IT ITCHES, NOTHING MORE NORMAL
Certainly very annoying, this itching should not worry you. They result from hormonal changes which, from the start of your pregnancy, lead to skin dehydration, causing tightness, roughness and... itching. You may even feel them even more intensely if your skin tends to be naturally dry.
It is also normal for this discomfort to increase over the months: the slowdown in your microcirculation makes your skin more irritable while at the same time, the baby's development puts your skin elasticity to the test! This is also why the itching appears particularly on your stomach, where the stretch marks mainly occur.
But, good news, you will easily be able to overcome it! However, do not hesitate to report to your doctor any itching that spreads to other areas of your body and resists well-conducted moisturizing treatment, as this may indicate a liver problem. But it is very rare.
4 KEY STEPS TO SOOTH YOUR SKIN
Of course, it's hard not to scratch when it itches... But be gentle with yourself. Remember to cut your nails short and only use the pads of your fingers or the palms of your hands so as not to make the environment favorable for the intrusion of bacteria and other allergens. And above all, treat your skin to a good soothing care ritual every day. You will also keep these good habits after giving birth, until your itching gradually disappears.
1. Favor lukewarm showers
In the shower, be careful not to use too much hot water as this could damage your skin, which lacks a protective lipid film. Even more so if your water is loaded with limescale. Same precaution if you prefer baths, which you will soften and make even more pleasant by pouring a cap of nourishing oil.
2. Opt for a specific shower gel
Not all cleansing formulas are designed to take care of your delicate skin as a mother-to-be... and some even have a tendency to “strive”. So always take care to choose a specific, gentle, soap-free product and temporarily forget about scrubs.
3. Dry yourself gently
Your skin is already ultra-sensitive, so it's better not to irritate it further... Instead of using the classic terry towel with which you may be used to vigorously scrubbing yourself, prefer to gently dab your skin using a microfiber towel which will absorb water as effectively as limescale. Also be sure to dry your maceration folds (armpits, groin, breast folds, etc.), which are even more sensitive to irritation.
4. Abundantly hydrate and nourish your epidermis
After showering or bathing, take the time to nourish and hydrate your skin. He will be immediately grateful to you! Thus regenerated, your skin barrier will be able to better withstand external aggressions, its reactivity will fade and you will find wonderful comfort!
Always be sure to choose a milk or moisturizer specially designed for pregnancy: this will be a guarantee of effectiveness and safety for you. And give yourself a few minutes of massage to fully penetrate these nourishing agents. You can also mix this moisturizing ritual with anti-stretch mark treatments, which, while boosting your collagen fibers, will soften your skin and also calm your itching.
To complete these treatments, avoid dressing in synthetic fibers, which are particularly irritating for your skin... Prefer cotton or linen, two noble materials which will delicately enhance your future mother's curves and soothe skin sensitivity.