Skip to content

Main Content
Footer
Search
  • Sign up to our Newsletter
  • Get in Touch
  • FAQ
  •  
Vaseline logo
      • Explore All Products
    • BY CATEGORY
      • Body Lotions
      • Body Crème
      • Lip Care
      • Protecting Jelly
      • Sun Protection
    • BY SKIN CONCERN
      • Dry Skin
      • Very Dry Skin
      • Sun Damage
      • Dull Skin
      • Uneven Skin Tone
      • Other...
        • BY CATEGORY
        • Body Lotions
        • Body Crème
        • Lip Care
        • Protecting jelly
        • Sun Protection
        • Light Moisturizers
        • BY SKIN CONCERN
        • Dry Skin
        • Very Dry Skin
        • Sun Damage
        • Dull Skin
        • Uneven Skin Tone
      • All Products
    Vaseline Sensitive Skin Relief Front of Pack

    Vaseline® Sun + Pollution Protection SPF 30 Body Lotion

    People are loving
      • Explore All Articles
    • SKIN CONCERNS
      • Dry Skin
      • Very Dry Skin
      • Sun Damage
    • SKIN CONCERNS
      • Dull Skin
      • Uneven Skin Tone
      • Other..
        • SKIN CONCERNS
        • Dry Skin
        • Very Dry Skin
        • Sun Damage
        • Dull Skin
        • Uneven Skin Tone
      • All Articles
    woman stretching her arms

    Up-Close Look at Dry Skin and How Moisture Heals It

    All you need to know
    'woman smile outside

    How to Get Rid of Chapped Lips

    All you need to know
      • Mission
      • History
      • Ingredients
    • About Vaseline
    • person jumping under a blue sunny sky
      Mission
    • Vaseline's early advertisments
      History
    • lab glass with liquid dripping
      Ingredients
  • Skin Health for All
    • FAQ
    • Get in Touch
    • Sign up to our Newsletter

Dry Itchy Skin and Chapped Lips During Pregnancy

  1. Home
  2. All Articles
  3. Dry Skin, Itchy Skin and Chapped Lips During Pregnancy
Dry Skin, Itchy Skin, and Chapped Lips During Pregnancy

Dry Skin, Itchy Skin, and Chapped Lips During Pregnancy

Often women experience dry skin, itchy skin & chapped lips when pregnant – find out how to care for your skin during pregnancy here.

Your body goes through a multitude of changes when you’re pregnant. With hormone levels fluctuating – and your growing baby taking up a large proportion of daily nutrients – skin can become dull and dry, often making that “pregnancy glow” seem like a complete myth.

Dry, itchy skin, and chapped lips often occur throughout these nine months. As the skin stretches during pregnancy, the skin barrier can become compromised which allows for more moisture to escape. This can cause your skin to become thinner and dryer. Fluctuating hormone levels can also have a negative impact on the condition of your skin when pregnant. If you’re worried about the causes – always consult your doctor who may have suggestions on how to combat them – and here’s a handy guide to some dry skin issues you may experience while you’re expecting.

 

  1. Dry Skin and Pregnancy
    During pregnancy, doctors will tell you that everything you eat and drink contributes to your baby’s development, meaning your body will require more fluids and nutrients to cope with the demand. Naturally, you might find your skin shows signs of dehydration, such as dry, flaky patches of skin on the face and body. Fortunately, there are simple ways to help treat dry skin in pregnancy:
    • Moisturize regularly. A product like Vaseline® Jelly is great if you’re experiencing dry skin when pregnant as it creates a sealing barrier to lock in moisture. This is great for protecting your skin against the elements – dry air from cold weather conditions can make dry skin worse. The jelly will seal in moisture to prevent the skin from drying out more. By locking in moisture it will also help speed up the skin’s natural regeneration process to help heal dry skin.
    • Stay away from irritants that could exacerbate dryness. Using a gentle soap, and mild skincare products that are fragrance-free may help.
    • Staying hydrated is a good way for everyone to promote good health from the inside out, including skin health. Your doctor may recommend that you drink plenty of water.
  2. Itchy Skin in Pregnancy
    As your baby grows, your skin will stretch to accommodate your bump (often stretch marks will appear as the skin stretches – click here for tips on how to care for skin prone to stretch marks). Alongside increased blood flow to the skin, hormonal fluctuations, and lack of hydration, this can often lead to dry itchy skin on the breasts and belly as your skin struggles to retain moisture as it stretches.

