Looking Radiant During Pregnancy

While some women can be so lucky to look radiant and luscious during pregnancy, all that extra hormonal activity can have the opposite effect on those who are not fortunate enough to escape a variety of skin problems encountered by “expecting” women.

Aside from acne, which is the number one skin problem of pregnant women, there are also a variety of bumps and rashes and discolorations that occur as well, most of them due to hormone activity. To make things worse, some of the tried and true beauty products you relied on to keep your skin glowing before pregnancy are unsafe to use when the baby is on board.

Those who haven’t seen a zit for so long may be surprised when pregnancy brings out a bumper crop, particularly around the mouth and chin. These are the most common areas for acne to occur and if you don't treat it right away, it will continue until you deliver, and sometimes even after baby is born.

Some over-the-counter preparations can help, but you must choose wisely. According to dermatologist Sumayah Jamal, MD, PhD, you should not use any products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or any of the retinoids. They are not safe to use during pregnancy.

Instead, try sulphur-based topical products, as well as those containing glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids, or any at-home microdermabrasion treatment. If these don't help, says Jamal, there are topical prescription drugs that offer good results. “These include erythromycin cream and azelaic acid, both very safe to use during pregnancy,” said Jamal, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology and microbiology at NYU Medical Center in New York City.

Switching to a cosmetic foundation for oily skin, or using loose powder mineral makeup may also work. Both have oil-blotting properties and won't irritate skin with acne. Jamal said that you can also use a mattifying product underneath your makeup to soak up excess oil, or dab your face with blotting papers during the day to help remove excess oil.

Melasma, also known as chloasma or ‘pregnancy mask’, is among the most frustrating pregnancy skin problems characterized by patches of dark, pigmented skin that appear on the face.

This condition is related to pregnancy hormones and sunlight exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology says women with darker complexions and dark hair are at greatest risk. However, other areas of darker skin can also develop on or around your nipples and between your thighs. There are those who also experience Linea Nigra, a darkened area of pigmentation that runs down the center of the belly.

While there is no specific treatment for pregnancy pigmentation problems, staying out of the sun can definitely diminish the amount of discoloration you experience, so it is best to wear a sunscreen anytime you are outdoors.
Traditional skin-lightening ingredients such as hydroquinone are used during pregnancy but there are other products with an established safety profile. These safe products include azelaic acid, which is good for pigment, as well as any topical vitamin C product, which helps suppress pigment naturally.
If all else fails, you can safely cover pregnancy mask with a high-pigment concealer or foundation. For best results, choose the color closest to your complexion and resist the urge to go lighter. Masks that do not clear after pregnancy can be erased by a chemical peel that remove all traces.

Article Source: http://www.qualityarticles.com

Monch Bravante is a freelance writer and advertising practitioner with special interest in public health issues. If you find this article very informative, you can read more articles at articles.drugstoretm.com/”>Articles of Drugstoretm

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