5 ways to keep your skin beautiful when you're pregnant

Being pregnant is one of the most exciting experiences for any woman. However, sometimes the physical changes can be overwhelming. From an ever-expanding tummy to lower back pain and shortness of breath – a lot goes on during the full nine months of pregnancy. In addition to these changes, many pregnant women also experience significant skin changes while pregnant. The most common skin changes include:

Stretch marks
These are pink or reddish streaks that run down the abdomen. Stretch marks occur in 80 to 90 per cent of all pregnant women.

Chloasma
This skin change is referred to the mask of pregnancy. Dark, splotchy spots appear on your face due to increased pigmentation – a common hormonal effect caused by pregnancy. The most common areas affected are the forehead, upper cheeks, nose and chin.

Pimple breakouts and acne
And you thought your pimple days were behind you! The extra hormone secretion that occur during pregnancy causes oil glands to produce excess oil and can cause breakouts.

Varicose veins
These are bluish veins that appear on your legs during pregnancy. They occurs because your body is compensating for the extra blood flow to the baby. If you have a family history of varicose veins, you’re more likely to experience them.

But there is hope! Here's what can you do to deal with these skin changes:

1. Moisturize with vitamin E oil
To minimize the effects of stretch marks and to reduce the itchiness of your stomach, apply vitamin E oil or lotion. It can be found in most health food stores and can be applied topically.

2. Opt for Vitamin C rich foods
Vitamin C is involved in collagen production and protects cells from free radical damage. Scientific studies found that when lab animals ate vitamin C-fortified food, their skin was better able to fight off oxidative damage. Boost your skin's vitamin C stores by eating plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Good sources include peppers (red/green/yellow), oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, lemons, and broccoli.

Page 1 of 2 - learn about the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids on page two!