Serena Williams is already known as a super woman: record holding tennis player; athletic, flexible and strong in body and spirit; enterprising and glamorous. And now she’s expecting her first child! Ms. Williams will now encounter challenges that her years of training could never have prepared her for: skin changes during pregnancy. But there are ways to address those skin changes and have one less thing to worry about over those nine months!
She’s already chronicling her progress; follow her on Instagram:
Moms–to–be experience skin conditions never seen at other times in their life. There are few parts of a woman unaffected by the growth of a new life. The entire body takes on an increased amount of stress and natural adjustments. The hormones and nutrients passing back and forth from mom to the little one cause various kinds of skin issues that range from changed complexion to change in skin type.
SKIN PHOTO-SENSITIVITY
Skin of pregnant women is much more sensitive to sunlight like never before — even women of color. Sun exposure that normally would have no effect before can lead to burning at worst.
Skin Smart Tips: Apply a chemical–free sunscreen SPF of 40–60 (studies have shown that higher SPF numbers after 60 don’t necessary protect any more). Zinc oxide is the preferred ingredient, or titanium dioxide. Make sure to reapply the sunscreen every few hours. Invest in a coverup foundation or BB cream that contains sunscreen, too, and wear it in addition to sunscreen.
Add a large wide brim hat to that new maternity wardrobe. Simplest way to avoid the sun is to stay out of the sun!
CHOLASMA
Also known as melasma and the “mask of pregnancy”, the tan or dark patches on the along the T–Zone and lower areas of the face and neck are are due to hormonal changes that make the skin’s pigmentation cells overwork and cause the darkening. Chloasma affects all women to varying degrees of light to dark complexions but is especially noticeable on women of color. Direct prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can cause the cholasma to become permanent.
Skin Smart Tips: Cholasma will usually disappear after the birth of the baby, but see your dermatologist if the discoloration is stubborn. Also follow the above tips for avoiding too much sunlight. The advantage to foundations and BB creams with SPF is that they will help even out the complexion. Even women of color should wear extra sunscreen with their BB cream.
ACNE
Hormones on the rise cause the skin cells to go off–balance, which leads to the eruptions of acne, breakouts and pimples.
Skin Smart Tips: This can be remedied by consulting with the doctor to find safe solutions. The doctor might approve products like cleansers, gels and lotions that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. But always check with a physician before trying anything.
DRY, ITCHY SKIN
Normal skin can dry out; dry skin can get even drier. Pregnant women can have phantom itching but look closely and dry patches may be seen.
Skin Smart Tips: Limit showers to a few minutes and use mild cleansers with water at a mild temperature. If the doctor has not warned against baths, make it quick, and don’t soak in hot water that dries out the skin. Avoid bath bombs that contain fragrances that can be drying or react with sensitive skin. Add dry oatmeal to the water to soften skin.
To moisturize, try products like Cetaphil, Aveeno and Dove. Aquaphor does wonders for skin. Don’t forget shea butter and cocoa butter.
STRETCH MARKS
Every mother–to–be will experience stretch marks, scarring patterns which are the` result of the tearing of the skin cells as mother’s milk develops and babies grow rapidly. This symptom is unavoidable.
Skin Smart Tips: Lessen the stretching by keeping the skin elastic. Avoid the activities that lead to dry skin. Moisturize. Drink plenty of water. After having the baby, try stretch mark lotions by Palmer’s Cocoa Tummy Butter, Mederma, Mother’s Friend, Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter, etc. If the scarring is stubborn, some dermatologists will recommend laser treatment.
Keep all the pregnancy–related skin problems out–of–bounds; then all mothers–to–be like Serena Williams will ace the set. It’ll be “Advantage: Mom”!
Follow Serena Williams on Twitter:
Met Gala glam @NewYorkPalace 😉 pic.twitter.com/Cm2XA2Kj5O
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) May 1, 2017
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