MEDIA/
Skincare for Pregnant Women in Autumn and Winter
The autumn and winter seasons can be very dry, making pregnant women particularly susceptible to skin issues. However, there’s no need for excessive worry—by choosing safe and effective skincare products and diligently moisturizing daily, pregnant women can keep their skin hydrated and elastic, avoiding extreme dryness!
Three Common Skin Conditions for Pregnant Women
Dr. Chan Sheung Hey Thomas notes that hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the skin particularly fragile. Combined with the dry weather of autumn and winter, moisture loss can lead to the following skin problems:
- Asteatotic Dermatitis
The skin’s surface oils help lock in moisture, but if a pregnant woman has insufficient oil production, the skin can easily lose moisture, leading to inflammation. Additionally, low humidity in autumn and winter can cause significant evaporation of moisture, resulting in dryness and itching, potentially leading to asteatotic dermatitis. In more severe cases, patches of dry skin may flake off like fish scales and even crack.
Common Affected Areas: Lower legs, shoulders, forearms, waist, abdomen
2. Seborrheic Dermatitis
In addition to the dryness caused by autumn and winter weather, stress and anxiety can make pregnant women more prone to seborrheic dermatitis, resulting in itchy and reddened skin, with increased dandruff on the scalp.
Common Affected Areas: Scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows (commonly referred to as the “T-zone”)
3. Atopic Dermatitis
In normal circumstances, skin can adapt to changes in temperature and humidity. However, pregnant women may have a lower resistance, making their skin less capable of adapting to external changes, leading to a higher risk of atopic dermatitis, resulting in dry, itchy skin and an increased likelihood of scratching, which can lead to bacterial infections and worsen the condition.
Common Affected Areas: Hands, feet, folds of the knees and elbows
Three Types of Moisturizers
With many types of moisturizers available on the market, which ones are the most effective? Dr. Chan categorizes moisturizers into three main types, allowing pregnant women to choose based on ingredients, properties, and textures. Ultimately, the best moisturizer is one that the user enjoys, as this encourages regular application and effective skin protection.
| Types | Ingredients | Functions |
|---|---|---|
|
Humectants |
Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, etc.
|
Absorb moisture from the environment to keep the skin hydrated and radiant.
|
|
Occlusive |
Vaseline, paraffin, mineral oil, lanolin, etc.
|
Form a protective barrier on the skin's surface to lock in moisture and prevent evaporation.
|
|
Emolients |
Fatty acids, avocado oil, propylene glycol, etc.
|
Soften the skin’s outer layer, making it smooth and reducing gaps that allow moisture loss.
|
Tested for Effectiveness and Safety
For pregnant women, safety is the primary concern when choosing skincare products. Dr. Chan reassures that as long as products are tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and backed by substantial studies, they are both effective and safe for use during pregnancy.
Four Steps for Autumn and Winter Skincare
1. Cleanse the Skin: Pregnant women should use a gentle cleansing milk instead of cleansing gels or scrubs, as cleansing milk is milder and more moisturizing, helping to protect the skin. It’s also advisable to wash the face with lukewarm water, as hot water can strip away the skin’s protective oils.
2. Use Toner to Tighten Pores: Choose a toner that does not contain alcohol, as alcohol can evaporate the skin’s natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness.
3. Apply Serum for Deep Hydration: Opt for serums that are free from fragrances, additives, and preservatives, especially for pregnant women with eczema, to reduce the risk of skin sensitivity.
4. Sunscreen Before Going Outside: Don’t assume that sunscreen isn’t necessary in the autumn and winter because the sun is less intense! Dr. Chan notes that UV rays are still present during these seasons, and pregnant women are particularly prone to melasma, so sun protection is essential. Remember to apply sunscreen to the neck as well, and an SPF of 15 is sufficient—there’s no need for high SPF products like in summer.
Bathing Tips for Autumn and Winter
In addition to regular skincare and staying hydrated, pregnant women should also take care during bathing:
- Avoid using cloth or scrubbing sponges, as these can damage the skin.
- It is not recommended to soak in baths or hot springs, which can wash away protective skin oils and lead to significant moisture loss.
- Keep the water temperature moderate; hot water can raise the skin’s temperature and increase moisture loss, leading to dryness.
- Use moisturizing body wash, shower oil, or lotion, and avoid soap, which can dry out the skin.
- After bathing, dry off gently with a towel and apply moisturizer within three minutes. This helps lock in moisture before it evaporates, enhancing the effectiveness of the skincare routine.
