Every woman's greatest fear during pregnancy is harming her baby. And if earlier she regularly visited a cosmetologist or spa salons, then during these nine months many “safeguard themselves” and, just in case, abandon their usual face and body care products. But in vain! Firstly, during pregnancy the body goes through a global transformation, and it would be nice to help it with all possible means. And secondly, when else should you take time for yourself if not during maternity leave? Let's talk about which skin masks will help you enhance your beauty.

Why and how to make masks

If up to this point you have never made masks yourself, then a good women's magazine about beauty and fashion will always help you understand the rules and technologies for applying masks.

Please note that face masks are divided into several types (depending on skin type): nourishing for dry and normal skin, degreasing and pigment-reducing for oily skin, and whitening for pigmented skin. All of them, regardless of type, are designed to improve blood circulation and nourish the skin. They are prepared immediately before application, applied to cleansed and steamed skin for 15-20 minutes, after which they are washed off with warm water.

It is important to remember that your skin type may change during pregnancy. Most often, towards dryness. That is oily skin strives for normal, but dry skin needs even more careful care (we don’t want wrinkles, do we?!).

In addition, a pregnant woman’s body becomes more sensitive to allergens. Therefore, when caring for yourself, you should avoid (or use with caution) foods such as red berries and fruits, as well as citrus fruits. In any case, before applying such a mask to your face or body, try it on your elbow.

Before using the mask, cleanse and warm up your skin a little. This can be done like by special means, as well as basic steaming over a bowl of hot water. If your skin type allows, use a scrub (you can also prepare it yourself; for example, from crushed grape seeds, oatmeal or coffee beans). Masks can be applied either with a cotton pad or brush, or simply with your fingers. As you prefer. Apply the substances along the massage lines.

After removing the mask, apply your usual lotion and cream to your skin. Remember that oily skin is oily because it lacks moisture. So don't neglect these procedures. By the way, it is not necessary to wash off the mask with water. This can be done with an infusion of herbs, green tea, milk, salted cold water. For better effect, the cream should be “pounded” into the skin with your fingertips.

Several recipes. Hydration

The skin during pregnancy must be thoroughly moisturized. This applies not only to the face, but also to the skin of the abdomen, chest, and legs. Otherwise, you are guaranteed to get stretch marks, especially if your skin is genetically characterized by poor elasticity and you have a tendency to edema. These tasks are best dealt with natural oils. It is ideal to use olive oil, but, in principle, any vegetable oil will do.

So, you can apply it directly to the steamed skin of the face and body after a bath, accompanying the application with a light massage. Pay special attention to the stomach, sides, thighs and chest. This is a favorite place for stretch marks to appear.

You can apply to the skin (both face and body) a mixture of cabbage puree with butter, grated cucumber with sour cream, or a paste of one yolk, a teaspoon of oil and a teaspoon of chamomile extract.

Whitening compounds

Uneven skin pigmentation during pregnancy is a common and fairly common occurrence. Doctors call this condition chloasma, and believe its root cause is an increase in the level of the hormone melanin. It is impossible to completely whiten the skin with special means during these nine months, since they are unlikely to be safe for the fetus. In addition, after childbirth, these spots will most likely go away on their own.

However, during these nine months you can whiten your skin yourself. For example, rubbing problem areas with a slice of lemon. Or applying a mask of grated cucumber with sour cream to the skin. Potato starch also has a whitening effect. So, if possible, make yourself masks from mashed raw potatoes mixed with a couple of drops olive oil and a spoonful of milk.

Masks should be done regularly. At the same time, you need to avoid being in the open sun. Before going outside, be sure to apply a cream with the maximum level of protection to your skin.

Acne

“Black dots” are an unpleasant thing, but curable. The main thing is to properly cleanse, moisturize and whiten the skin.

The best assistant in the fight against “imperfections” is white or blue clay, which can be purchased at any pharmacy or cosmetic store. Masks from it need to be made every three to four days. This substance removes dirt from the pores and kills germs that cause inflammation.

