Pregnancy hormones bring about huge changes to almost every part of a woman’s body, making pregnancy skin care a challenge. Some of the skin changes that take place during the nine months include:
Melasma: Noticed any brownish or yellowish patches of skin on your face? This skin condition presents as a darkening around the eyes, forehead, bridge of nose and cheeks. What you’re seeing in the mirror is the so-called “mask of pregnancy” (melasma). Melasma is caused by the effects of the pregnancy hormones progesterone and estrogen on the melanin cells in the skin. If you’re prone to melasma, be sure to wear a safe sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, and limit your time in the sun to prevent dark patches from appearing. If you do get dark patches, do not use bleaching products. Melasma usually fades after delivery. The pigmentation will start to disappear after you give birth and your hormone levels begin to return to their pre-pregnancy levels.
Acne: Many women find that their faces break out more after they become pregnant. Try to keep your face clean using a mild cleanser. If you need to visit a dermatologist or book an appointment at Skin Deep Medical Aesthetics, make sure you inform us you are pregnant. You’ll want to steer clear of abrasive scrubs or exfoliants because your skin is extra sensitive during pregnancy.
Increased pigmentation: Expect the areola (the flat area around your nipple) and the nipple of your breasts to darken during pregnancy and to remain a little darker even after you give birth. Your freckles and moles may also become darker and some new moles may appear while you’re pregnant.
Stretch marks: According to studies, more than 90 percent of women develop stretch marks during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the underlying layers of skin during pregnancy and typically show up as pink or purplish streaks on the abdomen and — in some cases — the breasts and the thighs.
Things to avoid in pregnancy: Pregnancy is also a time when special care should be taken to keep the skin healthy and glowing. While most commonly used products are completely safe, there is handful of ingredients considered harmful to a growing baby. The more powerful and targeted products get, the more we need to be careful about what we have in our skin-care regimens during pregnancy and nursing. The following ingredients are advised by doctors to avoid during pregnancy and nursing:
- Retinoids: These powerful substances, found in some anti-aging moisturizers, are lauded for helping reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone. Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that speeds up cell division (quickening your skin’s renewal) and prevent skin collagen from breaking down. There is no strong evidence to show that retinoids ingredients are harmful when used on the skin. However, in pregnancy, retinoids should be avoided.
What to check on the label:
Differin (adapelene)
Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin)
Retinoic acid
Retinol
Retinyl linoleate
Retinyl palmitate
Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)
- Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is another no-no for pregnant women.This mild acid is used to treat certain skin disorders, including acne, and you can find it in a number of skin products, such as cleansers and toners. BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is a form of salicylic acid and is used in some topical exfoliants to reverse signs of aging.
What to check on the label:
Salicylic acid
Beta hydroxy acid
BHA
Skin Deep Medical Aesthetics is excited to offer Tata Harper Skin Care an all natural skincare line made right here in Vermont. We offer facials and body treatments that are safe for you and your baby.
