Expert solutions for common skin problems during pregnancy

Here are some expert tips on managing skin problems during pregnancy.

Dr Kiran Lohia | Updated: March 30, 2015 5:07 pm

Congratulations you’re having a baby! Being pregnant can be quite an exciting time, but dealing with the various changes in your body can be trying, particularly when it affects your skin and appearance! Luckily, there are many solutions to these common skin issues that most pregnant women face. Dr Kiran Lohia of Lumiere Dermatology gives tips to solve your skin woes.

Acne breakouts

Now that you are pregnant, your body is surging with hormones to nurture your baby and ensure your body is adapting to its new circumstances. And on top of all the nausea and vomiting, many will also suffer from an increase in pimples! While these breakouts may make you remember your suffering teenage days, there is nothing to worry about. Most acne flares during pregnancy are mild and typically resolve after delivery. And, it is possible to manage them gently even while you are expecting. For simple pimple care, avoid scrubs. Remember, your skin is already more sensitive, so scrubs will only worsen the issue. Second, avoid retinol, tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene, and other Vitamin A derived products. These have been shown to cause birth defects when used during pregnancy. Finally, it is vital to go to your dermatologist. He or she can prescribe proper medicine that will be safe for you and your baby. Read this pregnant women’s guide to tackle acne.

Pigmentation

Around the second trimester, you may find that you are developing dark patches on the face, particularly on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Unfortunately, it’s those pesky hormones oestrogen and progesterone again that are asking your cells to produce more melanin, giving you a blotchy tan. The sun triggers this process, so it becomes even more important to avoid the harmful sun rays and to wear sunblock. Wear at least SPF30++ and reapply every 4 hours for ample protection! Read this guide on how to select the best sunscreen. And, if you still get pigmentation, then there are a variety of options to manage it. Your dermatologist may give you gentle Alpha-Hydroxy Acid metabolic peels, which are usually derived from natural ingredients such as milk or sugar. They act by naturally inducing your skin to self-exfoliate, getting rid of dull and pigmented skin and revealing newer fresher skin. Luckily, this treatment is safe during pregnancy, but sun protection is an absolute must. Additionally, he or she may prescribe some medications that will be safe for you to use during your pregnancy to achieve best results. Finally, you can also wait until after you deliver, as sometimes, the pigmentation can improve once the hormonal surge reduces.

Varicose veins

Unfortunately, acne and pigmentation are not the only problems that your skin can suffer during this hormone-heavy time. Varicose veins also start to erupt, largely due to the excess 0estrogenic stimulation. You will find that blood vessels in your legs begin to pop out and grow larger; making your lower half look unsightly. Unfortunately, these are unlikely to go away without treatment. You should start by wearing support stockings to improve blood flow, and you should elevate your legs when you are resting. Finally, your dermatologist can get rid of these unsightly veins either through a laser or through safe injections. Here are more treatments for varicose veins.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of varicose venis.

Stretch marks

This issue affects most pregnant women, and occurs from the over-stretching of skin while your body is growing. Essentially the connective tissue tears, resulting in those unappealing little lines that appear in the areas of tension, such as tummy, breasts, arms or legs. Initially striae or stretch marks are red, but they later fade to white, making them less obtrusive. To prevent them, it is vital to properly moisturise the skin day and night. This helps make your skin more malleable and stretchable, thereby preventing the connective tissue from ripping. To treat them, a variety of options are available which your dermatologist can recommend you. Ideally, she or he will likely start treating you after your delivery with Pixel Perfect laser technology, Fractional CO2 laser, Fractional Radiofrequency, or other possible therapies. Read these t ips to avoid stretch marks.

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