Another remedy that does an excellent job in the fight for clear skin is yeast. Mixed with milk, a decoction of mint or chamomile, they are an excellent cleanser. These masks also need to be done in a cycle.

Precautionary measures

Keep in mind that your skin is not the same as it was before pregnancy. Therefore, if you are prone to allergic reactions, first make sure that the mask is safe on a neutral area of ​​the skin (for example, on the elbow). If any discomfort, do not experiment with your face. Try a different composition.

Remember that pregnancy is not a reason to lie on the couch and struggle to “bear” a child. Be yourself, remain beautiful, admire your beauty and new condition.

During pregnancy, the body undergoes serious changes under the influence of hormones that affect appearance.

Moisturizing the skin during pregnancy is one of the important stages care © iStock

Dark spots

Of course, pigmentation can worry not only expectant mothers. But quite often it appears in the second trimester of pregnancy. The spots form something like a mask on the face, which is called the “mask of pregnant women.”

Doctors have another term for pigmentation, noticeable primarily on the face, neck and décolleté area - chloasma.

The reason is elevated level hormones that prepare a woman for successful childbirth and breastfeeding. These same hormones provoke increased production of the pigment melanin (it is this that, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, colors the skin in dark color). Due to hormonal changes, it is distributed unevenly in the skin.

The pigmentation process develops more actively with a lack of certain substances:

folic acid;

vitamins B and C;

trace elements (copper, zinc, iron).

Prevention of stretch marks should start from the first days of pregnancy © iStock

Striae

This is nothing more than the well-known stretch marks. During pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone increases. On the one hand, this is good, since it has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles, preventing the uterus from contracting, and protects the body from miscarriage. On the other hand, the connective tissue of the dermis also becomes weaker. It is difficult for the skin to keep up with the rapidly growing volumes of the body, and then due to microtraumas of the subcutaneous tissue, rupture of collagen and elastin fibers, stretch marks appear at the site of overextension.

Most often, stretch marks are found on the chest, buttocks, thighs and abdomen.

Acne and increased sweating

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the ratio of hormones changes. This immediately affects the condition of the skin: in particular, the sebaceous and sweat glands begin to work more actively. The result is blackheads, pimples, excess shine, even for those who were previously unfamiliar with these problems.

The skin's reactivity and sensitivity to external irritants also increases.

Hair condition

During pregnancy, all processes in a woman’s body are aimed at creating optimal conditions for the growth and development of fetal cells. And all changes are associated with the construction of a new complex “mother-placenta-fetus” system, which is regulated at the hormonal level.

1. 1

   Metabolic processes are accelerated.

2. 2

   The rate of division and life expectancy of cells, including skin cells, hair and nails, increases.

Due to high level female sex hormones, the cells of the hair follicles actively divide, which prevents hair loss and stimulates its growth.

The picture changes after childbirth, when the hormonal system returns to its previous mode of operation. The level of estrogen decreases, which means the rate of development of hair follicles slows down and increased hair loss may occur. This phenomenon is called postpartum alopecia, it lasts approximately 3-4 months after childbirth.

While expecting a baby, it is important to eat right, provide yourself with optimal physical activity, and follow drinking regime, get plenty of rest and don’t forget about skin care. How carefully you treat yourself during this time will determine how you will feel after the birth of your baby.

Proper nutrition

Pregnancy quirks have long been a meme. Either they snack on a pickled cucumber with chocolate, or they are tempted to chew plaster from the wall or a piece of earth from a flowerbed. You shouldn’t limit yourself in your desires, but it’s better to indulge your desires without fanaticism.

You need foods rich in vitamins, protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

It is better to eat bread made from wholemeal flour; prefer legumes to potatoes.

Instead of pork, choose red meat, liver and fish.

If your doctor does not limit it, drink 1.5–2 liters of pure still water per day.

