Pregnancy: Some factors that may be affecting your skin

When you’re pregnant, your appetite is somewhat turned upside down. First you may not be able to keep food down, then you’re not able to eat enough. And no doubt you will be craving many foods you don’t normally eat. All of this can cause problems with your skin. This is not the time to restrict what you are eating. Do, however, try to eat a balance of healthy foods, such as the classic fruits and vegetables your body needs. Water is as important as ever along with following your doctor’s prenatal vitamin regimen.

A second factor, stress, should not be overlooked as contributing to your skin problems even after you’ve given birth. Just the time factor (not having enough of it) can be a huge contributor to skin problems you may be experiencing. Incorporating anti-stress activities can help take some of the tension out of your body as well as your face. Try taking a healing bath or meditating—undisturbed—for 15 minutes. Now is the perfect time!

Perhaps your grateful husband can buy you a gift certificate for a full body massage, a facial, or a “day of beauty” at your favorite spa or salon. If money is an issue, try an at-home facial. Simply doing a few extra things to your skin along with taking quiet time when you can, even if it’s only for a few minutes, can make a big difference--body, mind and soul.

Once you’ve given birth, it’s really important to have time to recoup your energy. Ask your husband to take care of the baby while you draw a luxurious bubble bath, complete with candles and relaxing music. Fifteen or 30 minutes is a short amount of time for him, while for you it can make all the difference in the world. Do whatever you can to find some “me” time and recharge your batteries. Remember, anything is possible. Sometimes all you have to do is ask.

Try not to worry about the changes that may be taking place. You may not have the skin, the body, or the kind of time you had prior to your pregnancy and your child being born, but usually the body bounces back in time. And remember: you just created a miracle!

For more information, see:

• Pregnant with Problem Skin
• At-Home Facials—A DIY How-To 
• HEADSPACE: Get your meditation on
• Bathtime Quick Tips

Don’t worry—your problem skin will clear up!