Does “pregnancy glow” exist?
Dr Rebecca Lau (RL)
– There is, if
you want to call it that! An increase in
progesterone and HCG hormones can
make the skin oilier, while increased
blood volume and flow make the skin
look more flushed. This increase can
also make you sweat more, but I guess
you will look dewy as an upside! Also,
people tend to gain weight during
pregnancy and a fuller face can add to
the overall impression.
What is “mask of pregnancy?”
Anna Treier (AT)
– Mask of pregnancy,
or melasma, is skin discoloration
that consists of brown blotches or
pigmentation, usually found on the
cheeks, forehead and chin areas
.
RL
– The cause of melasma is complex.
It is due to the interaction between
genetic predisposition, sun exposure
and, as for pregnancy, a hormonal trigger.
If the melasma is due to pregnancy often
it will regress over the following year. It
may not completely disappear, though.
Sun exposure or damage is the most
important, avoidable risk factor.
Will I get stretch marks?
RL
– Striae, or stretch marks as they
are more commonly known, are pink/
purple lines which can appear - usually
in the sixth or seventh month. The
stretch marks are most prominent on
the abdomen, breasts and thighs, but
also on the lower back, buttocks/hips
and upper arms. A strong genetic
predisposition determines who will
develop this.
Why do some people glow during pregnancy while others suffer acne?
We ask
Anna Treier
of Sense of Touch and
Dr Rebecca Lau
of Central Health
Skin During
Pregnancy
Why am I itching?
RL
– Up to 20 per cent of pregnant
women will suffer with pruritis – itchy
skin. If you scratch it can become
dermatographism, which is common
in the last half of pregnancy. If a rash
is present it is usually dermatoses of
pregnancy.
What is this dark line?
AT
– Some women experience a dark
vertical line running through the stomach
area. This is referred to as the linea nigra.
RL
– We don't know exactly why it
occurs, but the theory is that changing
hormones stimulate melanocytes to
produce more melanin, which triggers
pigment deposition.
What are skin tags?
RL
– Skin tags can appear or grow on
the face, neck, chest, groin and below
breasts, usually in the second half of
pregnancy. They are caused by higher
levels of growth factors present when
pregnant and are harmless benign
collections of collagen fibres and blood
vessels in a thinned out epidermis that
hang off the skin. They often regress
after delivery.
Haven’t I outgrown acne?
AT
– Hormones surge during
pregnancy making acne quite common.
Overproduction of oil in the skin can
clog up pores and bacteria thrive,
causing major breakouts. If you suffered
from acne before pregnancy, then
expect it to be worse during pregnancy.
Keep skin clean at all times, including
the hairline and scalp. Scalp and facial
skin are the same; keep them both
hygienic to minimise breakouts. Soap-
free cleansers used morning and before
going to bed will keep the skin clean
and use an oil-free moisturiser to keep
skin hydrated. Diet is another factor that
can help keep acne at bay.
What advice would you offer
regarding a pregnancy skin care
routine?
AT
– Use natural products. Pregnant
women have more sensitive skin so
try to use a non-fragranced skin care
to minimise irritation. Wash the face
day and night, apply toner to keep the
pH balanced, your favourite serum
and moisturiser and eye cream is all
you need. A facial treatment once a
month will give pregnant woman some
relaxation and is beneficial for their skin.
Are there products that should
be avoided?
AT
– Here are some on the no-no list,
especially if you are a fan of anti-ageing
and acne products. Retinols, chemical
peels and acid peels, hair removing
lotions – best go for a professional
waxing session in the spa, whitening
products, teeth whitening sessions,
tanning products, essential oils such as
Chamomile, Camphor & Clary Sage, to
name a few. It is best to consult your
physician, though. If you wish to go for a
massage after the first trimester, opt for
just the base oil but if you wish to have
some relaxing fragrance, lavender is safe
to blend into these oils.
advice
November 2016
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