Cold and hot shower

Skin oil or moisturizer is the best way to prevent stretch marks © iStock

End your daily shower with a contrast douche. Changing the water temperature strengthens skin cells, stimulates their work, gives firmness and elasticity. To enhance the effect of the procedure, combine cold and hot shower with a light body massage. Afterwards, apply moisturizer or oil to wet skin.

Pay special attention to areas where stretch marks may appear. By the way, their harbinger is severe itching.

Massage

For expectant mothers, this procedure is not only pleasant, but also useful. In addition, oils are usually used during massage, which is an excellent prevention of stretch marks. The main thing is to get your doctor’s approval before starting the course.

Cosmetical tools

Starting from the first days of pregnancy, prevent stretch marks. Any cream or balm with a dense, oily texture is suitable for this.

Rules for facial skin care

Fabric face masks quickly restore radiance and elasticity to the skin © iStock

Follow the usual pattern:

1. 1

   cleansing;

2. 2

   toning;

3. 3

   hydration/nutrition.

The only thing that will have to be strengthened is skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Even in winter, it is recommended to use a moisturizer with a high SPF.

This cream was developed specifically for sensitive skin. It moisturizes, retains moisture in cells, and thanks to vitamin E, it also restores the barrier function of the skin. Almond and camellia oils are responsible for softening and smoothing the skin.

Designed for dry and sensitive skin, it belongs to a generation of products consisting of 96% ingredients of natural origin. Rose water soothes, nourishes the skin, makes it soft and elastic. Suitable for vegans.

Cream for the area around the eyes and lips Ultime8, Shu Uemura

During pregnancy, it is very important to pay attention to the care of the thin, sensitive skin around the eyes. The formula with a thick texture based on 8 oils instantly replenishes moisture reserves and makes expression lines less noticeable.

Body skin care rules

After a shower, apply a thick nourishing cream to your arms, legs, and stomach; this is an excellent measure for the prevention of stretch marks.

Nourishing body milk Creme de Corps Light-Weight Body Lotion, Kiehl’s

Light version of the classic nourishing cream for the body is quickly absorbed and moisturizes the skin. Contains jojoba and sweet almond oils.

The light, non-greasy texture is well absorbed and tones the skin thanks to fruit concentrate - grapefruit, kiwi, apple. In addition, the composition contains caffeine, known for its drainage effect.

© Biotherm

Improves skin condition in several ways:

strengthens;

increases elasticity.

For dramatic results, apply in circular motions to thighs, abdomen and other areas potentially at risk for stretch marks.

Moisturizing body milk with bifidocomplex and aloe vera, Garnier

A rich treatment to hydrate and soften very dry or chapped skin. The composition includes avocado, wheat germ and shea butter oils with a softening, regenerating, antioxidant effect.

© Garnier

Maple sap in the Intensive Care range has a noticeable restorative effect. The cream is ideal for dry skin suffering from increased sensitivity to external influences. Intensively softens and nourishes.

© Lancôme

This cream has a very promising formula.

Shea butter, corn, apricot, soy, and rice perfectly nourish dry skin of the hands.

Vitamin E and passionflower seed oil prevent signs of aging.

Hazelnut proteins moisturize and smooth the skin.

The light texture of the cream makes the skin smooth and provides a feeling of comfort.

But what to do if you have to forget about correction - even about masking skin imperfections during pregnancy? There is a way out - they will help. Harmless hypoallergenic components are ideal for women “in an interesting position”, and the effect of their use can be quite noticeable - it’s not for nothing that the composition professional cosmetics often based on plant components.

Whitening face masks

Whitening masks will help get rid of redness, irritation and age spots. They are quite easy to make, and most importantly, the “raw materials” for them will always be at hand.
It is recommended to use whitening compounds before bed, so that the skin has time to rest and is not immediately exposed to direct sunlight. This recommendation especially applies to the spring-summer period.

