PREGNANT SKIN CARE
KEEPING YOUR PREGNANT SKIN HEALTHY
Let the Lip Doctor keep your skin rejuvenated during your term and ready to bounce back!
The joy of pregnancy and miracle of child birth create a lot of changes to our bodies that have a lasting impact. At The Lip Doctor, we have developed a system to help support womens pregnant bodies by keeping them as healthy, as vibrant and elastic as possible.
Prevention is the key to success
Great skin care and health regiments can do wonders in helping your body bounce back.
Great skin care and health regiments can do wonders in helping your body bounce back.
PREPARING YOUR SKIN FOR PREGNANCY
Being in your best health before getting pregnant is what you should strive for. Does this mean hitting the gym 5 days a week and swearing off your favourite junk foods?
What this means is leading an overall healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, consider quitting or cutting back. Avoid alcohol when you decide that you would like to try and get pregnant. Take opportunities to get physical activity during your day; take the stairs at work, park far away from entrances so you can walk as much as possible, or take a walk after work or after eating lunch. Be an exercise opportunist and be on the lookout for chances to get some activity in during your regular day.
For most women, exercise increases insulin sensitivity which improves ovarian function and increases the probability of conception.
Conversely, sedentary women have a higher incidence of obesity which has a significant effect on infertility. Obesity reduces the chance of conception and response to fertility treatment, as well as increases the risk to miscarriage and fetal abnormalities, pregnancy complications and long-term negative health consequences for mother and child.
Before trying to conceive women should preferably try and get their BMI (body mass index) below 30kg/m2.
Even a body weight loss of 5-10% can help to restore fertility.
Stopping hormone-based birth control methods like ‘the pill’, some IUD’s, patches, and vaginal inserts can create a hormonal imbalance. This often results in acne prone dry damaged skin, brittle hair, weight gain and mood swings.
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Being in your best health before getting pregnant is what you should strive for. Does this mean hitting the gym 5 days a week and swearing off your favourite junk foods?
What this means is leading an overall healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, consider quitting or cutting back. Avoid alcohol when you decide that you would like to try and get pregnant. Take opportunities to get physical activity during your day; take the stairs at work, park far away from entrances so you can walk as much as possible, or take a walk after work or after eating lunch. Be an exercise opportunist and be on the lookout for chances to get some activity in during your regular day.
For most women, exercise increases insulin sensitivity which improves ovarian function and increases the probability of conception.
Conversely, sedentary women have a higher incidence of obesity which has a significant effect on infertility. Obesity reduces the chance of conception and response to fertility treatment, as well as increases the risk to miscarriage and fetal abnormalities, pregnancy complications and long-term negative health consequences for mother and child.
Before trying to conceive women should preferably try and get their BMI (body mass index) below 30kg/m2.
Even a body weight loss of 5-10% can help to restore fertility.
Stopping hormone-based birth control methods like ‘the pill’, some IUD’s, patches, and vaginal inserts can create a hormonal imbalance. This often results in acne prone dry damaged skin, brittle hair, weight gain and mood swings.
Keep the following in mind during the pre pregnancy period:
Skin care/ concerns
Pre care before pregnancy is as important as during and after it.
Here are the key changes you'll need to make to your skin-care routine to keep you and your baby-to-be safe and healthy.
Switch to safer and gentle products.
Harsh products containing Retin-A, Differin, or Tazorac, and over-the-counter retinol should be stopped. Even though only a small amount is absorbed into the skin, topical retinoids may be harmful to the fetus.
The retinoid acid, tretinoin has been linked to birth defects.It is also important to check the labels of any anti-aging, anti-acne, and anti-pigment products, as these may have retinol as an active ingredient.
Rather start using a daily antioxidant serum, containing Vitamin C and E, which softens fines lines and brightens and firms the skin.
Products containing, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic and glycolic acids, Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids can be harmful to the baby. Facial cleansers, toners and serums should be reviewed to make sure they don’t have any of these products. Consider a natural solution for blemishes: niacinamide, which is vitamin B3 and herbal cleansers.
