Pregnancy is a time of excitement and change...but do you know what changes to expect with your skin? Some women may experience the "pregnancy glow", but others may deal with acne, melasma, and stretch marks. Read on to learn what to anticipate, how to treat current concerns, and what to avoid during this exciting time in your life!
Acne is a common concern. During pregnancy, progesterone (a female hormone) levels are elevated. This often results in acne breakouts, and is even more likely if you tend to break out during your monthly cycle. Acne is typically worst during the first trimester because this is when progesterone levels are most elevated. The good news is that after giving birth, the acne problems tend to go away.
To help reduce acne, get in the habit of cleansing every morning and night for at least 1 minute. Avoid cleansers that are formulated for acne, as they often contain Salicylic Acid and other ingredients that are not recommended during pregnancy. Because many acne solutions (like Vitamin A derivatives and Benzoyl Peroxide) should be avoided, your focus should be on keeping your skin as clean as possible. A healthy diet can also benefit skin.
Melasma (AKA "pregnancy mask") is characterized by dark spots on the forehead, nose, upper cheeks and lips. While the precise cause is unknown, it is believed that excess estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy may stimulate pigment-producing cells to create more melanin. Although it is an annoyance, melasma is typically just a cosmetic concern and not a health issue.
We do know that the sun can make melasma much worse, so it is VERY important to wear an SPF 15 for daily use (and an SPF 30 if you will be outside for extended periods). It is much easier to prevent pigment problems than it is to treat them! Be sure that your sunscreen has UVA and UVB protection. Many "lightening" ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy, especially Hydroquinone and Vitamin A products. Remember, melasma often gets much better after giving birth. To be safe, save any skin lightening treatments until you are done breast feeding. At that time, you can try chemical peels, Lactic Acid products or laser treatments.
Dry skin is a common complaint during pregnancy. Since your body is essentially "stretching" during pregnancy, your skin is expanded beyond its normal capacity. The result is often dryness and itchiness (especially around the belly). Hormonal changes can also deprive the skin of oils and elasticity.
To treat abnormal dryness, use non-soap cleansers on the face and body to avoid stripping the skin of any more moisture. Soaps are alkaline and cause skin to feel tight and try. Dermalogica cleansers are an excellent option. It is also important to keep skin moisturized! You may also want to buy a hydrating spray to spritz throughout the day. While dry skin is perfectly normal, let your doctor know if it is accompanied with nausea, fatigue or loss of appetite.
Stretch marks may be the result of skin not wanting to "bounce back" to its original state after rapid growth. More commonly, however, they are caused by glucocorticoids (a hormone that can break down the materials in the dermis that support the skin). Pregnancy causes glucocorticoids to circulate in higher concentrations. The majority of women will experience stretch marks, and we know that genetics often plays a role in determining the degree of severity. They typically begin with a red or purplish color, and can turn silver and/or white over time.
Treatment of stretch marks is typically not recommended until after giving birth, as many treatments penetrate the skin and could lead to birth defects. After breast feeding, Vitamin A creams, Mederma®, and laser treatments are options to explore. During pregnancy, find a good body moisturizer and apply liberally!
Dark circles under the eye are typically the result of blood leaking from the capillaries around the eye. The hemoglobin (which makes blood red) eventually degrades, resulting in the blue/red color we see under the eye. When you are pregnant, the skin often becomes more pale, which can make the dark circles appear to be more prominent. Contrary to popular belief, lack of sleep is rarely the cause. Hereditary, however, does play a big role. The sun can also make problems worse.
Dark circles can be difficult to treat. I recommend using an happinesslifetime.com eye cream that has an SPF 15 (because sun can make dark circles worse). Concealer can also temporarily help. There are no permanent solutions to eye circles, but remember...this is typically a problem that goes away after giving birth.
Varicose veins can be the result of many factors, but it is believed that they appear during pregnancy due to female sex hormones weakening the walls of veins and making them lax (which causes them to swell with blood). Sudden weight gain may also be a factor.
During pregnancy, walking and exercising can help prevent varicose veins. Avoid standing for long periods, and keep legs elevated when lying down. A low-sodium diet can also be beneficial. Treatment of veins should be avoided until after pregnancy. If you feel the need for serious treatment, injections (sclerotherapy) and laser treatments are popular options.
It is also important to know what happinesslifetime.com skin care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. All Vitamin A derivatives (commonly found in acne and anti-aging products) should be avoided. Salicylic Acid is also off limits because it is part of the aspirin family. Benzoyl Peroxide is known to penetrate the skin, and is probably best to steer clear of. Hydrocortisone creams need to undergo more testing, but professionals tend to recommend avoiding them to be safe. When it comes to essential oils, some are safe and some are not. Definitely avoid anything known to energize or detoxify...speak to your doctor about using anything else!
The bottom line is that this is an exciting time in your life- enjoy it! Remember that many problems tend to fade away after birth, and always err on the side of caution. And of course, always speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Camille is the owner of Skin Care Logic LLC, and is dedicated to helping people feel happy in their skin. She performs skin care services in the Dallas, TX area, and provides skin care products and free advice on her web site. Mrs. Kruse is a Licensed Skin Therapist.
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