Did you know more babies are born in late September and early October than at any other point of the year. 

This suggests more babies are likely to be conceived around the Christmas holidays!

 

Here is what might happen to your skin and how best to treat it and what to avoid:

 

Isn’t it enough that during pregnancy you are dealing with heartburn, swelling, varicose veins, cramps, weight gain and much more?

All those hormones can have a huge impact on our skin too like acne, pigmentation, stretch marks and itchy skin.

I am afraid not all are blessed with 9 months of pregnancy glow!!

Acne:

Pregnancy can trigger acne or make existing acne worse. This is all down to hormones stimulating oil glands and causing blocked pores, which then leads to spots.

 

To Avoid : 

It's well known that the acne medication, Accutane, is completely off limits for pregnant women (and those trying to conceive) because it causes birth defects. Accutane is a vitamin A derivative and part of the retinoid family. These powerful substances, found in some anti-aging products, help reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone. That speeds up cell division (quickening your skin’s renewal) and prevents skin collagen from breaking down. Therefore, steer clear of all vitamin A, retinoid and retinol products while pregnant.(eg. tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene and retinyl)

 

BHA/Salicylic Acid: A topical exfoliant often used in acne skincare products. BHA is a derivative of aspirin. Because pregnant women are cautioned against taking aspirin, it`s best to NOT use products that contain BHA.
Instead, go for Alpha Hydroxy Acids – AHAs (Lactic acid, glycolic acid or mandelic acid) to help slough away the dead surface skin and prevent grease glands from clogging, which would otherwise cause spots.

Melasma: The Pregnancy Mask

 

Skin becomes more susceptible to pigmentation during pregnancy. Even limited sun exposure can cause dark discolourations to appear around the eyes, on the cheeks, forehead and above the upper lip. Please make sure you are applying a high, broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
If you still end up with hyperpigmentation, don’t fret. You can treat it with Kojicol acid which is a lightening agent. Please wait until you have had your baby before using these products.
Mandelic acid (AHAs) is safe to use regularly during pregnancy and lactation. This gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) penetrates deep into the skin and breaks up areas of uneven pigmentation.
Please note Alpha Hydroxy Acids, (sometimes listed as AHAs, glycolic acid, or lactic acid) are considered to be safe.

 

iS Clinical is the ONLY brand of products that are safe to use during pregnancy and breast feeding.

For acne go for iS Clinical active serum and for pigmentation go for white lightening complex.

 

Dry skin:

 

Some women experience dry skin as all the hydration goes to the baby first, so make sure you nourish and moisturise more than normal to keep skin looking healthy.

 

Itchy and sensitive skin:

Hormone changes can cause your skin to feel itchy and dry.

 

Soothe and pamper irritated & dry skin with Neostrata PHA skincare range.

These gentle products will help build the skin's barrier and maintain essential moisture levels. 

The active ingredients in the NeoStrata Restore range are Polyhydroxyl Acids (PHA’s). These are highly moisturising exfoliants which help to strengthen and hydrate the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of our skin. PHA’s are typically gentler on the skin so are ideal fors ensitive or dry skin types.

 

 Neostrata facial cleanser, Bionic face cream & Bionic lotion

Alhydran is another range of moisturisers perfect for dry itchy skin.

ALHYDRAN provides immediate, long-lasting protection against excessive moisture loss. It hydrates the skin, makes it more supple, and reduces itching. The protection provided by ALHYDRAN enables the skin to repair itself.

Key Ingredients:

- 45% Aloe Vera Gel - moisturises into deep layers of the skin

- Jojoba Oil, Vitamin C and E - help damaged skin to heal

 

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks commonly appear during or after pregnancy, after a sudden change in your weight.

 

Our best selling prevention product is Silderm stretch mark prevention oil, which is a clinically proven treatment for preventing stretch marks.

 

SOS Solution For Stretch Marks

This targeted stretch mark cream helps diminish the appearance of stretch marks and soothes symptoms such as uncomfortable, sore, irritable-feeling skin. 

Treats problem areas where stretch marks occur including breasts, tummy, hips and thighs.