Postpartum Skin Woes: Where did That Glow Go?

Acne? Stretch marks? Chloasma? Yes, your skin goes through even more changes after pregnancy. (Greeeeat!) Here'show to cope.

Just like the rest of your body, your complexion can take a long time to get back to normal after you've delivered. That rosy mom-to-be glow (caused by estrogen-fueled blood flow to your skin) may be gone, possibly replaced by postpartum acne due to hormonal swings (plus stress, sleep deprivation, and zero time for skin care). And what about those dark splotches on your forehead, upper lip, and cheeks, which have yet to fade — will they ever?

For most women, they will. Those patches (known as chloasma, melasma, or the mask of pregnancy) are caused by an increase in the production of melanin, a skin pigment, during pregnancy. The good news is your body will eventually stop making so much melanin (though that might not happen until after you wean) and then those splotches should start to fade.

To help this process along, stay out of the sun as much as possible, and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

This advice holds true even after your splotches have faded, since dark spots are more likely to return once you've had them, and even more important, regular use of sunscreen protects against skin cancer (and wrinkles). If you are back on the pill, ask your doctor about switching to an estrogen-free variety, since estrogen can sometimes make chloasma worse.

Be sure to cleanse your skin gently twice a day to help prevent blemishes. If you do break out, try a product with benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid, but skip salicylic-acid-based formulas until you've weaned, just to be on the safe side. Your dermatologist should be able to guide you in determining what is best for your skin. Your complexion will also benefit from oil-free (non-pore-clogging) cosmetics, and a diet that contains lots of fruits and vegetables, vitamin B2, and plenty of water. However, we recommend that you visit a dermatologist before you try any new skincare products during & soon after your pregnancy. Our in-house consultants at Sagar Chandramma will be able to guide you in building a customized skin & diet regimen.

What about the stretch marks? Well, 90 percent of all women get them, but the good news is that they will fade. A few things you can do to encourage their vanishing act: Exercise and eat right to help your skin regain its tone, and moisturize regularly (it will not remove your stretch marks but it'll keep itchiness to a minimum as your tummy gets back in shape). If you really can't bear a striped belly, ask your dermatologist about laser therapy or Retin-A (though if you're nursing, you may have to wait until you wean).

One more thing to keep in mind: Your baby thinks you're beautiful — stretch marks, freckles, and all! So do not worry too much about it, instead enjoy your beautiful bundle of joy.

(Article sourced from http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/week-21/postpartum-skin.aspx)