Recipes for whitening masks for pregnant women

Cabbage. Grind 1-2 leaves of cabbage in a blender into a fine pulp and mix with fresh yogurt in a 1:1 ratio. Keep on face for 10 minutes.

Cucumber. Finely grate a fresh cucumber and squeeze out the juice. Mix 1 tbsp. spoon of cucumber juice with 1 teaspoon of borax, keep on the skin for 20-30 minutes.

Potato. Boil 1 potato in its skin, peel and finely grate. Add 3 tbsp. spoons of milk, 1 egg yolk. Place in a steam bath for 15-20 minutes, apply warm to the face and cover with a thick cloth.

Curd. 2 tbsp. Grind tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese with 1 egg yolk. Add 5-10 drops of hydrogen peroxide solution or lemon juice.

Carrot. Mix 1 teaspoon of oatmeal with half an egg yolk, add fresh, finely grated flour. Apply to face for 15-20 minutes.

Melon. Grind the melon in a blender until mushy, squeeze out a little excess juice. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Keep on face for 30 minutes.

Yes, daily care during pregnancy, facial skin care involves proper cleansing, toning and moisturizing. By following this rule, you will prevent a lot of problems and maintain youth and attractiveness for a long time. However, there are periods when our “three pillars” need support in the form of additional procedures. IN in this case We are talking about natural face masks.

Pregnant skin

When the whole body is experiencing serious overload, it is especially necessary to look your best. It is no secret that only a few lucky women during this period can boast of flawlessly smooth skin and a luxurious head of hair. Others often face a number of specific problems.

Problem 1 – “Pregnant Mask”

In scientific language this symptom called chloasma, its essence is the formation of brownish pigment spots on the face, neck, and décolleté. This is a fairly common phenomenon, the reasons for which lie in increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, which, in turn, provoke increased production of melanin. If the pigment were produced evenly, during pregnancy the skin would be covered with a chocolate tan, however, alas, not all epidermal cells respond to the action of hormones - hence the peculiar “spotty color”. It is impossible to completely get rid of chloasma during pregnancy, because most effective whitening preparations contain substances that are dangerous to the fetus and are therefore prohibited. The same applies to various salon procedures, which promises to return impeccable whiteness to the skin in a couple of sessions. In addition, many dark spots go away on their own after childbirth, although, of course, the situation can and should be slightly adjusted. First of all, limit your exposure to the open sun and on a clear day do not leave the house without applying it to your face and décolleté. sunscreen. Well, secondly, try making homemade whitening masks from natural products available in the refrigerator.

• Your first assistant is freshly squeezed lemon juice. Soak a cotton pad in it and wipe the skin. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day until the stain lightens. True, this one has folk remedy and a serious minus - it dries out the skin quite a lot. So don’t forget to use moisturizer morning and evening, and spray your face with thermal water throughout the day.
• Potatoes also have bleaching properties. To prepare the mask, grate 1 raw peeled potato on a fine grater, add a couple of drops of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh milk. Stir until it becomes a liquid paste and apply to the face for 20 minutes, then rinse off the mixture and lubricate the skin with your usual cream.
• Another recipe: cucumber mask - grate a medium-sized cucumber on a fine grater and mix with 3-4 tablespoons of sour cream. To get a more pronounced effect, add a teaspoon of lemon juice here - this mask effectively copes with excess pigmentation, and due to the action of sour cream, it also softens the skin and makes it velvety to the touch.
• Cottage cheese is also useful for chloasma, not only for internal but also for external use. Mix 2 teaspoons of fresh cottage cheese with the raw yolk of 1 egg until a homogeneous mass is formed, add 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide (using a pipette). Apply the mask to cleansed skin and keep for 10-15 minutes. This mixture should be washed off with cool water to invigorate the skin and restore its tone. It’s good to make a curd mask in the morning - it not only brightens the skin, but also returns a healthy glow to it and energizes it for the whole day. However, to achieve a noticeable result, as you yourself understand, you will have to make natural masks regularly, at least once a week for a couple of months. Although in this case too folk cosmetology can hardly promise you complete relief from age spots - unfortunately, even the best and most delicious recipes are powerless against the action of hormones. Of course, masks will help improve the condition of the skin and make it a little lighter, but just in case, have a good one on hand. Foundation. With its help, you can easily hide all temporary flaws and feel much more confident.

