A woman’s pregnancy is a wonderfully exciting time, full of changes to both one’s life and body. These are the most unexpected beauty surprises that come along with being pregnant.
Why pregnancy affects hair and skin so dramatically
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“During pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences
very sudden and dramatic changes as a result of the increase in the
hormones estrogen and progesterone,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, of
Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. One of those is that
glorious (though far from universal) pregnancy glow, which might have
you sporting an extra bounce in your step. But there are some
less-appealing changes too. “Most moms-to-be expect the signs of
pregnancy they’ve heard before like bigger breasts and fatigue, but are
totally in the dark when it comes to the other symptoms that can wreak
havoc on—or work wonders for—their appearance,” says Joel Schlessinger,
MD, board certified dermatologist and RealSelf
advisor. Here’s the scoop on the pretty and not-so-pretty perks of
being preggo and what you can expect to experience in terms of pregnancy
skin care while baby’s cooking. You can safely ignore these pregnancy myths.
Thick, shiny hair
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Hurray! You may notice that your hair looks
fuller and shinier than it did pre-pregnancy. “This is again thanks to
your pregnancy hormones, which slow down the rate of hair loss, making
your locks seem thicker and more voluminous,” says Dr. Engelman. As much
as 95 percent of your hair can be growing during pregnancy, but then
after delivery, you can expect much of that hair to shed. “Once your
hormones return to normal, there’s a shedding process of everything your
body worked so hard to build up during pregnancy—hair growth included,”
says Engelman. Try a dietary supplement that contains biotin, vitamin C
and a blend of amino acids to help your hair become stronger,
healthier, and more vibrant.
Extra body hair
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The flip side to long, lustrous hair: when it
grows in unwanted places, like your abdomen, face, nipples and (yep!)
even your backside. But don’t make a waxing appointment (if you can
stand it) just yet—this extra hair growth is only temporary and should
ease up around six months postpartum. “It’s completely safe to wax,
shave, or use electrolysis during pregnancy, so at least you have some
options if the hairiness is getting to you,” says Dr. Engelman. Read
about the truths no one tells you about giving birth.
Dark spots on your face
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Commonly referred to as the “pregnancy mask,”
melasma is characterized by dark, blotchy patches of skin on the
forehead, upper lip and cheeks. “This condition appears when an increase
in estrogen levels stimulate excess melanin production and affects as
many as 75 percent of pregnant women,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “It’s
especially common in those with darker skin tones, or those of African
and Asian descent.” Because many skin-lightening ingredients aren’t
recommended for use while pregnant or breastfeeding, there isn’t much
you can do to address this condition while expecting. Although there’s
no way to completely prevent melasma, wearing sunscreen can help limit
the effects, as UV exposure can make unwanted pigmentation even worse.
The good news is that this discoloration is often temporary and fades
after delivery.
A weird line down the middle of your belly
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Also called the “pregnancy line,” this dark
vertical strip, which affects approximately 75 percent of pregnant
women, extends from your belly button to your pubic area. The same
hormones that trigger melasma are responsible for this change. “When
melanin production increases during pregnancy, the skin in this area
darkens, usually during the second trimester,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
“If it doesn’t fade completely, you can use a skin-lightening cream with
hydroquinone once you’re no longer pregnant or breastfeeding.” Though
there’s no easy way to prevent this pigment change, wearing sunscreen
can help it from getting worse.
Spider veins
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You can thank raging pregnancy hormones and
that expanding belly for putting increased pressure on your veins and
causing blood vessels to enlarge. This leaves red spider-like marks
known as varicose veins or spider angiomas on your legs, arms, torso, or
even on your face, that can worsen depending on your level of movement.
“If you’re standing for long periods of time, you may notice more
spider veins crop up, so it’s best to set aside time to sit with your
legs elevated,” says Dr. Engelman. “While there isn’t a treatment for
spider veins during pregnancy, you can use concealer to camouflage the
imperfections or have your derm zap them with a laser post-pregnancy.”
Every new mom has to memorize these brutal truths.
Pregnancy acne
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Unfortunately for some, the influx of hormones
can cause the skin to produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores
and acne breakouts. “Some women experience acne as early as their first
month of pregnancy and it can continue to be an issue even after
delivery,” says Dr. Schlessinger. The best way to promote clear skin no
matter what stage of pregnancy you’re in is to maintain a good skincare
routine. “Clean your skin twice a day and use products that are
oil-free, noncomedogenic (doesn’t block pores) and non-acnegenic,” he
says. “And steer clear of common acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl
peroxide and salicylic acid until you’re no longer pregnant or
breastfeeding.” The same goes for prescription meds like Accutane,
Retin-A and tetracycline, which are unsafe to use during pregnancy. “If
acne is a major concern for you while expecting, ask your physician
about pregnancy-safe treatment options.”
Rosacea
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Rosy cheeks may sound appealing, but not when
they’re in the form of inflammation caused by swelling of blood vessels
close to the skin’s surface. “The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but
it’s believed to be a result of a combination of hereditary and
environmental factors,” says Dr. Engelman. “Some people have the
condition but don’t know it’s rosacea, or there was never a flare-up.”
It can be triggered by a number of factors such as hot foods or
beverages, spice, alcohol, extreme hot or cold temperatures, sunlight,
stress, exercise and hot baths or saunas. “A woman’s body goes through a
lot during childbirth, so it’s possible that the stress from labor can
cause flare-ups,” she says. Doctors treat the condition with a variety
of topical and oral medications or laser therapy, so get advise on
what’s safe for you during pregnancy.
Skin tags
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If you suddenly see extra bits of skin hanging
off your body, don’t freak out. Pregnancy hormones can also increase
skin cell production and cause small polyps to form anywhere your skin
rubs against your clothing. “They’re harmless and after delivery your
dermatologist can remove them easily,” says Dr. Engelman.
Stretch marks
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These line-shaped lesions affect 50 percent to
90 percent of all women—pregnant or not—but are much more common during
pregnancy, when a woman’s body is expanding faster than the skin is able
to keep up. “These marks may appear red, brown, or purple in color, and
are visible predominantly on the belly, breasts and thighs,” says Dr.
Schlessinger. Due to genetics, some people may be more prone to stretch
marks than others. Try these dermatologist-approved ways for getting rid of stretch marks.
See more at: Reader's Digest
