FLASHBACK PHOTO: me looking forward to meeting my amazing daughter. Mother’s Day makes me reflect on the experience of expecting, and all the effects on the body, including the skin. Here’s PatSkinSmarts advice for moms–to–be!
We encounter skin conditions never seen at other times in our lifetimes. 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. From photosensitivity, chloasma, acne, dry itchy skin to stretch marks.
Photosensitivity: 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. Add a wide brimmed hat to your wardrobe.
Chloasma: also known as melasma or the “mask of pregnancy”, the tan or dark patches 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 chloasma to become permanent.
Skin Smart Tips: chloasma 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. Consult with your dermatologist. Until then, use baby–safe coverup makeup with SPF.
——
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: check with your doctor before treating to find baby–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 and 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. The itching may be real or phantom itching!
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. Moisturizing is key! 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.
Can’t repeat enough that if you have skin concerns, contact your doctors. Healthy skin means more time you’ll have to enjoy taking care of your new baby’s skin. That will be so fun!
Recent Comments