C Pick of the Month

GODIVA PREGNANCY SKIN CARE SET

Pregnant mothers experience a lot of changes with their bodies. While some of these changes are welcome for most women, there are some which they would rather not have. This holds true with changes that occur in the skin during pregnancy.

Skin and Pregnancy

Why does the skin change significantly during pregnancy? Well, there are two primary culprits, apart from other elements, for the cutaneous alterations most pregnant women experience during their expectancy stage. The first one is the abnormal upsurge of female hormones called estrogen. The other culprit is the metabolic changes (such as gaining extra weight).

With all these changes in the body, we can say that the skin reacts "excitedly". The good news is that the reactions these changes generate on a pregnant woman's skin are often attractive. However, the downside is that some of the effects of pregnancy that are rather not welcome.

Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Different women have different experiences when it comes to pregnancy-related skin changes. But some of the most familiar of these changes include:

• The "pregnancy glow". Some women "glow" during their pregnancy: they have a softer skin texture as well as improved tone and appearance. This is because the increase level of estrogen level dilates the blood vessel. The many blood vessels that are just below the skin's surface gives the cheek an attractive "blush".

• Hyperpigmentation. Majority of pregnant women (up to 90%) notice that their skin in certain areas (e.g. inner thighs, nipples, underarms) is getting darker. There is also more brownish or yellowish patches in the forehead, cheeks, and chin called chloasma or "mask of pregnancy". The intensity of chloasma can be prevented by limiting unnecessary sun exposure, and it usually fades after delivery. Finally, there's also the linea negra, a noticeable dark line in the mid-abdomen that usually appears during the second trimester of pregnancy. Linea negra also disappears several months after giving birth.

• Stretch marks. During the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, raised lines that are either pink, red, dark, or white (depends on the skin color) may appear on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, buttocks, and hips. These streaks are what we call stretch marks (striae gravidarum). Increasing pregnancy hormones and stretching of the tissue under the skin are linked to the development of stretch marks. Heredity is also thought to be a factor in the development of stretch marks. Weight gain is also blamed as a contributing factor of stretch marks. Once you develop stretch marks, they will never go away completely, although they become less visible several months after delivery.

• Acne breakout. Some women develop acne during  pregnancy, especially those who were prone to breakouts before their menstrual periods. This is because in the third trimester, there is an increased function of the sebaceous glands, the gland responsible for the production of an oily substance called sebum.

• Varicose veins/spider veins. Many pregnant women (about 40%) develop varicose veins and spider veins in their calves, thighs, vagina, and anus. Again, this can be blamed on the soaring of estrogen levels, to which the blood vessels react excitedly causing them to dilate.

• Itchy Skin. Many expectant mothers experience mysterious rashes and itches. An example of this phenomena is the skin condition called Pruritic and urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP in short. PUPPP is said to occur in 1 out of 240 pregnant women, usually in the third trimester. It is also common in first pregnancies. PUPPP do not pose any risk to the mother or the baby, and the condition resolves after giving birth.

Caring for the Skin While Expecting

Moms-to-be have to be extra careful with what they apply on their skin. This is because pregnant skin is extra sensitive, and more importantly, there is a danger that some of the chemicals in topical creams may be absorbed by the body  and may reach the baby. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that pregnant moms can't do anything to make pregnancy a little easier on their skins.

Godiva products have been clinically proven to be mild and safe for use even by moms-in-waiting. These products go only as far as the epidermis, where the melanin is located, and they do not enter the bloodstream.

To maintain the skin's radiance during pregnancy, try Godiva's Pregnancy Skin Care Regimen:

1. Cleanse with Godiva LicoWhite™ Whitening Soap.

2. Apply Godiva LicoWhite™ Skin Brightening Cream twice daily on the face and Godiva Licorice Skin Whitening Lotion on other body parts.

3. Apply Godiva Squalane Anti-Stress Lotion twice daily on belly and thighs to minimize appearance of stretch marks.
   
   4. To maintain the reddish/pinkish tinge of the lips and nipples, use Godiva Lightening Lip Gloss. Godiva Lightening Lip Gloss is proven to be a safe and effective lightener as it is free of fragrance and preservatives.
    

Nevertheless, take note that it is always prudent and wise to consult your doctor first before trying on different skin care products, as your skin may be too sensitive during this period.

[ Testimonial of the Month

Submit your testimonial for inclusion in this section to info@godivaskincare.com or info@i-godiva.com.

In October 2005, I purchased my first lot of products from Godiva. I must say,  you have the most prompt service I have used. Ever. It took only 5 days for the shipment to arrive at my home in Queensland, Australia.

Immediately, I started  using the products. I sort of expected one thing, rather  than the results I got. I have a dark olive complexion, and the results achieved was not exactly whitening to the degree I wanted, but there is a slight lightening of the areas where I used the products. You see, I have such an uneven skin tone, the areas exposed to the sun, obviously darker than those under clothing. I now have a more even and less distinct skin tone variation which is probably the result I wanted, without realizing it, rather than whitening. Darker, tanned skin is the go here in Australia, rather than the pale unhealthy-looking skin.

-- I.E.
Buderim, Queensland, Australia

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