Pregnant: how to fight against skin problems?

During the nine months of pregnancy, hormones do not spare pregnant women. Some expectant mothers are going to have to deal with skin problems. Acne, dry skin, pregnancy mask... Here are our explanations and our solutions.

Acne breakouts in early pregnancy

Under the influence of the hormonal upheavals of pregnancy, very present from the start of pregnancy (fourth and fifth month), some women see acne pimples appear on the face and décolleté. The most affected women are those who experienced strong acne breakouts during adolescence. But those with oily skin are also likely to see pimples appear.

To treat pregnancy acne, it is advisable to consider treatments with the advice and agreement of a dermatologist. Indeed, some remedies and products used to fight against acne are contraindicated during pregnancy because they are dangerous for the development of the foetus.

For example, absolutely do not use Roacutane. Composed of the active molecule isotretinoin, it should not be taken before, at the beginning or during pregnancy. Indeed, isotretonoin is highly teratogenic. It favors the appearance of congenital malformations in particular of the nervous system, the ears and the cardiovascular system. After delivery, stay on your guard. The product is eliminated slowly, the risks are still present beyond the catch. It is forbidden to use it if you are breastfeeding.

Good tips for oily skin

To limit the appearance of acne during pregnancy, practice good daily hygiene. Eliminate make-up removers, which are too rich, and adopt a foaming cleanser that rinses off with water, suitable for young problem skin. Then choose a moisturizer with a light texture. With an astringent and exfoliating effect, fruit acid creams are well suited for this type of skin.

Prefer the use of a dermatological bread. Avoid, however, masks and scrubs so as not to attack the skin and create inflammation. Above all, be careful not to pop the pimples. This risks re-infecting the wound and causing scarring.

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Most often acne disappears after pregnancy, but in some cases it persists. Treatment should therefore be considered with a dermatologist. If breastfeeding, professional advice is essential.

Dry and "tight" skin during pregnancy

Dehydrated skin is due to a lack of water. And it is precisely because we tend to forget to drink enough from the start of pregnancy that our skin pays the price. Two liters of water a day is a good average, and even more if you make physical effort. Most often, normal skin, or skin prone to dryness, are the first to suffer from tightness and rough skin, but they are not the only ones.

Dry skin: how to remedy it pregnant?

If you have normal to combination skin, light, non-oily treatments are often not rich enough during these nine months. To remedy this: change care cream. Starting with the makeup remover. Avoid formulas with water rinsing, they risk altering the hydrolipidic film. Prefer a cleansing milk with a creamy formula, impeccable for its comforting effect. As for daily care, choose a cream that is both nourishing and moisturizing to protect the epidermis.

The pregnancy mask: brown spots linked to the sun

It is manifested by the appearance of more or less significant brownish spots on the face, especially on the forehead, temples, cheekbones and upper lip. This mask is due to the conjunction of two factors: the significant increase in hormone secretion (progesterone and estrogen, which also often causes hyperpigmentation of the areolas of the breasts) and exposure to sunlight. Together, they stimulate the pigment system, which leads to discoloration of the skin. Dark skin is often more prone to pregnancy mask. The right steps to avoid it: do not expose yourself to the sun, and apply a sunscreen with a high protection factor. The ideal protection is the use of a total screen, high index (50+). Also remember to wear sunglasses and a hat, at least until the baby is born.

For some women, this is not always enough, since despite all the precautions taken, some spots may appear. You just have to be careful the next two or three summers, by exposing yourself little and protecting yourself properly.

Read also

Pigmentation of pregnant skin: when to consult?

Some women worry after childbirth because the pregnancy mask does not go away. Don't panic, it can last until the baby is six months old. It usually disappears spontaneously. In some, rarer cases, it can persist well after delivery. In this case, make an appointment with a dermatologist after pregnancy.

Diffuse redness and angiomas

Throughout intrauterine life, exchanges between the mother and her baby take place through the placenta, which is made up of numerous blood vessels and arteries. To make it, the mother-to-be secretes vascular stimulating factors, the activity of which can have certain effects on the skin.

On the face, small red vessels may appear, mainly on the cheeks, the wings of the nose. It is quite common, especially if there is a history of couperose in the family. On the décolleté, stellar angiomas (star-shaped), or ruby ​​angiomas (raised) can also be the manifestation of this vascular hyperactivity.

Camouflage operation: locally apply a concealer in small dabs. If the redness is significant, the only solution is to have it removed by a dermatologist using a laser or electrocoagulation. A little painful but effective, these two techniques make it possible to regain clear skin in 3 or 4 sessions maximum. These two techniques are to be reserved for after childbirth.