FROM PREGNANCY GLOW TO SKIN WOES?

As precious as the gift of motherhood is, it comes with a host of other experiences you may not have bargained for, many of them affecting your skin.

Acne

With hormones fluctuating both during pregnancy and after childbirth, it’s quite common for mothers to suffer from breakouts. Progesterone is a hormone that regulates your period and support healthy pregnancies. The flip side is that high hormone levels increase oil production, which causes clogged pores and acne.

After you give birth, it can take a little while for progesterone to get back down to its normal level; once it does, pregnancy-induced acne typically goes away. Make sure to drink lots of water, as dehydration can lead to oily glands, putting the breakout cycle into motion once again.

As much as you love your baby, dealing with the demands of a newborn can also be stressful – and stress can trigger pimples. Make sure to carve out some space for self-care, including a regular skin care routine.

The good news is that many of the topical acne treatments that are not safe to use while pregnant are fine postpartum, even if you’re breastfeeding (once you don’t put it on your chest). In some cases, pregnancy-related acne is very stubborn, in which case we recommend coming in for a consultation.

Melasma

Dubbed the “mask of pregnancy”, melasma is a common form of skin discolouration that appears symmetrically on the face. Sunlight aggravates the condition, and people with darker skin tones are more at risk. It is generally triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, although stress, birth control pills, and even harsh skincare products can also bring it on.

Melasma can be tough to get rid of. While there are many hopeful treatment options, from topical creams to chemical peels, there are no guarantees – but protecting yourself from the sun goes a long way in managing the condition.

Stretch Marks

These dreaded pinkish-red streaks on tummies, hips, derrières, and breasts are a side effect of motherhood most people want to avoid. Stretch marks happen when collagen and elastin, two of the fibres that keep your skin tight, elongate because of the weight gain. You’re more likely to get them if your mother had them as well.

Prevention is better than cure, so “take in front”, as they say, and moisturise well! This helps skin maintain its elasticity, making it more flexible when your tummy starts to expand. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, stretch marks still show up – in which case, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, where we inject the area with proteins that stimulate collagen production, helps even out skin tone and promote healing.

Hair Loss

A side effect of pregnancy that can feel more traumatic than labour, telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss prompted by a stressful event. In pregnancy, it’s often hormone-related and although the hair thins to a noticeable degree, the good news is that it usually grows back.

It’s critical to consult your dermatologist for this condition, as dietary changes and supplements can have a positive effect. PRP treatments have also proven very effective in re-stimulating hair growth and avoiding prolonged or chronic hair loss.

Dark Circles

Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can cause blood vessels to dilate and give the impression of dark circles under your eyes, but they could just as easily be caused by insufficient physical activity (lethargy tends to make skin puffy) or sleep deprivation. The lack of sleep can affect women either during or after pregnancy, as sleep can be compromised by things like morning sickness, acid reflux and of course, frequent feedings postpartum. Genetics may also play a role.

It’s hard to get rid of dark circles, but we have found PRP treatments to be quite effective, though they must be supported by proper lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet, regular exercise and quality sleep.

We know you wouldn’t trade being a Mom for anything, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with the unwanted side effects of pregnancy; give us a call to schedule a consultation.