During your pregnancy, many changes can occur on your skin. These changes are related to the sudden increase of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone). These hormones your body creates during pregnancy can cause many skin changes as well as aggravate preexisting skin conditions.
Many women notice changes to their skin, nails, and hair during pregnancy. Some of the most common changes include the following:
- Acne
- Stretch Marks
- Itching and skin lesions
- Pigmentation
- Worsening of Eczema / Psoriasis
Your Regular skin care routine is unlikely to need major changes, but during pregnancy you should avoid certain chemicals and ingredients in skin care products.
The Most Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Let’s quickly talk about the most common skin changes during pregnancy and what is the best way to deal with these changes.
1| Acne:
Acne is common during pregnancy. You can get acne or your pre-existing acne lesions can worsen especially during early pregnancy. This is due to excessive sebum production and due to the hormonal changes.
Tips:
-Use a gentle cleanser twice daily.
– Avoid picking the acne lesions as this can worsen the inflammation & infection.
– Avoid oiling your hair overnight as this can further clog your pores.
During pregnancy do not use products containing “Retinoids” for your acne.
Products containing “Azelaic acid” & “Benzoyl Peroxide” are considered safe for use during pregnancy. Salicylic acid is considered safe, however for spot treatments or localized applications.
If your acne is causing a lot of pain and if you have cystic lesions, it is always best to consult your dermatologist.
2| Stretch marks:
You are more likely to get stretch marks if your weight gain is more than average during pregnancy. Unfortunately, no methods are proven to prevent, or erase stretch marks, but one can minimize the appearance by ensuring proper skin hydration.
At times many women experience irritation and redness over the stretch marks.
Tips:
Use a rich moisturizer right after bathing, while skin is still damp. This can help products penetrate better and keep skin soft and supple. This way any irritation and redness can also be minimized.
Wear loose clothing and avoid undergarments with tight elastic bands as the pressure can worsen the redness and irritation.
3| Itching during pregnancy:
It is common for the skin to feel itchy, especially around the tummy during pregnancy due to the stretching of the skin. Almost 20-30 % of pregnant women experience itching. Although most of the itching can be attributed to dry skin, it is important to consult your dermatologist if you continue to experience excessive itching or itching accompanied by skin rashes, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition.
Tips:
- Avoid hot water showers. Use lukewarm water instead. Hot water can worsen the itching as it adds to the existing dryness.
- Using a hydrating moisturizer and wearing loose fitted clothing are good first steps to soothe the skin. However, if the itching persists one should always get evaluated by a dermatologist.
4| Pigmentation:
Increase in melanin production during pregnancy is responsible the skin pigmentation.
Many pregnant women develop “Chloasma – Mask of pregnancy” (Melasma) due to this excess production of estrogen, progesterone and melanin.
Tips:
- Melasma worsens with sun exposure. Thus avoid the peak hours between 10 am – 3 pm when the sun’s rays are most direct
- Ensure to use sunscreen and wear sun protective clothing while in the sun.
- During pregnancy it is best to use “Mineral Sunscreens” such as “Zinc Oxide” / “Titanium Oxide “as they do not get absorbed by the skin and are safer than chemical sunscreens that tend to be absorbed by the skin.
5| Eczema and skin diseases:
The hormones your body creates during pregnancy can cause eczema to develop or worsen. In fact, eczema is the most common skin disease people experience during pregnancy. Having eczema while you’re pregnant does not harm your baby. However, if a parent has eczema, their child is more likely to develop the condition. Some complications from eczema may affect your baby. For example, having eczema increases your risk of staph infections, which can put both yourself and your baby at risk.
The itching and skin changes associated with eczema can negatively impact quality of life.
Tip:
- Moisturisers are the main stay of eczema management. Avoid fragranced products and use bland emollients.
- Along with certain lifestyle modifications your doctor might also recommend some topical eczema medications which are safe during pregnancy to ensure fast and proper recovery.
- Continue to treat the flare ups as per your dermatologist’s advice.
Summary of pregnancy skin care:
- During pregnancy avoid skin care products that include retinoids, hydroquinone, and harsh chemicals.
- Chemicals in creams and ointments can be absorbed into your bloodstream, but usually only in small amounts. It is always a good idea to check the ingredients in the products you use and ask your dermatologist for advice.
- Don’t use a product if you can’t check the ingredients. Keep this in mind especially if you buy products online or without a brand name.
- If you have certain specific skin concerns that you have noticed during pregnancy, take advise from your dermatologist
- Keep skin care to the minimum by including the essentials such as gentle cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreen.
- Use Mineral sunscreens instead of chemical sunscreens, with an SPF of at least 30.
- Ensure that you use bland emollients and moisturizers that are fragrance free and mineral oil free.
- Have a well-balanced diet, focus on adequate rest and proper sleep.
- Most skin changes that occur during pregnancy will gradually improve or go away after your baby is born.
Post partum care:
Post Partum phase also comes with its own set of skin and hair changes. Postpartum skincare is important because pregnancy causes major changes in a woman’s body. Hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, and physical recovery all play a role in how your skin looks and feels after giving birth. By making a few simple changes to your skincare routine after delivery, you can support your skin’s healing.
Post partum skin changes most commonly can be as below:
- Telogen effluvium
- Nipple dermatitis
- Skin dullness and dark spots
- Melasma & pigmentation
- Stretch marks.
While earlier we discussed some of these in the pregnancy skin care journey lets talk about the 2 most common post-partum conditions.
“Telogen Effluvium”: also known as post-partum hair loss is a common condition that occurs about 3 months after childbirth & can last up to 6 months. This is temporary and is a normal part of pregnancy recovery. If your post-partum hair loss lasts for more than 6 months, it is best to take your dermatologist’s advice.
“Nipple Dermatitis”: Dry, irritating, and itchy nipples are a common problem during lactation. Postpartum women can have increased skin sensitivity. Nipple hypersensitivity is common during the first postpartum week. Usually, this peaks on Day 3–6 and then subsides. At times due to the increase in size of the breast glands due to pregnancy, there might be some discharge and pain. With any of these causes a rash is seen on the nipple which may be itchy and associated with cuts and fissures.
Ensure that you use a soothing hydrating ointment, and if the condition does not resolve, seek your dermatologist’s advice.
Summary:
Post partum skin care is all about nurturing yourself and focusing on your or body’s healing. Postpartum skin recovery takes time. Fous on adequate rest, ample sleep and proper hydration. Make sure you are not skipping your vital supplements.
Keep things simple and use gentle products. Always check with your doctor if you are not sure about the safety of certain ingredients, especially during breastfeeding.
Many a times post-partum skin concerns can go beyond the usual dry skin and acne breakouts. If you have severe acne, persistent melasma, or any other dermatological concerns that do not improve with your post pregnancy skin care routine, consult a dermatologist.
Authored by Dr. Aishani Shah
Consultant Dermatologist
Mubadala Health Dubai