Melasma prevention
Melasma is hyper-pigmentation of skin which can result from UV light exposure and iron deficiency anemia. During pregnancy skin sensitivity to UV radiation increases and as a result sun damage, brown spots, freckles and melasma are more often seen. Increased metabolic rate and iron deficiency during pregnancy can also contribute to hyper-pigmented areas of skin.
Physical sun block composed of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide is recommend 6 months prior to pregnancy and skin lightening agents composed of herbal agents can help in prevention.
Stretch Marks Prevention
Weight gain during pregnancy and loss after it results in excessive stretching of skin making it more prone to have stretch marks. Keeping the skin deeply moisturized and starting anti stretch mark products 3 moths prior to pregnancy has shown amazing benefits in prevention. Collagen and elastin boosting products help in building elasticity in skin giving more room for stretching. Please keep in mind that some ingredients and products are not recommended during pregnancy. Always check with your health care provider regarding product safety during pregnancy.
Hair care/concerns
Hair is essential component of everyone’s personality. During pregnancy hormonal changes affect hair directly. Prior to that physical and physiological stress pamper your scalp and hair as much as you can.
Switch to baby friendly Hair care products.
Shampoos and conditioner containing sulphates and parabens are potentially harmful for a growing fetus. They can enter your blood stream and risks of birth defects may be enhanced. It is recommend
to switch your products to sulphate and paraben free organic ones at least 6 months prior to pregnancy.
Hair Dyes
Bleaching, dying and semi-permanent/ permanent straightening not only damages hair but can also be potentially harmful to a fetus. Its advised to switch to organic dyes which don’t containing harmful chemicals.
PRP Hair
PRP is Platelet Rich Plasma, which is a concentration of platelets derived from your own blood. Platelets are proven to be a rich source of proteins called growth factors which stimulate stem cell activity in dormant (sleeping) hair follicles for up to 3-4 months. PRP is not recommended during pregnancy so its better to get your sessions done before conception giving your hair and scalp extra nutrition and strength.
PRENATAL/ANTENATAL CARE & TREATMENTS
Pregnancy is associated with complex hormonal, immunological, metabolic, and vascular changes that may influence the skin and other organs in various ways. Specialcare is required during this period and always use fetal friendly products.
For many women, pregnancy brings glowing skin, rosy cheeks, and shiny hair. Others, however, can experience skin changes that aren’t so attractive, including acne, dark spots, stretch marks, and melasma, dis-coloration.
Melasma. The “Mask of pregnancy” is also referred to as melasma and chloasma. Melasma causes dark splotchy spots to appear on your face. These spots most commonly appear on your forehead and cheeks and are a result of increased pigmentation.Prevention includes physical sunscreen and organic skin lightening creams.
Varicose veins. You might develop enlarged veins in your legs (varicose veins) due to your uterus exerting greater pressure on these veins. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also might play a role. Compression stockings are an important method to prevent Varicose veins. Typically Varicose veins that develop during pregnancy improve without medical treatment three to 12 months after delivery. If not IPL can often be used to treat small spider veins. Larger veins may require more aggressive/invasive treatment.
Stretch marks. Stretch marks (striae) are indented streaks that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs. They are caused by the rapid stretching ofthe skin during pregnancy and are common during the second and third trimesters. Many creams, ointments and other products claim to prevent or treat stretch marks.
Keep your daily skin regimen focussed on deep moisturizing. If you get severe stretch marks and/or marked loose skin that persists after pregnancy, you will likely need treatment to improve their appearance.
PREGNANCY AND YOUR HAIR
Hair Care Concerns
Hair normally grows in three phases: active growth, resting, and shedding. During these phases, people typically shed 100 hairs every day. When you’re pregnant, the extra hormones coursing through your body shift your hair cycle. Your hair grows or stays on your head and doesn’t shed. This is why your hair seems longer and thicker than usual. Avoid using hair dyes during pregnancy as they can be teratogenic specially in first trimester, second and third trimester are more safer. Use paraben and sulphates free dyes.