Problem 2 – Acne in pregnant women

It is necessary, otherwise pimples, acne... All these are names of the same skin disease, the manifestations of which are to one degree or another familiar to everyone. Whether we are talking about small reddish rashes or rare but large pustules, this disease causes great discomfort and can ruin the impression of even the most pretty face. During pregnancy, the appearance of acne is the result of rapid activity of the same endocrine system. Due to the action of hormones sebaceous glands They begin to produce sebum much more actively - the pores become dirty, clogged, and hence the inflammatory process develops.

Getting rid of acne during pregnancy?

• First of all, in the morning and evening, cleanse your skin using a special gel or foam for washing.
• A good helper is white, blue or green clay, masks from which should be made every 3-4 days. Clay perfectly absorbs sebum and draws out all impurities from the pores, and in addition, has an antibacterial effect. Dilute a small amount of clay purchased at a pharmacy with warm water to a paste and apply to the face for 20 minutes. Remove the mask with a damp cotton swab or pad and wipe your face with salicylic acid lotion.
• Fermented milk products will also help in the fight against rashes, preventing the spread of harmful microbes and soothing the skin. Try applying kefir or whey to your face for several days after each wash. 5 minutes is enough, after which moisturize the skin with your regular cream. Just remember, kefir must be natural, without any fruit additives or preservatives.
• For problem skin, a variety of products are good and yeast masks. Yeast can be mixed with milk, mint infusion, or chamomile decoction. Mix the selected ingredients to obtain a homogeneous mass and apply the mask to your face. The mixture should be approximately body temperature. In 15-20 minutes the yeast will harden, so you can simply remove it from the skin with your hands (then you should still wash your face). Repeat the procedure once a week for several months, and the result will certainly not disappoint you.
• Finally, another mask recipe for problem skin: Take half a glass of long grain rice, pour a glass of warm boiled water, cover and leave for 2 hours. After this time, drain the water, add 100 g of white cabbage, previously pureed, and mix thoroughly. This mask should be applied to the face in a thick layer and left for 15-20 minutes. The composition is washed off with cool water, after the procedure, as usual, the skin is lubricated with a moisturizer.

Dry skin in pregnant women

Many women during pregnancy complain of dry skin, flaking, and increased sensitivity. This phenomenon most often occurs in and is believed to be the result of a decrease in estrogen levels in the blood, which weakens the protective functions of the skin. To get rid of discomfort, you will have to regularly moisturize your skin, and one cream, alas, will not be enough.

• From all the variety of moisturizing masks special attention products based on vegetable oils deserve. Olive oil has proven itself best, however, if you don’t have it on hand, regular sunflower or flaxseed oil will do. You can wipe the skin with oil after cleansing or, combining it with pureed vegetables, prepare special moisturizing compositions. An oil mask with mashed white cabbage will be good - the mixture is applied to the skin in a thick layer and left for 15-20 minutes. The yolk-chamomile mask also perfectly moisturizes: the yolk of 1 egg is thoroughly ground with 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 teaspoon of chamomile extract. The mixture is also applied for 15-20 minutes; it can be washed off with either water or, for example, the remaining chamomile infusion.
• A classic of the genre, a cucumber mask will also help your skin cope with dryness and flaking. You can simply put cucumber slices on your face and lie down for 20 minutes. Or experiment and, after grating the cucumber on a fine grater, add 1 tablespoon of sour cream. Great alternative cucumber - chopped lettuce leaves, rich in vitamins and useful microelements. As you yourself understand, all products must be fresh (those from the garden are ideal).
• Various masks with herbs - calendula, yarrow, coltsfoot - are also useful for dry skin. Herbal infusions can be purchased at the pharmacy. Grind them in a coffee grinder, mix, for example, with oatmeal (also crushed), add a couple of drops vegetable oil and apply on face for 15-20 minutes. You can also add sour cream, cottage cheese - in general, use your imagination to suit your taste. Just be careful, because herbal extracts cause an allergic reaction in some women. “Work” only with what is familiar to you and definitely will not cause harm.

