Surviving the Pregnancy Skin Blues

Dry Skin

The pregnant woman who suffers from dry skin should increase her intake of water and add a good moisturizer to her daily skin care routine and apply it often during the day. Dr. Davis also advises avoiding the use of fabric softener when doing laundry, as it may affect delicate skin.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps pregnant women take advantage of nature's purest pore cleanser. Keeping your home humidified can also help to alleviate dry skin.

The Bella Essentials natural product line offers Bella Mama Rejuvenating Face & Body Spritzer. This spray may help ease the discomfort associated with dry skin with its blend of rosewater and herbal extracts. "You can take it anywhere—the car, office, home—or keep it in your purse," says Jennifer Hohlfelder, co-creator (along with partner Aimee Snow) of Bella Essentials.

Additionally, Belli Cosmetics offers an All Day Moisture Body Lotion (SPF 15), a product to replenish moisture in the skin and protect against the harmful rays of the sun. The ingredients in the lotion (natural essential oil of lemon, aloe vera, and chamomile) can also reduce common discomforts associated with pregnancy.

Prepregnancy Problems

If you suffer from a pre-existing skin condition, such as acne, continued treatment during pregnancy must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. "When a patient discovers she is pregnant, [her doctor] must revise her prescription medication, since many cause adverse effects on the fetus," says Dr. Davis.

Several types of prescription medication treatments for acne, including retinoid and isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane), can have severe effects on a developing baby. "I suggest that all acne medications be discontinued until after delivery and breastfeeding," concurs Dr. Taylor.