    If you are experiencing itchiness, consult your doctor. Your doctor can recommend a treatment specifically designed for itchy skin when pregnant. Tips your doctor may recommend:
    • Take cool or lukewarm showers or baths to soothe the skin – hot water can make itching worse, as it strips the skin of its natural oils.
    • Wear loose clothing to prevent rubbing.
    • Use a good moisturizer, like petroleum jelly, to protect the skin and help prevent further irritation from dryness – Vaseline® Jelly, the original “Wonder Jelly”, is triple-purified and is 100 percent hypoallergenic. Recognized by the National Eczema Association as suitable for people with eczema and sensitive skin, Vaseline® Jelly Original is great for locking in moisture to help dry skin heal.
    • Although it can be hard, try not to scratch. Scratching can break the skin and make the itchiness associated with dryness worse.
  3. Chapped Lips During Pregnancy
    Since the body tends to retain more fluid, the surface of the skin often suffers from lack of moisture – making chapped lips during pregnancy a common problem. To help moisturize and soothe chapped lips: 
    • Choose a lip balm that moisturizes and soothes. A product made from petroleum jelly, like Vaseline® Lip Therapy® Original, is an ideal option. The jelly helps lock in moisture to help moisturize and banish dry, flaky lips.
    • Avoid licking your lips. A common misconception is that this can add moisture to your lips, but as your saliva evaporates it may take more
    • Protect from the elements. Cold, dry air and winds can cause lips to dry out even more. Apply a layer of Vaseline® Jelly before going outside to help keep your lips hydrated and protected.
      An increase in sensitive skin during pregnancy is common, so if you’re suffering from dry, itchy skin, or chapped lips, your doctor may tell you it’s simply part of having a baby. By taking good care of yourself – inside as well as out – you can embrace the experience and look forward to your new arrival.

Expert Advice

The advice in this article does not constitute medical advice, it is solely available for information purposes.

Related Articles

  • DIY Skin Care for Face and Body | Vaseline
    DIY Skin Care for Face and Body
    DIY Skin Care for Face and Body Read More
  • 79% of Women Think Face Care Matters More Than Body Skin Care | Vaseline
    79% of Women Think Face Care Matters More Than Body Skin Care
    79% of Women Think Face Care Matters More Than Body Skin Care Read More
  • 9 Simple Tips to Help Treat Dry Skin on Elbows | Vaseline
    9 Simple Tips to Help Treat Dry Skin on Elbows
    9 Simple Tips to Help Treat Dry Skin on Elbows Read More
  • How to Get Healthy-looking, Beautiful Skin | Vaseline
    How to Get Healthy-looking, Beautiful Skin
    How to Get Healthy-looking, Beautiful Skin Read More

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Vaseline Lip Care Rosy Lip 10GMS packshot

Vaseline® Lip Care® Rosy Lip

VASELINE LIP BALMS 10.000 GR
		
		
		
			
                   
                   
Vaseline Lip Care Aloe Fresh 10GMS packshot

Vaseline® Lip Care® Aloe Fresh

VASELINE LIP BALMS 10.000 GR
		
		
		
			
                   
                   
Vaseline Lip Care Total Moisture 10GMS packshot

Vaseline® Lip Care® Total Moisture

VASELINE LIP BALMS 10.000 GR
		
		
		
			
                   
                   
Vaseline Lip Care Cocoa Butter 10GMS packshot

Vaseline® Lip Care® Cocoa Butter

VASELINE LIP BALMS 10.000 GR
		
		
		
			
                   
                   
Vaseline Color & Care Strawberry 4.5g Chapstick packshot

Vaseline® Color & Care Strawberry

VASELINE CHAPSTICK 4.500 GR
		
		
		
			
                   
                   
Vaseline Color & Care Apricot 4.5g Chapstick packshot

Vaseline® Color & Care Apricot

VASELINE CHAPSTICK 4.500 GR
		
		
		
			
                   
                   
  1. slide 1
  2. slide 2
  3. slide 3
  4. slide 4
  5. slide 5
  6. slide 6
Doctor applying Vaseline Healing Jelly on patient
Skin Health For All

Every body, Everywhere Deserves Healthy Skin

All over the world, treatable skin conditions go undiagnosed and untreated due to lack of access or knowledge, affecting the quality of life of millions. We want to change that.

Learn More Every body, Everywhere Deserves Healthy Skin
  • Explore

  • All Products
  • All Articles
  • Skin Health for All
  • Help

  • Get in Touch
  • FAQ
  • Legal

  • Site Map
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Notice
  • Privacy Notice

Subscribe for healthy skin. Stay up to date, get exclusive Vaseline® offers, inspiration and more.

Sign Up

Call Us

1 800 102 2221

Keep in Touch

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
INDIA (EN)
Unilever logo

© {{dynamicYear}} Unilever. All rights reserved.