Hair loss during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you can encounter not only skin problems, but also such an unpleasant phenomenon as hair loss. Do not panic ahead of time - for most women, after childbirth, the process stops, and the hair takes on a healthy and attractive appearance. However, if you wish, you can carry out additional “therapy” for your hair - good care always by the way.

• The simplest and most effective remedy that restores hair strength, elasticity and prevents hair loss is Burr oil, healing properties which have been known for a long time. Apply the oil at night and go to bed with a cap on your head. The next morning, after washing off the composition, you will see that your hair has become softer and shiny. To obtain maximum effect, the procedure will have to be repeated several times.
• A kefir mask is very common - it softens dry, coarse hair, and also heals hair follicles. Apply the product to washed and wrung-out hair, distribute over the entire length and rub into the scalp in a circular motion, making a light wash. Then cover your head with cling film, wrap it in a soft towel and leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the mask with warm water; there is no need to apply balm after it.
• Regular bread crumb also restores hair well. Crumble a couple of slices of rye bread, pour boiling water over it and let it brew for 5-10 minutes, then add 2 raw yolks. Apply the mixture to damp hair, rub well and cover with plastic. Keep the mask on for about half an hour. With regular use, it will accelerate hair growth and improve its quality.
• A cream mask is useful for strengthening hair: mix 2 tablespoons of fresh cream with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, add 1 teaspoon of crushed wheat grains. The composition is applied for 20 minutes and washed off with water. room temperature. Sometimes crushed garlic is included in this recipe, but due to its specific smell, such a mask is not suitable for everyone. The same applies to onions - any strong-smelling ingredients are used only in the evening, and after using them it’s a good idea to spray your hair with an aromatic spray.

Sensitive skin in pregnant women

As you know, during pregnancy the sensitivity of the skin increases significantly, and therefore even the most innocent at first glance products can cause redness, itching and even swelling, in particular. In this regard, do not use potential allergens such as honey and strawberries for homemade masks; monitor the expiration dates of cottage cheese, eggs and other ingredients used. Do not overexpose the masks - most of them are applied for a maximum of 20 minutes. If you feel a strong burning sensation, wash off the composition without waiting for the specified time to expire. If your skin was especially tender and vulnerable before pregnancy, it makes sense to first try the mask on the back of your wrist or on the crook of your elbow. Did your skin react normally? In this case, feel free to apply the drug to your face. If irritation appears or a feeling of tightness occurs, do not experiment and choose another remedy.

Why does it appear and how to “remove” it?

• What does a “pregnancy mask” look like?
• When and why does the “pregnancy mask” appear?
• How dangerous is chloasma, how to deal with it and how to avoid it

For many pregnant women, changes in appearance come as a surprise. And if the growth of the breasts and tummy is quite expected, then the appearance of characteristic age spots on the face - “pregnant masks” - causes sincere distress. How, how much, for how long, how to get rid of it? Let's figure it out together!

What does a “pregnancy mask” look like?

” “Mask of pregnant women” (chloasma) are clearly defined pigment spots with jagged edges, brown or grayish in color.

They appear in the center of the forehead, on the bridge of the nose, above upper lip and on the chin (centrofascial chloasma), on the cheeks, temples, wings of the nose (molar), on the angles of the lower jaw (mandibular). Individual spots quickly merge into one, forming a kind of “mask”.

