Although there are many unpleasant and annoying side effects associated with pregnancy, one would expect that one would look forward to the so-called "pregnancy glow." Regretfully, it's possible that your body and complexion don't feel as moisturized and radiant as they once did. Why do I feel more reptilian than radiant, then? If you're feeling more parched than a molting lizard as your pregnancy goes on, remember that you're not alone. Dry skin during pregnancy is more common than you may imagine. Continue reading to find out how to treat dry skin during pregnancy.

What Causes Dry Skin During Pregnancy?

The chief culprit of dry skin during pregnancy is—you guessed it—hormones. Yes, those pesky hormones work in a few different ways to keep your skin feeling dry and tight despite your coveted skin care routine. 

How to Relieve Dry Skin in Pregnancy

Luckily, there are lots of different things you can do to keep your skin hydrated during pregnancy, and most of them are pretty simple. Below, some tips for relieving dry skin during pregnancy:

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• Drink plenty of water. It’s important to stay hydrated during pregnancy. “Blood volumes are increasing in order to meet the needs of a growing fetus, and the body’s need for fluid is very high,” says Crowe.
• Cut down on caffeine. According to Crowe, it helps to avoid or limit caffeine because caffeinated beverages are dehydrating.
• Take cool showers instead of hot. Limit your exposure to very hot water by taking shorter showers or using lukewarm water to help maintain your skin’s natural moisturizing processes, advises Crowe.
• Use moisturizer. Apply liberally whenever you feel like you need it. “Symptoms may be worse in areas that are stretching quickly, so be sure to include the belly when using moisturizers,” advises Crowe. “Look for key moisturizing ingredients like dimethicone, ceramides and hyaluronic acid,” Waldman suggests. Additionally, an ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor can help seal in moisture.
• Use gentle products. Limit fragrances in soaps, skin products and laundry detergent, avoid dryer sheets and wear non-irritating clothes like cotton and synthetic materials, Waldman suggests.

Can You Prevent Dry Skin in Pregnancy?

Dry skin in pregnancy is common and harmless. Unfortunately, it also isn’t entirely preventable. By following the tips our experts provided above, you should be able to manage your pregnancy dry skin so it isn’t itchy and irritating. In short, stay hydrated, nourish your skin and take steps to keep yourself feeling cool and comfortable.

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Pregnancy Dry Skin

If your arms and legs become dry as well as your abdomen, along with red, itchy, or elevated areas, you may have PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy). After delivery, it normally goes away and is just more bothersome than anything else, but your doctor might be able to prescribe some medicine to help with your symptoms.

Severe dry skin during pregnancy may potentially indicate a dehydration problem. This is problematic since dehydration raises the risk of preterm labor. It is important that you notify your OB/midwife of any changes to your skin so they can rule out any other health issues.

During pregnancy, it's common for your skin to feel drier than usual. Not only do your hormones fluctuate continuously, but your skin also expands significantly to fit a developing body. Fortunately, a few easy lifestyle adjustments—such as increasing your water intake, using a heavier moisturizer, and applying it more frequently—can virtually always be used to treat dry skin during pregnancy. Speak with your healthcare practitioner if these solutions don't help your dry skin or if you experience an abrupt rise in skin irritation.