Children are a bundle of joy, and well worth all of the changes and adjustments that come with them, including the natural changes that occur in their body during pregnancy. However, to get back to looking and feeling your best, you may need to adjust your skincare regimen slightly. Here's how!
In this post, we’ll provide you with a quick rundown of common post-pregnancy skincare woes that affect mothers, as well as how to treat them both at home and with the help of certified skincare professionals.
Melasma
Did you know that almost half of women experience melasma during pregnancy?
Melasma is a darkening of the skin that appears across the cheeks, nose, and forehead. It usually appears symmetrical on both sides of the face. This can resemble a mask, which is why Melasma is often called “the mask of pregnancy.” While it is a form of hyperpigmentation, it differs from freckles and from issues such as darkened acne scars.
Did you know: Since melasma is hormonally-triggered, it is possible for women who take hormonal birth control to get these effects as well. If you notice any pigmentation changes after starting birth control, always tell your doctor.
How To Treat It
At Home - Limiting sun exposure by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and SPF is a great way to prevent sun exposure. Additionally, regular exfoliation, as well as dark spot removal cream, can be an excellent way to treat this issue.
In-Office - If your melasma is proving to be stubborn, there are several options for you. Both microdermabrasion and chemical peels can address surface discolouration more effectively than at-home treatments. Additionally, pulsed light therapy is an excellent option for addressing stubborn pigmentation issues and smoothing the skin.
Acne
If you thought you’d left the blackheads behind when you exited your teenage years, you’re probably surprised when acne rears its head again during pregnancy.
Because the acne related to pregnancy is a little bit different than the kind that you stressed over as a teen, and because the rest of your skin is likely different, it can’t simply be treated by over-the-counter wipes and salicylic acid-heavy products you turned to in your high school years.
How To Treat It
At Home - while you’re still expecting, it’s important to clear any at-home remedies with your doctor to ensure that they don’t interact with any medications you’re already on, or put your baby in any jeopardy.
In-Office - We offer a variety of treatments at our Kelowna skin clinic, which can treat both inflamed acne as well as any lingering effects such as scarring or discolouration.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are much more common than you think! Women are susceptible to getting them during pregnancy, but a significant number of women also develop stretch marks while growing as a teenager or and after weight gain.
At Home - Vitamin E oil is often used to combat stretch marks.
In-Office - V-beam laser can be highly useful in treating stretch marks, as can treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels.
Contact Us
To learn more about post-pregnancy skincare treatments, feel free to contact our clinic at 250-868-9290 or through our online contact form.
.png){kind=logo}