In fact, the skin is colored not only on the face: the area of ​​the so-called “white line of the abdomen” (the strip from the pubis to the navel) darkens, the areola darkens and increases in size, dark spots appear on inside thighs and under the arms. All these are phenomena of the same nature, but changes on the face, for obvious reasons, are most disturbing.

When and why does the “pregnancy mask” appear?

Most often, age spots on the face appear in the second trimester, approximately in the fifth month of pregnancy, but they can appear earlier or later. They are more common in dark-haired women, especially those with dark or easily tanned skin, and much less common in natural blondes and redheads.

” The mechanism by which the “mask” appears in pregnant women is not yet fully understood. Today, scientists have several explanations that can explain this phenomenon. Perhaps all hypotheses are true at the same time!

So, our skin (as well as hair and the pigment layer of the retina) is colored by melanin, synthesized by special cells - melanocytes. Some hormones, such as estrogen and especially progesterone, activate melanocytes and they begin to produce more melanin. In a pregnant woman, the level of progesterone in the body is an order of magnitude higher, and accordingly, side effects in the form of unwanted pigment spots. This theory is also confirmed by the fact that chloasma also appears in women with hormonal disorders ( various diseases ovaries), and in those undergoing treatment with hormonal drugs (doctors often warn patients taking contraceptives that they should not sunbathe).

The hormone melanotropin directly affects the production of melanin. Its content in pregnant women is also increased. Perhaps the reason for this is that in expectant mothers the pituitary gland increases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the production of melanotropin. Finally, perhaps the “last” straw may be the hormones that the baby himself begins to produce.

How dangerous is chloasma, how to deal with it and how to avoid it

The “pregnant woman’s mask” is not at all dangerous for a woman, and does not indicate the development of any diseases or pathology of the fetus.

” In the vast majority of cases, chloasma disappears completely on its own after pregnancy, although this may take time: from a couple of months to a couple of years.

Trying to get rid of hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is unsafe: most medicines(for example, based on hydroquinone) and cosmetic procedures (laser skin lightening) are simply contraindicated for expectant mothers. However, if after several years you still suffer from hyperpigmentation, then, of course, you need to consult a dermatologist. Firstly, because pregnancy is not the only, although the most common, cause of chloasma; hyperpigmentation of the skin on the face can be a sign of a variety of diseases, from liver damage to the first symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Secondly, the doctor will be able to determine the type of skin lesion: epidermal, when the melanin content is increased in the upper layers of the skin and the situation can be easily corrected with cosmetic procedures, for example, deep peeling; or dermal, when the pigment penetrates deep into the subcutaneous layer and most cosmetic procedures will be useless.

If you don’t want pigment spots to appear on your face during pregnancy (which, moreover, are not easy to get rid of), don’t sunbathe! Be sure to protect your face from the sun with wide-brimmed hats, use sunscreens, intended for pregnant women.

” If chloasma does appear on your face and you are concerned about your appearance, try resorting to home remedies.

Homemade cosmetic masks with an acidic environment, for example, containing citrus juice (a mask made from lemon juice and parsley leaves is very popular) or fermented milk products, lighten the skin slightly. They will not harm you and may have a positive effect on your skin color.

Finally, doctors note that chloasma appears less often in those pregnant women who take medications containing folic acid - they are prescribed without fail to almost all women planning a pregnancy, since this substance is necessary for healthy development baby, as well as vitamin C. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances; during pregnancy, even “harmless vitamins” can become a source of problems! But if your doctor has prescribed you to take vitamins, do not neglect his recommendations, this way you take care not only of your baby’s health, but also of your beauty.

If a “pregnant mask” still appears on your face, don’t be upset! Most likely, the pigmentation will disappear soon after giving birth, but your wonderful, wonderful, beloved baby will be with you! And it’s worth enduring a little inconvenience, right?

Prepared by Alena Novikova