Your skin goes through pregnancy induced changes that affects its shine and luster and these changes varies from darker pigmentation, rashes, spots, stretch marks and so many other hormonal and non hormonal induced changes in the postpartum period
These postpartum skin changes can fortunately be treated with a return to your normal glow and shine in the postpartum period.
We will be looking at the major skin changes of the postpartum period that affects mothers and present the skin care strategies to deal with them
1 Melasma
Melasma is also called chloasma or more expressively described as the mask of pregnancy. In pregnancy, you can develop brownish patches on the skin of the forehead, cheeks, temples, bridge of nose, jawline, the lips and the shoulders. This increased pigmentation is as a result of the hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy. In this case, the increase in melanocyte production of the hormone melanin which helps in increased pigmentation of the skin, the appearance of linea nigra and the noticeable darkening of scars in the body. This effect is also influenced by genetic predispositions being more marked in the Asian population and on exposure to sunlight.
Melasma can be prevented by reducing your exposure to sunlight and by using sunscreen, lightening creams and topical agents though it may persist in some few cases. Your choice of contraception is also important as estrogen containing family planning pills make melasma worse so you should change to a progestin only preparation.
Melasma can be addressed by using many forms of treatments like micro polishing of the skin, chemical peeling, intense pulsed light and certain forms of laser therapy.
2 Acne
Acne is caused by an inflammation of the skin glands whose pores have been clogged by the excess sebum secretion induced by hormonal changes in pregnancy and postpartum
The elevated progesterone levels in pregnancy causes increased secretion from the sweat glands with associated sebum buildup that results in the pores being overwhelmed and clogging up
Acne also commonly referred as pimples is most commonly noticed in the face but can arise also in the shoulders, chest and upper back.
This can be prevented by use of facial cleansers to keep the pores open and ensures they are not clogged so the excess sebum secretions can be expelled via the skin. Well-balanced healthy diet with plenty of minerals and vitamins and antioxidants will be beneficial in acne as they help prevent inflammation hastening quick resolution of the acne.
Most often the acne resolves spontaneously on its own within weeks of delivery as the hormones return to near normal levels. The main risk with acne is to prevent scarring so medical treatment should be sought in the event it does not resolve on its own and there are some many remedies that can be applied ranging from natural remedies like chamomile and lavender based treatments to the use of orthodox medications. Antibiotics are an essential part of the treatment strategy to prevent and address inflammation to counter secondary bacterial infection that can lead to scarring.
3 Dermatitis/Eczema
Eczema is a non-infectious flaky skin condition that develops after pregnancy as a result of a hyper sensitive skin. It is dry and hypo pigmented and flaky and can be noticed on the face and other parts exposed to the irritant. It can also be seen on the hands as a result of constant contact with water due to frequent hand washing.
Nonspecific dermatitis can be prevented by avoiding the causative agents or use of hand moisturizers to soothe itchy and inflamed skin.
Topical steroid creams can be used effectively to treat eczema and substitutes to irritants that are hypoallergenic are recommended going forward. Some specialist treatments may be necessary for situations that do not resolve and a check with your dermatologist will be able to offer you the best remedy for the situation
4 Postpartum PUPPP
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) also referred to as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP) in Europe is an intensely itchy skin eruption that appears in the third trimester in women in their primigravid state resolving spontaneously within weeks of giving birth. It can develop in the postpartum period in 10 to 15 % of women.
It presents as very itchy small papules common on the abdomen typically within stretch marks and can last for weeks. if the lesion is not raised it is likely not to be PUPPP.
It responds well to antihistamines and topical corticosteroids to relieve the itching. Skin emollients will be also beneficial in the management.
5 Hypersensitive skin
Many new moms start developing a hypersensitive skin to common household items like detergent and chlorine-containing materials. They most commonly also develop hypersensitivity to the sun resulting in sunburns.
These reactions usually fade away in time and the skin returns to normality and some also may develop reactions to normal creams and lotions they used to apply in pregnancy and even prepregnancy
In the event that the hypersensitivity does not resolve or progresses to allergic skin disorder the attention of the medical professionals will be needed.
6 Dark circles and puffy eyes
The lack of sleep and the restlessness associated with the postpartum management of the baby can lead to the development of dark circles and puffy bags under the eyes. The constant waking up and stress involved in taking care of the newborn leads to inadequate sleep a consequence of poor circulation and exhaustion.
Drink lots of water, take short naps as the baby sleeps and maintain a healthy diet to help in resetting the dark circles
Using an eye cream that contains peptides will help in hydrating the eye area and reduce swelling. This resolution occurs over time but in the case you need a quick fix for the dark circles, you can use a concealer prepared specifically for this situation or an emollient cream with color correcting effect.
General postpartum skincare measures
Avoid the sun
The sun releases ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) that is harmful to the skin and can lead to all sorts of skin disorders. Avoiding the sun as much as possible or if it is inevitable, the use of sunscreen to protect the skin is very essential.
Stay well hydrated
Water is necessary to maintain the skin in a supple and elastic state as proper hydration is necessary to maintain proper circulation and to remove the toxins that may be harmful to the skin. Drinking of at least 4 liters of fluid per day is necessary to maintain the skin in a well hydrated state.
Get enough rest
Rest is necessary for the complete rejuvenation of the body following the stresses of delivery and the postpartum baby management. For proper rest you need at least 8 hours of sleep per day and this is immensely needed for maintaining proper metabolic and systemic balance which will reflect on the skin if rest is inadequate.
Cleanse and moisturize the skin
The body produces excess sebum that leads to the clogging up of the spores postnatally and this can lead to unhealthy skin so you should utilize measures to cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin by washing your face twice daily and using moisturizers and this leads to fantastic results for the skin.
Well balanced diet
There is no substitute for a well-balanced diet for a skin that is glowy. The skin is the last organ to be nourished by nutrients and requires a constant supply of the essential nutrients, healthy oils and vitamins and minerals and lean protein for its glow to remain
Supplements
The use of supplements is essential for the maintenance of a healthy skin. The supplements can be in the form of mineral, vitamin supplement or combinations of these. The supplements help us to maintain the normal daily requirements of the essential vitamins and minerals for the proper functioning of our cells. Your physicians recommendations will be of good guidance in supplements administration.
Other measures
Exercise, meditation and yoga have been found helpful in the maintenance of the tone and elasticity and glow of the skin.
Most of the common skin conditions encountered postpartum will ultimately resolve on their own with only a few requiring further treatment and most of those requiring further treatment will respond to the measures outlined above for their management.
Your skin is a perfect representation of you and portrays your happiness both externally and internally and you should do your best to keep it glowing as it enhances your confidence, psyche and freedom.
Dr Mawa
To your postnatal health and freedom
mypostnatalmanagement.com
Please if you have any questions or suggestions or experience you wish to share on managing your postpartum skin kindly use the comment box below
