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Pregnancy is a beautiful and fascinating phase. Your body is preparing to support another life, which can be overwhelming to digest. Your body is going through numerous changes from the inside out. These rapid developments come with their own set of challenges and hurdles. After all, it is rather odd to wake up one day and realize you can no longer see your toes. Not to mention all the new hormones flooding your body. However, many people expect you to look rather good while pregnant, all because of this well known phenomenon called the pregnancy glow. While your skin can appear more radiant during this period due to medical reasons,not every woman experiences the same effect. There are several biological causes behind this coveted glow that occurs naturally due to several changes.
Here are 6 ways to achieve the perfect pregnancy glow:
1. Increased Blood Flow
It is no surprise that our bodies need a sufficient amount of blood in order to sustain us. But, pregnant women need an increased blood supply and flow in order to support their growing baby. When your body produces more blood, your heart starts pumping more blood and your blood vessels dilate to facilitate the increased blood volume. This excess blood in your system will appear on the outside as a reddish hue that looks glowy and healthy. Your skin is left looking brighter and fuller as a result. Viola! Pregnancy glow accomplished.
2. Heat Rashes
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That’s right, heat rashes can make you look better while you’re pregnant. During your pregnancy, your body temperature will naturally increase due to continuous fluctuations in your hormone levels brought about by the additional weight you’re carrying because of the baby. As a result you will experience hot flashes, heat rashes and generally sweat more than you usually do. Oddly enough, this redness which often shows up on the cheeks makes them look rosy which leaves you looking luminous. However, if they worsen and get painful, contact your doctor and get the rashes treated.
3. Worsening Pre-Pregnancy Skin Conditions
Women who have pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or acne are not going to have a great time during pregnancy as your skin condition may worsen during this period. Your hormone levels are changing due to an increase in blood flow leading to complications such as flare-ups or redness which people can mistake for a pregnancy glow. This faux glow may seem like it’s worth it but it is best to consult your doctor and get it treated so that your skin gets back on track to being truly healthy and hassle-free.
4. Hormone Fluctuations For The Win!
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Your body supplies a multitude of hormones when you’re pregnant and most of them are great for your skin. For example, higher levels of progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and estrogen which are known for their skin brightening qualities. They can also leave your skin looking flushed, which makes you look luminous. Talk about a glow up!
5. Increased Oil Production
That’s right, your oil factory glands are going to be working overtime! The fluctuation in your hormone levels and the increased blood volume in your body can trigger an excess secretion of sebum and oil. This light layer of oil which coats your skin will give it a glowy and shinier look. However, it can also lead to acne breakouts in some pregnant women. Especially those who already have oily, acne prone or combination skin types as the increased oil production may trigger dormant acne.
6. Stretchy Skin
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Usually everything is about getting tighter skin but during pregnancy, your skin will look taunter as it is stretching to accommodate the growth of your little one. This, combined with the inflow of happy hormones and increased blood flow, can leave you looking glowy and gorgeous.
You’re more likely to experience all these changes during your second trimester as that’s when your body goes through the majority of these changes. But it is important to keep in mind that your glow may not be limited to this time period. However, this glow is often temporary and will fade once you give birth. So make the most of it and enjoy it while it lasts. It is also important to keep in mind that the pregnancy glow does not happen to all women and it is perfectly normal if it doesn’t happen to you. In fact your skin could very well worsen during your pregnancy. Some women develop melasma or the “pregnancy mask” and excess exposure to the sun results in increased melanin production which can further result in hyperpigmentation. Whatever your journey and challenges may be, the only thing that truly matters is the health of you and your baby. So make sure to eat and rest well. It’s the glow from within that really counts!
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