Pregnancy glow
Myth or truth: that's behind it
Duchess Meghan
© Getty Images
Many pregnant women are said to have the so-called baby glow. But what does it mean? Does it really exist or is it just a beauty myth? We asked an expert.
You may have heard it yourself during your pregnancy, because statements such as "Man, you are beaming" are not uncommon among pregnant women. Stars and royals such as Duchess Meghan, Princess Eugenie and actress Blake Lively were also said to have the "baby glow" during their pregnancies. But does that really exist? Better skin, healthier complexion, rosier cheeks? Or is it all just imagination? With our expert, the specialist in dermatology Dr. Miriam Rehbein, a question.
In the interview: Dr. Miriam Rehbein on the so-called "pregnancy glow" Dr. med Miriam Rehbein, specialist in dermatology and specialist in aesthetic medicine in Munich © PR
Is this glow real or just a myth?
Dr. med. Rehbein: Pregnancy has different effects on a woman's body. A positive quality is the "pregnancy glow" or better known as the pregnancy glow. This glow is created by the increased blood flow to the body to supply the growing baby with sufficient blood. The blood vessels widen – this at the same time stimulates blood flow to the skin. Additionally the sebum production of the skin is stimulated by pregnancy hormones, which are deposited as a wafer-thin, oily film and thereby strengthen the effect of the glow.
Are there hormones or the like that favor this glow particularly strongly?
Basically, hormones are important for all cells in the human organism. Our skin cells also have certain receptors that allow hormones to dock. When it comes to skin aging in particular, the hormone estrogen plays a key role. They influence the metabolism of skin cells, the formation of new collagen and thus the elasticity of the skin.
Is there a month of pregnancy when this glow is particularly strong?
The skin is particularly well supplied with blood from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy and gives the skin a beautiful radiance and that special glow.
Why is it that some women glow more and others less?
The hormonal change can lead to increased fat production in the skin, so that the skin becomes more horny and acne can develop as a result. Thus, the hoped for glow does not come.
What changes can women also notice in their skin during pregnancy?
Pregnancy increases the blood circulation and also the accumulation of fluids in the connective tissue and thus ensures smoother, rosy skin. At the same time, it can also happen that the skin becomes more sensitive to UV light, which can thus trigger a pigmentation disorder in the skin.
Retinol as a miracle weapon for the perfect glow
As a non-pregnant woman, can I get this glow through preparations or something similar? try to imitate?
To achieve this glow completely without hormone preparations, retinol is the solution. Retinol, also known as vitamin A1, rebuilds collagen and hyaluronic acid, reduces wrinkles, stores moisture and reduces uneven pigmentation. This not only gives you healthy, well-groomed skin, but also the long-awaited glow.
This article originally appeared on Gala.de.