Pregnancy is a time of many changes with your body. While most of these changes are going on inside, you may notice some changes to your appearance along with your growing bump! Pregnancy has some very visible side-effects on the skin including stretch marks, skin color changes, varicose veins, chapped skin, itchy skin and darkened areas. Red dry skin on face during pregnancy is another visible skin effect, which is largely thought to be caused by hormonal changes and the work of the immune system. The good news is these changes are only temporary with pregnancy and soon go away after the delivery of your baby.

What Causes Red Dry Skin on Face During Pregnancy?

Your friends may have perfectly clear skin during pregnancy and you end up with a bright red face, or vice versa. This is because no two pregnancies are alike. Because your blood volume has increased by 50 percent during pregnancy, you may notice the “pregnancy glow" on your face. Another cause is the onset of Rosacea during pregnancy or if you already have it, the condition may worsen. This causes redness to the cheeks, nose and forehead.

Pregnancy also causes dry skin during the first few months. The increase in hormones causes an imbalance in skin oils. Less oil causes drier skin and increases in oil production can cause a bad case of pregnancy acne.  Besides, skin dryness can also be caused if you are not drinking enough water. Your body needs extra water during pregnancy to make up for that 50 percent increase in blood volume.

Is It Eczema?

Eczema is a skin disorder also known as dermatitis. It causes the skin to appear red, dry and sometimes raw. It tends to feel itchy and hot and sometimes it can even cause the skin to bleed. It is not an infection and not contagious. In pregnancy, atopic eczema can flare up due to hormonal changes. If you experience a flare-up of eczema in pregnancy, talk to your doctor about what you can do to relieve the symptoms. Note that you can’t always use certain medications when you are pregnant.

How to Deal with Red Dry Skin on Face During Pregnancy

For the most part, skin changes in pregnancy is very normal. If the problem is severe and causing you discomfort you might want to ask your doctor about what you should do. Otherwise, you can try these easy remedies at home to help relieve the symptoms:

1. Avoid Harsh Soaps

Try a cleanser that does not contain actual soap or perfumes. Only wash your face once daily and save that for nighttime if you need to remove your makeup only.

2. Avoid Chemical Peels and Scrubs

Chemical peels and scrubs can irritate the skin. The chemicals can also get into your body via your skin and you never know if they are okay to use during pregnancy. Avoid products that contain alcohol and always ask your doctor before using any medicated cleansers like acne wash. Face products for oily skin can take away too much oil and dry the skin, leaving it red and irritated.

3. Moisturize Daily

Use a good moisturizer every day, but make sure they don’t contain any irritants. Check the ingredients for fragrance and alcohol. If a lotion smells good, it probably shouldn’t go on your face. Use moisturizers that contain olive oil . You can even try for two times a day if you remember.

4. Don’t Rub Briskly with a Towel to Dry

Be gentle with your skin after washing and only blot the water off with a towel. Use your moisturizer just after washing to help seal in fluids.

5. Humidify the Air

The air in your home can get dry at night while you are sleeping. Plus, you are not taking in any fluids for 8 hours a night. To help this issue, place a humidifier in your bedroom to increase the moisture in the air. Also, white noise from the humidifier can help you sleep at night.

6. Watch Your Diet

Food plays a very important role to your skin. It also needs extra fluids to stay healthy. Make sure you drink plenty of “non-caffeinated” drinks and water all day. Eat healthy fats such as avocado, canola oil and olive oils to moisturize your skin from the inside out.

7. Use a Good Face Mask

Make your own to avoid chemicals and harsh soap. All-natural masks feel great and nourish the skin. Check around your kitchen for the ingredients and pamper your skin. Take one-half an avocado and stir in 1 tbsp. honey, 1 tbsp. olive oil and a dab of orange juice. Mash together and apply for 30 minutes. Soak the mask off with a warm washcloth. You can also use oatmeal and banana. Try not to do this more than 3 times weekly as it can draw oils from the skin.

8. Wash with Lukewarm Water

Keep your water for showers and face washing slightly cool to lukewarm. Hot water dries the skin pretty quickly. This is why you need to limit your showers to no more than 15 minutes to be on the safe side. Only use soap when you absolutely need to. The less soap the better!

Click here for more skin care tips during pregnancy.