4 Common Skin Concerns During And After Pregnancy and How To Treat Them Effectively

Pregnancy and post-pregnancy are two periods in which a mum’s body undergoes incredible changes. Closely linked to these changes are hormonal fluctuations and other factors such as the stretching of the skin during pregnancy, that may result in not-so-glamorous stretch marks. Here are some of the most common skin concerns mums face during pregnancy and after, why these occur and what can be done to bring about relief.

1. Stretch Marks

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Probably the most common of all pregnancy skin concerns, these ‘stripes of motherhood’ often appear during pregnancy and linger on post-pregnancy, too.

Stretch marks occur when your skin can’t keep up with your body’s growth or expansion, and the elastic fibres just under the skin break. During pregnancy, stretch marks commonly occur on the belly, thighs and breasts, and sometimes even on the buttocks and upper arms.

These marks often start out reddish or purple-hued but often fade away to white or silvery lines. Darker-skinned women will often experience stretchmarks lighter than their skin tone, while lighter-skinned women will have pinkish marks.

While stretch marks are permanent in nature, their appearance can be improved by following a few simple guidelines.

Solutions

• Right from when your baby bump starts growing, keep the skin on stretch mark-prone areas of your body — such as your belly, breasts, and thighs — well-moisturised. Then, even if you get stretch marks, it’s likely that their appearance won’t be too pronounced.
• Use gentle and effective skincare products on stretch mark-prone skin to keep it supple, soft and moisturised. Start applying from the start of your second trimester, massaging it into your skin gently, twice daily, in a circular motion. It can also be used on existing stretch marks to help improve their appearance, as proven by a 2010 clinical study.
• Collagen and elastin fibres in the skin are necessary to keep rapidly growing skin taut, and the stronger they are, the less likely they are to break and leave resulting stretch marks, says Dr Karen Soh, Medical Director of Privé Clinic. It, therefore, makes sense to eat foods that are rich in Vitamin E and C, zinc and silica, which help to form collagen
• Similarly, choose skincare products that contain pro-skin ingredients such as vitamins A and E, which are known nutrients for healthy skin. Vitamin A helps to promote the formation of new collagen and promotes skin renewal, and vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant loaded with benefits for your skin.
• To address dull and dry skin during pregnancy, consider using Mama’s Choice Revitalizing Sheet Mask. This gentle and effective skincare product is enriched with vitamins A and E, which promote collagen formation and skin renewal. It helps keep your skin supple, soft, and moisturized, providing the nourishment it needs during this transformative time.
• Drink approximately 2 litres of water a day to help strengthen and renew your skin, while keeping it moisturised.
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2. Mask of Pregnancy

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Some women get dark, uneven and blotchy spots on their forehead and cheeks during pregnancy. This is commonly known as the “mask of pregnancy” (also known as melasma and chloasma).

These spots, according to experts, are the result of hormonal changes related to pregnancy, which cause an increase in pigmentation. Around 50 per cent of pregnant women experience this skin condition, which may also sometimes linger on post-pregnancy.

Solutions

• To prevent melasma, women should avoid direct exposure to the sun during and after pregnancy. This is because sun exposure can stimulate hyperpigmentation as well as darken existing freckles and spots on your face.

• Apply a good sunscreen whenever you are heading out — even if you are only going to be sitting in a car or in the shade.

• Keep your skin hydrated and healthy by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

3. Acne

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While some women bask in their pregnancy glow, some just have annoying skin concerns like acne.

During pregnancy, the body produces more of the hormone estrogen in order to maintain a healthy uterine lining.

However, this increased hormone production may cause the oil glands in the skin to produce more oil, causing breakouts and pimples, even if you previously had clear skin.

If you already had acne before getting pregnant, you may find that the pimples get even more inflamed during pregnancy.

Many women also find that pregnancy acne carries over to the post-pregnancy period too, due to ongoing hormone fluctuations. And even once the acne subsides, the resulting scars can be an unsightly reminder of this common pregnancy skin problem.

Solutions

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and suffering from acne and breakouts, stick to a simple daily cleansing routine using a mild over-the-counter face soap or wash.

• Cleanse your face just twice a day, as washing your face more than this can cause your skin to dry out, aggravating the condition. You could follow up with a toner to get rid of any remaining oil, finishing your routine with a mild moisturiser.

• If you have stubborn acne or it is causing you to worry, speak to your doctor for advice.

• Do not pick at pimples; this only worsens the acne and leaves unsightly scars. If you suffer from acne scars, try applying a skincare product clinically proven to improve the appearance of scars. Massage a small amount in a circular motion into the scar, twice daily, for a minimum of three months. On new spots, apply oil once the wound has healed.

4. Dry Skin

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With all the stretching and growing your pregnant belly does over nine months, some mums may experience irritating and uncomfortable dryness and itchiness in their stomachs. Sometimes, this dry skin* continues into the post-pregnancy period.

Other mums might notice red, flaky patches on their faces — a condition known as nonspecific dermatitis. This is caused by hormonal changes related to pregnancy.

*If you experience severe itchiness in late pregnancy, along with extreme fatigue, nausea/vomiting, jaundice and loss of appetite, see your doctor immediately. These symptoms could be indicative of a condition known as cholestasis, which is related to liver function, say health experts. 

Solutions

• Stay away from skin care products containing harsh chemicals which may aggravate the condition.

• Keep the skin on your stomach moisturised at all times.

• If you have nonspecific dermatitis, a good skincare routine similar to that used for acne (see above) should help.

• As always, drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself and your skin hydrated.

Mums and mums-to-be, finally getting to hold, cherish and nurture your precious baby after nine long months certainly makes up for pregnancy and post-pregnancy-related skin concerns and other pregnancy woes.

But at the same time, it’s important not to neglect yourself, and this includes your skin. We hope the information we provide in this article assists you in brightening that glow of motherhood that no skin condition can dim. 

Do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist for any skin concerns you may encounter during and after your pregnancy.

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