With pregnancy comes a number of changes in your Healthy Body, many of which are controlled by hormones. Pregnant or not, hormonal fluctuations can affect the way you feel, the way you look and the appearance of your skin.
Safe skin care during pregnancy:
At Clarity MedSpa in Toronto, the belief is that pregnancy is a good reason to scrutinize one’s skincare, shampoos, vitamins and supplements for suspect ingredients.
In addition to a number of “suspect” ingredients, expectant mothers are advised to avoid products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and any of the retinoids.
For those troubled by acne and/or rosacea, clients are encouraged to meet with a physician to discuss safe use of all medications… including prescription, over-the-counter and vitamins. Medical advice before, during and after pregnancy can help ensure baby safety. Drugs for acne, especially Accutane™, have been linked to birth abnormalities. Additionally, vitamins including Vitamin A or its by-products such as Retin-A and Renova, can also present risk.
When asked to recommend skin care that is safe during pregnancy, two favourites at Clarity Medspa are Riversol MD™ and Cyberderm™ as both are:
- Proven Safe.
- Dermatologist and/or Endocrinologist developed.
- Have properties that can both manage + maintain a clear complexion without harmful chemicals.
Skin treatments that are safe during pregnancy:
Facials using “clean” ingredients along with select medical aesthetic devices can help maintain a clear complexion. Chantal Ward, RN recommends that women source a medically-based spa that can assure you of safe protocols and products that are not toxic. With regards to specific treatments Nurse Chantal cautions women against all laser technologies + devices such as microdermabrasion, LED, Microcurrent and the like, until after the baby is born.
Skin Changes through Pregnancy:
- Flushing – a result of hormonal changes and increased blood flow. Flushing is most commonly witnessed in the 2nd & 3rd trimester. Flushing can continue after the baby arrives and during breastfeeding.
- Melasma (Pregnancy Mask) – dark brown blotchy facial pigmenations due to overactive melanocyte cells. These can be challenging to correct therefore sun prevention along with pregnancy-safe Sunscreens is highly recommended.
- Acne during pregnancy – the most common skin problem, even for those who’ve never broken out prior to conceiving.
- Oily skin – oil glands secrete more and this can be problematic if you already suffer from acne or rosacea.
- Pustules – tend to occur around the mouth and chin and if not appropriately cared for, can become out of control.
- Stretch Marks – these usually appear on the abdomen, any time after 6 months. These can start as pinkish linear marks that can also transform into light coloured depressions in the skin – for many these will fade after birth, but will not completely disappear.
- Linea Nigra (latin for “black line”) – a dark vertical line that occurs below the belly button and usually resolves after the birth.