Hair Care Concerns
Hair normally grows in three phases: active growth, resting, and shedding. During these phases, people typically shed 100 hairs every day. When you’re pregnant, the extra hormones coursing through your body shift your hair cycle. Your hair grows or stays on your head and doesn’t shed. This is why your hair seems longer and thicker than usual. Avoid using hair dyes during pregnancy as they can be teratogenic specially in first trimester, second and third trimester are more safer. Use paraben and sulphates free dyes.
KEEPING A HEALTHY WEIGHT DURING YOUR PREGNANCY
Weight Regimen
Stick to an appropriate pregnancy diet, which contains the right balance of nutrients to keep your skin looking as good as it can under the circumstances.
Drink enough water and other fluids every day. Drinking lots of water will keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Typically, you will need to consume an extra 300 caloriesa day. This is approximately equivalent to 1 extra healthy snack per day. It is always important to eat a variety of foods throughout the day making certain you get the nutrients both you and your babyneed.
Fruits and Vegetables: Pregnant women need at least 70 mg of Vitamin C daily, which is contained in fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and honeydew, and vegetables suchas broccoli, tomatoes, and brussel sprouts.In order to prevent neural tube defects, 0.4 mg of folic acid per day is recommended.
Drink enough water and other fluids every day. Drinking lots of water will keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Bread and Grains: The body’s main source of energy for pregnancy comes from the essential carbohydrates found in breads and grains.
Protein: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and beans contain protein, B vitamins and iron needed in pregnancy.You should consume at least 3 servings of protein daily.
Dairy Products: At least 1000 mg of calcium is needed daily to support a pregnancy.You should consume 3-4 servings of dairy products daily.
Prenatal Vitamins: Although the main source of vitamins and nutrients needed during pregnancy should come from your diet, a daily prenatal vitamin can help fill small gaps—just in case you unintentionally do not get enough key nutrients.
POST PREGNANCY: HELPING YOUR SKIN BOUNCE BACK
A postpartum/post natal period begins immediately after the birth of a child as the mother’s body, including hormone levels and uterus size, returns to a non-pregnant state. It is an equally crucial time for both mother and new born.
Skin care and Stretch marks
Post partum hormonal changes can result in acne and breakouts. Follow your skin care regimen during this time to avoid that.
• Wash away excess oil to prevent acne on your face. Cleanse your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, which wash away dirt, oil and other harmful chemicals that could lead to breakouts on your skin. Get plenty of sleep, and make sure you do hit the bed whenever you’re little one is sleeping.
• Keep your skin deeply moisturized to improve stretch marks and skin laxity
• You should get your stretch marks treated as early as possible. The older stretch marks get the more difficult it is to treat them. Microneedling with PRP and deep dermal treatment with energy based devices like Fractora are great options available.
Hair loss
For many women, starting at 4 months postpartum hair loss is quite common and postpartum hair loss may continue for several months to and at times up to a year.
PRP for Hair loss
This is a good time to get PRP done. PRP can help in hair reduction of hair loss, and improving hair quality and quantity.
Weight loss
Postpartum weight loss can be very tough and tricky. For breastfeeding women, studies have found this amount of weight loss has no negative effects on milk production or the baby’s growth. Assuming your weight is currently stable, decreasing your calorie intake by about 500 calories per day will stimulate safe weight loss of about 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg) per week. Soluble fiber may help with wight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and regulating appetite hormones. Avoid crash diets, added sugars, refined carbs and highly processed foods.
You may be able to start something gentle like walking and pelvic floor exercises right away (Such as Kegel’s exercises), whereas you should wait to take on more intense exercises until your body is fully healed and it is medically safe.
The best and most sustainable way to lose weight is through a healthy diet, breastfeeding and exercise.
