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Why does skin become dry during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is an amazing period of transformation, when the body of the expectant mother directs all its resources to the development of a new life. It is not surprising that during this time the skin, being our largest organ, often reacts with increased dryness, sensitivity and discomfort. Understanding the underlying causes of this condition and knowledge of scientifically based care methods are the key to maintaining its health, elasticity and comfort throughout all three trimesters.
The main factors that provoke dryness during pregnancy are rooted in powerful hormonal changes. The balance of estrogen and progesterone changes significantly, directly affecting the activity of the sebaceous glands, leading to a decrease in the synthesis of sebum—the skin's natural protective lubricant. A weakened lipid barrier makes the skin more vulnerable, increasing transepidermal water loss. At the same time, the body redistributes the enormous volumes of fluid needed to form the amniotic environment and support the fetal circulatory system. If the mother's fluid intake doesn't meet her body's increased needs, this inevitably impacts skin hydration levels, leading to dehydration. An increase in overall blood volume can also disrupt microcirculation in the dermal capillaries, which impairs the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, slowing regeneration processes and reducing skin turgor. Additional triggers include the inevitable fatigue and stress of this period, which negatively impact the overall condition of the body and skin, as well as external aggressors: dry air from heated rooms or air conditioners, sudden temperature changes, hard water, and much more.
What vitamins should pregnant women take for dry skin?
Nourishing the skin from within plays no less an important role than external care, especially during a period of increased body needs. A deficiency of key vitamins and nutrients directly correlates with dryness, loss of elasticity, and the protective functions of the epidermis.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) acts as a powerful antioxidant, critically important for maintaining hydration levels and the integrity of cell membranes. It actively helps improve the elasticity of skin fibers, which is an important aspect of stretch mark prevention.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein responsible for the elasticity and density of the skin. Its antioxidant properties protect cells from damage caused by both internal processes and UV radiation (free radicals).
Among the B vitamins, of particular importance are B3 (niacinamide), which strengthens the skin's barrier function and improves microcirculation, B5 (pantothenic acid), which has a pronounced moisturizing and healing effect, and B7 (biotin), which is necessary for healthy skin and metabolic processes in the body.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential components that combat flaking and feelings of tightness of the skin. They are the "building blocks" for the lipids of the stratum corneum, maintaining its integrity and preventing transepidermal water loss.
Folic acid (B9), in addition to its main role in the development of the fetal nervous system, also promotes the health of the mother's skin, protecting it from inflammatory reactions.
Thus, a balanced diet rich in the nutrients mentioned above, combined with high-quality cosmetics, is the basis for maintaining the comfort and health of the skin during pregnancy.
Cosmetics during pregnancy
The choice of cosmetics during pregnancy requires special Awareness and attention to ingredients are essential, as skin is highly permeable and reactive. Priority should be given to products designed specifically for intensive restoration and protection of the weakened hydrolipidic barrier.
The key components in moisturizing creams and balms should be:
- Ceramides – lipids identical to those found in the stratum corneum. They effectively restore its protective function, preventing moisture loss.
- Hyaluronic acid, which is capable of retaining a huge number of water molecules and provides instant and prolonged hydration of the surface layers of the epidermis.
- Natural oils (shea, jojoba, macadamia) and vitamin F (a complex of essential fatty acids) that nourish the skin, soften it and enhance its own defense mechanisms.
- Emollients with prebiotics, which help maintain the balance of the skin microbiome, which is especially important for reducing the risk of irritation and inflammation in the sensitive skin of pregnant women.
The process of cleansing the skin during pregnancy should be as delicate as possible: aggressive surfactants in regular soaps or shower gels destroy the lipid barrier, aggravating dryness. Cream-gels with mild cleansing ingredients (such as sodium cocoyl glutamate and potassium cocoyl glycinate) are ideal; they gently cleanse without disturbing the skin's pH or causing a feeling of tightness. During the day, thermal water is indispensable for instant refreshment and additional hydration. Sun protection with SPF 30+ is essential year-round, as ultraviolet radiation, even in cloudy weather, damages the skin, accelerates photoaging and increases dehydration, and can also provoke melasma.
The Cerafavit line by Librederm is a scientifically based solution created taking into account the specific needs of dry and sensitive skin during pregnancy:
- Cerafavit Triple Action Lipid-Restoring Balm works on several levels at once: its rich texture with ceramides, shea butter and prebiotics intensively nourishes and softens the skin after water procedures, preventing an unpleasant feeling of tightness and discomfort.
- Cerafavit Lipid-Restoring Cream is aimed at strengthening the skin's natural protective barrier, thanks to a balanced combination ceramides, vitamin F, and natural oils, it effectively prevents irritation caused by external factors and specifically improves the elasticity of skin fibers, which is critical for minimizing the risk of stretch marks.
- Cerafavit Soothing Shower Gel provides gentle cleansing without overdrying, maintaining optimal skin hydration levels thanks to the inclusion of mild surfactants and caring ingredients.
All products in the line are united by a unique complex of components combining ceramides, prebiotics, vitamin F, and selected natural oils. This synergistic complex works to restore and strengthen the skin's ceramide matrix, ensuring long-term moisture retention in the deep layers of the epidermis and creating a reliable shield against aggressive environmental influences.
This scientifically proven, gentle, and effective care allows expectant mothers to maintain soft, supple, and protected skin throughout the wonderful, yet challenging, period of pregnancy, providing them with maximum comfort every day.
