Dark circles, chapped lips, changing skin color, spots on the face – more than 85% of the women across the world face some or the other skin problem during pregnancy. While these skin changes are temporary and will go away after you give birth to your little one, they could actually leave you uncomfortable. Skin pigmentation, quite often, happens in women with a dark complexion or can be passed on from generation to generation.
You do not have to visit a parlor to try out those exclusive anti-pigmentation treatments or empty your pockets on skin lightening creams. Remember that most of these expensive creams contain natural ingredients that you will find in your kitchen or garden.
Why don’t you try some of the home remedies with natural ingredients to ease and thwart skin pigmentation during pregnancy?
9 Natural Solutions To Ease Pregnancy-induced Skin Pigmentation
1. Aloe Gel
Aloe is safe and hydrating. It also has skin lightening, moisturizing, and healing properties. Plus, it also contains various nutrients that improves the skin tone during pregnancy. Cut a clean stalk of ale and scoop out the gel. Apply it on cleansed area and wash off with warm water after 20 minutes. You can use this daily for a healthy skin.
2. Tomato Juice
The lycopene that renders the characteristic red color to the tomatoes is well-known for its skin lightening properties. Apply it on pre-washed skin and clean off using a damp cotton after it dries off. You can also mix tomato juice with lemon juice, if the spots arise due to acne or pimples. Being rich in natural antibacterial properties, lemon juice helps in unclogging the clogged pores, giving the skin a natural sheen.
3. Honey, Cucumber, And Almonds
This mixture works a great anti-pigmentation face mask. Mix 1 tbsp soaked, crushed almonds with 2 tsp cucumber juice, and 1 tbsp honey to make a paste of spreadable consistency. Cleanse your face with lukewarm water and apply this as a thick layer. Wash off after 20 minutes to reveal a clearer face. Use the mask twice a week for impressive results.
4. Vitamin E and Cocoa Powder
Vitamin E hydrates, nourishes, and moisturizes the skin, making your skin evenly toned. Add 2 tbsp vitamin E oil to 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix the ingredients well to prepare a thick paste. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil or orange essential oil. Apply the mask on cleaned face. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
5. Papaya, Honey, and Aloe
While papaya absorbs the blemishes from the skin, aloe moisturizes and eliminates the scars. Honey works as a natural humectant and promotes healing. Blend 2 tbsp of extra ripe papayas with 1 tbsp each of honey and aloe gel. Apply it the cleansed skin and rinse off using warm water to eliminate dead cells and heal pigmentation.
6. Yogurt, Lemon Juice and Coconut Oil
Yogurt and lemon juice contain skin lightening and anti-bacterial properties. The latter one also works as a natural astringent, absorbing the excess sebum and oil, thus preventing one of the primary causes of skin spots. Coconut oil, being naturally replenished with lauric acid, works by moisturizing and healing the skin. Mix 1/4 cup of yogurt with 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp coconut oil. Whisk well and apply on your skin as a thick layer. Rinse off in 30 minutes using warm water. Pat dry using a soft cotton cloth.
7. Chamomile and Mint Tea
Brew some chamomile and mint tea and allow it to cool. Use this to wash your face. Alternatively you can prepare a mask by crushing a handful of mint leaves with cool chamomile tea. Whisk in some honey or olive oil if you have dry skin. Apply the mask on affected area or use it as a mask for your face and neck. Wash off after 15 to 20 minutes using cool tap water. Pat dry.
8. Avocados, Turmeric and Milk
Mashed avocados or its juice can be applied on pigmented skin regularly to ease pigmentation. Mashed avocados can be mixed with milk and turmeric powder to be used as a facial mask to ward off skin pigmentation. Stay away from avocado mask, if you have an oily skin.
9. Orange Juice And Pomegranate Seeds
Crush dried pomegranate seeds with orange juice to make thick paste. Apply this paste on the skin and wash after 15 to 20 minutes. You can add milk or yogurt to this paste along with sandalwood powder for better results. Use the mask thrice a week. Adding turmeric or honey will enhance the benefits of this de-pigmentation mask.
Along with these topical skin applications, increase your antioxidant intake. Include citrus fruits and berries in your diet to get your regular dose of antioxidants.
Drink lemon juice to eliminate toxins from within. You also increase your water intake to at least two and a half liters a day.
Staying away from the sun could also help as studies reveal that excessive exposure to UV rays could lead to skin pigmentation. Use a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 to minimize the sun damages.
Stay away from experimenting with skincare products while pregnant as these changes could trigger spots and breakouts.
Last, but not the least, always check with your doctor and a dermatologist before you experiment!
