The Ultimate Guide to Moisturisers for Dry Skin During Pregnancy

Hey there, to-be-mommy! Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is surely an exciting time as you nurture a new life within you. However, it can also be a bit overwhelming with all the changes that your body is going through. As the body undergoes significant transformations during this special phase, one of the tell-tale signs that you’ve conceived is the onset of dry skin during pregnancy. ¹ Many moms-to-be experience dryness, itchiness, and sensitivity due to hormonal fluctuations. ² Choosing the right moisturizer for dry skin can make all the difference in preventing irritation and maintaining your skin’s natural elasticity.

In this detailed blog, we’ll explore the best pregnancy-safe moisturisers, key ingredients to look for, and essential skincare tips to keep your skin soft and nourished.

Causes Of Dry Skin During Pregnancy

1. Skin Stretching - As your abdomen expands to accommodate the growing baby, your skin stretches and may lose its elasticity and moisture. This situation can be quite uncomfortable often leading to skin dryness and itching. ³
2. Dehydration - Not drinking enough water can also lead to severe skin dryness during pregnancy. So, keep yourself well-hydrated every day. ⁴
3. Morning Sickness - Nausea and vomiting, often called morning sickness, affects nearly 80% of pregnant women. It can lead to significant fluid loss during the first trimester, thereby resulting in dehydration and dry skin.⁵
4. Environmental Factors - Variations in temperature, airflow, and humidity can draw moisture from the skin and weaken its protective barrier.⁶  This may lead to dry skin in pregnant women.
5. Hormones - Hormone changes during pregnancy can cause a variety of skin changes. Some expectant mums may experience a rosy glow, while others may have dull, blotchy and dry skin.  ^{7 8}

How To Relieve Dry Skin During Pregnancy?

If you’re experiencing dry, itchy skin, here are a few things you can try -

1.Increase Your Water Intake

ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) recommends that a pregnant woman must drink at least 8 to 12 cups of water daily to fulfil the body’s requirements.⁹ Therefore, drink plenty of water to up your hydration game. 

2. Change Your Shower Routine

Bathing habits can contribute to dry, dehydrated skin. Studies have shown that water and temperature affect the skin’s barrier. Showering for too long, especially in hot water, can damage your skin and make it dry. If possible, limit your shower time and avoid using hot water. ¹⁰

3. Use A Humidifier

Another way to keep your skin hydrated is to improve the moisture in the air around you. You can do so by using a humidifier. Place it in your bedroom at night or near you during the day to keep the air moist. Some studies even show that a humidifier can help improve skin barrier function. ¹¹

4. Use A Gentle Cleanser

Dry skin is more prone to irritation. So, whenever you wash your face, use a fragrance-free, gentle face wash that is not harsh on your skin. 

5. Moisturising Is Key

Make sure you apply a moisturiser to your skin right after you wash your face. Moisturisers work by trapping existing moisture in the skin.10 You can also look for hydrating ingredients in your skincare products like Pentavitin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and others. They are all known to help seal in the skin’s moisture.    

Choosing The Right Moisturizers For Dry Skin

Dry skin can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Finding the right moisturiser is essential to alleviate these symptoms and maintain healthy, hydrated skin. Here’s why it matters:

1. Locks in Hydration

Dry skin lacks moisture, leading to flakiness, rough texture, and irritation. A good moisturizer contains humectants (like hyaluronic acid & glycerin) that draw water into the skin and moisturising ingredients (such as Trehalose, and Aloe Vera) that seal in hydration. ^{12 13 14 15}

2. Prevents Irritation & Sensitivity

Dry skin is more prone to irritation, redness, and itching. A well-formulated moisturizer with soothing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and Canadian Willowherb) can calm inflammation and reduce sensitivity. ^{16 17}

3. Strengthens the Skin Barrier

The skin barrier protects against environmental aggressors like pollution and harsh weather. When dry, the barrier becomes compromised, making the skin vulnerable. Moisturizers with pentavitin and sodium hyaluronate help repair and strengthen this barrier. ^{16 18}

4. Enhances Skin Elasticity & Smoothness

Dehydrated skin can lead to fine lines and a dull appearance. Regular moisturizing improves skin texture and elasticity, giving a plump, youthful look. Look for ingredients such as milk proteins, black tea and liquorice that reveal brighter and smoother skin. ^{19 20 21}

Key Ingredients To Look For In Pregnancy-Safe Moisturizers

Not all skincare products are safe for expectant mothers. Here are some key ingredients to look for when choosing a moisturizer:

1. Canadian Willowherb - keeps acne-causing bacteria at bay, reduces redness, and comforts sensitive skin. ¹⁷
2. Pentavitin - Locks in moisture, soothes and protects your skin from dryness and dehydration, 24 hours a day. ¹⁸
3. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate (DPG) - Glycyrrhizin, the active component of liquorice root (from which DPG is synthesized), helps soothe the skin, reduces redness, and provides a purifying effect for acne-prone skin. ^{22 23 24 25 26 27}          
4. Sodium Hyaluronate - It helps lock in moisture, keeping the skin soft, supple, and hydrated while also protecting against microbes. ^{12 16}

Ingredients To Avoid When Pregnant

1. Retinoids - Using retinoids during pregnancy is a big no! These vitamin A-derived compounds, when applied topically or used orally, can lead to severe birth defects. ²⁷
2. Salicylic Acid - Found commonly in acne treatments, salicylic acid might be okay in small doses, but it’s best to limit its use during pregnancy. High doses can lead to concerns, so if you can, stick to milder alternatives. ²⁸
3. Fragrance - We all look for a mesmerising fragrance when it comes to personal care products. Be it face wash, moisturisers, body lotions or even body washes! Do you know, these synthetic fragrances can be harmful to you and your growing baby? They could lead to irritation and sometimes even allergic reactions. Therefore, look for fragrance-free products to be on a safer side. ²⁹

Types Of Moisturizers For Dry Skin

1. Humectants - Humectants like glycerin play a crucial role in skincare by attracting and retaining moisture. It supports barrier repair, leading to healthier and more resilient skin. ^{30 31}
2. Emollients - They play a crucial role in maintaining skin health by supporting barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signalling, ultimately enhancing skin texture and appearance. ^{30 31}
3. Occlusives - These moisturisers create a protective barrier that prevents water loss from the skin, allowing the stratum corneum to replenish its water content from deeper epidermal and dermal layers. ^{30 31}

How To Use Moisturizer Effectively? 

To maximize the effectiveness of your moisturizer:

1. Apply immediately after bathing or showering. When the skin is still damp, absorption of moisturizer is enhanced. ³²
2. Focus on dry areas. Pay special attention to elbows, knees, and heels, which tend to be drier than other areas.
3. Maintain hydration levels by reapplying moisturizer as needed, especially after washing hands or taking a shower.

Conclusion

Pregnancy can be a wonderful time, but it can also bring its fair share of skin challenges. By understanding the importance of the right product and selecting the ideal moisturiser for dry skin, you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy. 

That's why we recommend using AreoVeda Moisturising Spray Lotion - a specially formulated, gentle, and non-greasy moisturizer. Its unique blend of natural ingredients provides long-lasting hydration for up to 72 hours, soothes acne-prone skin and helps to lock in moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and radiant. What truly sets this product apart is the triple certification. The Ecocert certification guarantees that over 98% of the ingredients in this lotion spray are naturally derived. The EWG verification ensures it contains no harmful or toxic substances. Most importantly, it undergoes cellular testing on lab-grown human skin cells, providing proven safety and performance you can trust. So, dear to-be-mums, try it today and say goodbye to dry skin.