always be necessary, but it would definitely benefit the pregnant woman if she could control and manage the outbreak. Treating acne during pregnancy must be done with caution. There are many medications as well as over the counter remedies that can be dangerous to the fetus. Mild acne may only need topical applications of acne cream or spot treatments. While severe acne may require an oral acne medication prescribed by a dermatologist.

Topical solutions containing salicylic acids are not recommended for pregnant women who wish to treat their acne. Instead, medical practitioners and dermatologists recommend the use of Benzoyl Peroxide, which is an effective acne fighting ingredient that is not harmful to the fetus or Mother. The only downside to using Benzoyl Peroxide for treatment of acne is that it often works slowly and the benefits may not be seen immediately. Accutane, Retin-A and Tetracycline are all completely safe for non-pregnant women, but in pregnancy, these prescription acne drugs have side effects on a fetus. There are also possible side effects associated with women who are trying to get pregnant. If you are trying to become pregnant, or find out that you already are, it is crucial to inform your dermatologist before continuing use of any of these acne medications.

Some safe and effective acne treatments with the use of Benzoyl Peroxide that are safe for use during pregnancy are the Proactive Refining Mask, which can be used as a treatment mask or spot treatment, Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, Vanishing Formula, and Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick with Eco-Harvest Tea Tree Oil. Keep in mind that every pregnancy is unique, even for the same person. It is best to always seek the advice of your Dermatologist or Esthetician about your skincare options, especially while you are pregnant.