Topic: Pregnancy-Related Changes You Can Expect Before and After Baby Comes
When you start sharing the news that you’re pregnant, every single mother you know will inevitably bombard you with opinions, stories and advice on what to do during the nine months of constant change. While the well-meaning do really mean well, not every mom-to-be will experience the same concerns. To sort through the stockpile of information, we asked experts to share their tips on how to keep skin happy through each trimester, and what to do when it’s not.
Glow Recipe
Turns out, the often talked about “pregnancy glow” is real. “Due to excess sebum production from glandular tissue and increased blood volume, skin swells and many women experience what is known as a pregnancy glow,” explains New York gynecologist Dr. Monica Grover. However, many women also experience uncomfortable pregnancy-related skin changes as early as the first trimester, while others don’t until their second or third. “This is why it’s so important to use skin-care products that are clean and clinical because they will support the most common pregnancy-related skin issues and have the highest-quality standards and be made in a sterile environment with the most carefully sourced ingredients,” advises master aesthetician Abigail Zsenai.
Common Concerns
Problem: Hormonal Acne
Hormone shifts during pregnancy can cause acne, even for those who didn’t have it as a teen. “Pregnancy acne can be really frustrating for some, and treatment options during this time are limited due to potential toxicities,” says Newport Beach, CA dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, MD.
Solution:
“If your doctor OKs it, you can use low-dose benzoyl peroxide safely, but another key ingredient I like is erythromycin, although it does require a prescription,” says Dr. Zenovia. “Always be sure to consult your dermatologist or OBGYN before starting a new skin care regimen.”
Problem: Melasma
Sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy,” melasma is a hard-to-treat form of discoloration that usually shows up in patches on the face. “Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone encourage pigment cells in the body due to an increase in the melanin-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, which can result in melasma and other pigment changes,” explains Dr. Zenovia. “The discoloration commonly occurs on the forehead, upper lip and cheeks.”
Solution:
“Ultraviolet rays can stimulate the melanocytes in your skin, so the sun can make melasma worse,” says Zsenai. “That is why it’s so important to wear a ‘physical’ or mineral sun block with titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide with an SPF 30 consistently in the summer months, and especially while pregnant.”
Topic Discussed: Pregnancy-Related Changes You Can Expect Before and After Baby Comes
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