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Every mother knows that when you are expecting your first child, those pregnancy months are full of first times. From not being able to zip your jeans, to the feeling of small growing legs inside your belly. Same goes for those newborn period, when every cry, movement, smile and laugh are fascinating (and of course, a little exhausting).
While during these early stages there are many breath taking moments that you are going to cherish, there are some moments that you will probably wish you could skip, or, at least forget. Because of shifting hormones, breastfeeding and weight gain, there are some skin issues that are no very comfortable, to say the least, when you are pregnant of a new mom. Although all of the issues are treatable, some of these stretch marks can be a little bit more long lasting.
This is why we gathered the best advises from the best dermatologists for handling these skin issues:
Stretch Marks:
The recommended woman’s weight gain when they are pregnant is between 25 and 35 pounds, on average. This weight mostly goes directly to your stomach or your breast, and can sometimes result a red and purple stretch marks. While many products can claim to help you prevent this outcome, Dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan, explains that the only guaranteed way to lower your risk of this stretch marks result is based on genetics.
However, Dr. Stanley Kovak – also a dermatologist, claims that some specific ingredients that can be found in lotions and oils can be beneficial. When shopping for a lotion or an oil, check the back label for “alpha-hydroxy acid”, this component may help minimize the stretch marks appearance. Another way to minimize the stretch marks issues? “Exercise can dramatically help diminish or prevent stretch marks,” says Dr. Kovak. Thanks to frequent movement and stretching, your skin may win the battle against these marks since it will be stronger, flexible, and more conditioned. For post-pregnancy treatment, you can also look for a non-invasive, but effective and safe skin-resurfacing lasers that can make improve those bothering stretch marks you gains from your pregnancy.
Try: Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
Melasma:
A distressing and somewhat scary and uncomfortable side-effect of pregnancy for woman is Melasma – a skin hyperpigmentation issue. While it can take place anywhere in your body, Dr. Kovak explains that it mostly appears on the face – cheeks, forehead and upper lip, forming red pigmented spots. He explains furthermore, this condition is referred to most of the times as “the marks of pregnancy” and its sometimes heightened from sun exposure. Just like any other period of your life, it’s very important to wear a fine, gentle and broad-spectrum sunscreen in order to gourd not only your own health and skin, but that of your growing baby, too! The good news about Melasma is that it commonly clears up after you give birth, and if it is not, it can be treated with a laser treatment, post-nursing.
Try: The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF 50
Acne:
Dr. Akhavan explains that because of hormone levels fluctuation (hey there, mood swings!), many women are having breakouts throughout their pregnancy. Although it is normal, the bad news is that many treatments for that acne are not allowed when you’re pregnant. “It’s very important to avoid certain acne medications, even the over-the-counter ones can potentially have harmful ingredients for your baby. Always check with a dermatologist or an obstetrician to make sure that the acne products you are using are safe”, he notes. Paying attention to ingredients is important, as Dr. Kovak notes, cleansers with “alpha-hydroxy acid” may help to reduce unwelcome acne.
Try: Belly Skin Care Anti-Blemish Facial Wash
Loose skin:
Congratulations! You had your beautiful baby, and after six months, he is finally sleeping throughout the night. You have lost almost all of the pregnancy weight, and you are getting into the rhythm of being a mom, with only one annoying catch: the skin excess around your stomach just won’t tighten. “Many women complain about skin excess throughout their body after giving birth, mostly on the breasts, abdomen, thighs and arms. High estrogen levels can result of loosen collagen within the dermis, leaving that skin excess after giving birth and breastfeeding,” explains plastic surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian. Once you have had your last baby, Dr. Karamanoukian suggests radio frequency treatments to help tighten the affected skin areas, which he notes that it is a popular trend for mothers. “The treatment of loose skin around the breasts and belly are the most popular post-pregnancy cosmetic treatments. In fact, tissue tightening is rapidly outpacing plastic surgery as a first of all mother-makeover treatment after pregnancy,” he says. As a home treatment, try applying firming creams, or lotions, designed to help blood circulation and tone your skin, to help your skin to appear tighter and smoother.
Try: Eminence Organics Coconut Firming Body Lotion
Weaker nails:
Though when you were taking parental vitamins, you may have adored your firm, silky locks and very fast-growing nails, once you jump for joy over those two blue test lines, your manicure might not be as it used to be. Dr. Kovak explains that many women experience nails split or become rougher when they’re pregnant. He says that maintaining your nail care during pregnancy is critical, just make sure that you’re using a non-toxic nail polish brands. While you might be unhappy with your fingers throughout those months, he notes that most of the time, your nails will more than likely return to their normal appearance.
Try: HUM Nutrition Killer Nails