Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy And Their Treatment
Now that you are expecting, where is the much talked about “pregnancy glow”? All you can see in the mirror is acne, dark pigmented areas in the skin, rashes, or stretch marks instead of bright, radiant-looking skin. Pregnancy does bring about many strange skin changes, primarily because of the change in the levels of hormones in your body and also due to the alterations to your immune system. The changes going on inside your body show on the outside too. The good news is that no matter how annoying it all seems, most of these conditions are harmless and will disappear after you give birth.
Calista Skin and Laser Center has put together a list of some common skin changes you can expect during your pregnancy and what you can do to keep your youthful complexion through it all.
Acne
You may see problematic pimples cropping up during pregnancy. Changes in hormonal levels in your body cause the oil glands to secrete more oil, which leads to frequent breakouts.
Try cleaning your face with over-the-counter products like soap in the morning and evening. Some over-the-counter acne medications are not considered safe during pregnancy. Try and avoid all over-the-counter and prescription retinol products, and ones containing benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic acid during pregnancy, When in doubt about a certain product, you can ask your doctor. Know that your acne should get better after your baby is born. Soon-to-be mums can try a Glycolic only chemical peel which is safe or get a Hydrafacial to help your skin look radiant again!
Melasma
Heard of the “mask of pregnancy”? It is basically melasma that causes dark pigmentation or splotches to appear on your face, nose and cheeks or other parts of your body exposed to the sun. The darker your skin tone, the more noticeable these changes will be.
If you experience either of these, you’re not alone. Nearly 75% of pregnant women experience melasma during pregnancy and while you cannot totally prevent this condition, you can wear a good sunscreen always to reduce the effects. Cover up when going out in the sun, wear wide brimmed hats, and use (and reapply) SPF daily to keep these unwanted splotches away.
You can also opt for cosmetic beauty treatment to treat melasma if you already had it before pregnancy. The best treatment plans can include topical creams, lasers, or chemical peels!
Spider Veins and Rosy Cheeks
Look down at your legs and if see these little, visible red blood vessels branching out into lines, they are spider veins. During pregnancy there is extra blood circulating through your beins which puts pressure on your capillaries. Spider veins and broken capillaries in your face resulting in rosy cheeks may be painful or uncomfortable for you, but they shouldn’t affect the baby.
You can prevent spider veins from showing up in the first place by taking plenty of vitamin C and not crossing your legs. Try some light exercises and elevate your legs while you’re sitting to encourage circulation and prevent spider veins. If you find the appearance of spider veins unsightly, you can try a combination of laser treatments and sclerotherapy to reduce the appearance of blood vessels almost anywhere on the body!
Stretch Marks
Almost all pregnant women will get stretch marks, which are a sign of growth! These are reddish streaks that run down the breasts or belly. Stretch marks appear when you gain weight rapidly, so follow directions from your doctor regarding weight gain. But stretch marks can sometimes be put down to genetics. Unwanted stretch marks come in many colors, which can change colors with time to a more flesh tone.
You can use topical medications to prevent stretch marks, but many are not considered safe during pregnancy. Always keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing daily with cocoa butter or lotion and drink plenty of water (2-3L/day). When you are done with breastfeeding you can begin treating your stretch marks with laser procedures to reduce their appearance. Check out cellulite and body contouring treatments to reduce the volume of fat tissues.
At Calista Skin & Laser Center our licensed aestheticians will draw up treatment plans specifically to suit your individual needs. Contact Calista at 817-488-3838 or email us- info@calistalaser.com
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Schedule a consultation
Please fill out the form below or call us at
817-221-0224
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone, text, and/or email.