Post Pregnancy Skin Problems?

Are you suffering with Post Pregnancy skin problems? Are you wondering where that ‘mum to be glow’ has gone? From pigmentation to acne the range of skin conditions that can erupt after pregnancy are endless. In this blog we list the 4 most common post pregnancy skin problems and how you can tackle them, both in the treatment room and in the comfort of your own home.

1. Melasma

Often known as the ‘pregnancy mask’ it’s one of the most common post pregnancy skin problems, it is caused by increased levels of estrogen and progesterone triggering melanocytes, causing dark spots to appear on the skin. The main affected areas tend to be around the cheeks, forehead, eyes and sometimes around the mouth.

The good news, after pregnancy the hormones will start to re balance and the some of the pigmentation should start to fade. The bad news…it can take up to a year for the hormones to completely re balance. However you can reduce the signs of the pigmentation by the daily use of broad spectrum (protecting against both UVB and UVA rays) SPF 35 or higher, we also recommend in the treatment room a course of microdermabrasion which removes the first few top layers of the skin, removing any superficial pigmentation.

       2. Hormonal Acne

The key word in this skin condition is hormonal this means that as soon as the hormones re balance then the acne will pass. The cause of this hormonal acne is again down to high levels of progesterone and estrogen leading to increased sebum production and clogged pores. It often appears on the jawline and lower part of the face and is a very common post pregnancy skin problem. It can also be worsened by stress caused by many sleepless nights and the general stress of a new born baby post pregnancy!

As far as product recommendations, if you are breastfeeding then steer clear of salicylic-acid-based products and opt for benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid. Both of which are safe during breast feeding. Also our top tip for hormonal acne…H2O. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day will hydrate and detox your skin, combating acne and congestion.

       3.  Dry/Dehydrated Skin

This post pregnancy skin problem is again down to…hormones! The high levels of Oestrogen that are present during pregnancy suddenly drop causing your skin to appear less supple and more dry. Also the increased water retention during in pregnancy (remember those swollen ankles) will cause a sudden drop in hydration. Its most common around the cheeks, nose and mouth.

Some simple home remedies include not showering for more than 5 minutes, the hot water from the shower will dry out the skin causing increased dehydration. Also using a cream or oil based cleanser rather than a gel or wash and wipe it off with damp cotton pads rather than sponges, again the water will draw moisturizer out of the skin rather than replacing it. In addition some professional treatment options include the CACI Hydratone mask, fantastic for increasing hydration levels with a concentrated hydrating serum that with the use of microcurrent is pushed deeper into the skin for maximum hydration levels with instant results after just one treatment.

     4. Dark, Puffy Eyes

Dark circles and puffy, heavy eyelids and bags are at their worst post pregnancy in the morning. When you first wake up to the blissful sound of a crying baby your bags will be at their worst. This is due in part to the way we sleep, with our feet at the same level as our head, increasing water retention which is the cause of bags and puffiness around the eyes. Dark circles however can be attributed to lack of sleep and fatigue (normally due to the bundle of joy that has enter your life)

However there are several simple habits you can take up to combat dark, puffy eyes before they even occur. The first…exercise. A regular exercise routine will help decrease water retention as it will get the blood and fluids in your body moving. The second habit is sleep, but it a certain way. Try keeping your feet slightly elevated above your head, propped up with a few pillows to decrease water retention. This extra shut eye will also help combat the dark circles at the same time. The third and final habit is diet. Salts, sugars and caffeine are to be avoid to allow the lymph nodes (the bodies detox system) to do their job properly.

Finally some treatments you can have in the room include CACI Ultrasonic Circulation that helps to combat the removal of excess fluid underneath the eyes using ultra sound to break it up.