When you’re expecting a child, there’s a lot of changes you might expect, but there’s probably much more that you do not. As your body grows to support your growing baby, you may also experience changes to your skin such as a sudden glow on your face, pinkish streaks on your belly, increased oil production, excessive dryness and itchiness, stretch marks, varicose veins and spider veins.

Though not every pregnant woman will experience the same skin changes, it’s a good idea to be aware of which conditions are common and safe and which are less common and might be an indication of something more serious happening.

Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Stretch Marks 

The skin is a living organ that expands as the baby develops. As this happens, the skin on the belly stretches to accommodate the growing baby bump.

The average woman gains about 14 kilograms throughout the nine months of pregnancy. And as a result, it is common for pregnant women to experience stretch marks which appear as pinkish or reddish streaks running down the abdomen, thighs, or breasts. In fact almost 90% of women will experience some stretch marks.

Exercise, staying hydrated, and lotions that contain vitamin E and alpha-hydroxy acids have been said to help in the prevention of stretch marks. Though these remedies have not been medically proven, it never hurts to try. And the good news is, these streaks are likely to disappear or fade to silvery faint lines after delivery.

Linea Nigra

If a dark line suddenly appears along your belly during the second or third trimester, don’t worry. A darkened vertical line in the middle of a pregnant belly, linea nigra is a common, totally normal, and completely harmless part of pregnancy. A lesser-known surprise to add to the growing list of pregnancy mysteries, the linea nigra, AKA “pregnancy line,” can be alarming if you’re not expecting it. While it might not be the most attractive part of pregnancy, it’s nothing serious. And the good news is it usually fades shortly after delivery. While some physical changes that happen in pregnancy, like growing and swollen breasts, have a biological purpose, there’s no clear reason for linea nigra.  

Though some old wives’ tales say that the length of your pregnant belly line will determine whether you’re having a boy or a girl, it’s really just a myth. 

Though this mysterious line normally fades after giving birth, the truth is, it’s different for everyone.  As hormonal levels start to decrease and stabilize, linea nigra should start to fade in the weeks and months after birth. For some women,  this pregnancy line may take as long as a year to fade. In rare cases, it never completely goes away.While there are really no at-home remedies that fully get rid of linea nigra, there are skin-lightening agents, chemical peels, and laser treatments that can help.

Mask of Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes the skn to be extra sensitive and exposure to the sun ups the chances of dark spots showing up on the face. “Mask of pregnancy, ”  also referred to as melasma or chloasma, is the result of increased pigmentation causing dark splotchy spots which most commonly appear on the forehead and cheeks.

When a woman becomes pregnant, the body begins to produce more hormones, which can cause hyperpigmentation. Nearly 50% of pregnant women show some signs of the “mask of pregnancy.” While this skin condition doesn’t normally cause or turn into cancer, there are certain skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so it’s important to let your doctor know if you aren’t sure which skin condition you are experiencing – to be on the safe side. 

The best way to prevent “mask of pregnancy” is to wear  sunscreen with a SPF 30 and  wear a hat to protect the skin fro the sun’s harsh rays in the warmer months. The good news is, these skin changes usually fade after giving birth. 

Pregnancy Glow

During pregnancy, the body produces 50% more blood, resulting in more blood circulation. This causes the face to look flush. The body also produces more hormones during pregnancy, which causes the oil glands to kick into overdrive.

Between the red face from the increased blood circulation and the shininess from the overly active hormones, the face takes on a pinkish sheen. The combination of redness and shine is commonly referred to as “pregnancy glow.”  

Acne

The additional hormone production brought on by pregnancy causes the glands to secrete more oil. For women who already experience breakouts,  acne may become more irritated. To avoid breakouts, it’s important to stick to a consistent  and thorough cleansing routine every morning and before bed. And though it may seem tempting to wash even more often,  too much of a good thing can cause the skin to become dry.

While some toners and astringent are effective for removing any oil that still remains after washing, it’s important to stay away from any cleaners or astringents that contain acne medications like benzoyl peroxide, as these medications are not safe for a growing baby.

Dealing with acne during pregnancy can be quite challenging, so it’s important to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider before self-treating any symptoms of acne during pregnancy. This can be especially difficult for women who suffer with cystic acne as injections are also not safe for pregnant women. There are excellent medications for severe acne, however, medical providers warn against using them until after child bearing years as they are extremely dangerous to the growing baby.

Though it might seem counterproductive, using an oil-free moisturizer can help to reduce greasy skin.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are bulky bluish veins that may appear on the legs during pregnancy. This happens because the body is trying to compensate for the extra blood flow that goes to the baby. Those women with a family history are more prone to developing varicose veins during pregnancy. The bad news is they can be uncomfortable and unattractive.  The good news is, there are ways to lessen their severity or even prevent them from forming altogether.  Speak to your provider as soon as you learn you are pregnant, especially if you have a family history, for effective ways to lessen the severity of this annoying, but common, skin condition.

Spider Veins

Also known as spider nevi, spider veins are tiny thin reddish blood vessels that branch outward. Like varicose veins, spider veins are also caused by the increase in blood circulation.

Usually appearing on the face, neck, upper chest and arms, spider veins should not hurt and normally go away shortly after delivery.  Though any woman can develop spider veins, caucasian and other lighter-skin women are more prone to develop them than dark-skinned women.  Some spider vein conditions are passed through generations. If they are hereditary, there’s not much that can be done to prevent them. Oherse, avoiding crossing your legs and increasing vitamin C intake can help minimize their severity.    Most spider veins will fade on their own shortly after delivery, but for those that remain, Laser Genesis treatments can be highly effective.

Dry Itchy Skin

As your baby bump grows, the skin on your belly will stretch and tighten. This can cause discomfort, dryness and itching. These symptoms are normally harmless, but, when accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and/or jaundice, especially in the last trimester, it could be symptoms of something more serious. 

Cholestasis, a condition related to liver function, can appear as dry itchy skin accompanied by abdominal discomfort, yellow skin, and a general feeling of unease. While nausea and fatigue are quite common for pregnant women in the early months, symptoms that persist after the first trimester, especially when combined with excessive dryness, could be a signal of cholestasis. If you suspect that you may be experiencing these symptoms, contact your practitioner immediately.   

Itchiness that is more intense or spreads to your arms and legs could be a sign of a less common condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plagues (PUPP). PUPP, which occurs in about one in every 150 pregnancies, appears as itchy, reddish, raised patches on the skin. The good news is PUPP will normally go away after delivery.

To help alleviate itchy skin on the belly during pregnancy,  staying well hydrated, both inside and out, by drinking plenty of water and regularly applying moisturizer can help. Non-medicated oatmeal baths are also helpful for alleviating an itchy baby belly.

Skin Tags

Small, loose growths of skin, skin tags are a common skin condition that happens in pregnant women and usually appear under the arms or breasts or on the neck.  After pregnancy, most skin tags tend to disappear, but if they do not go away, they can be safely removed by a physician.

Darkening of Freckles and Moles

Increased hormones cause changes in the skin’s  pigmentation. Existing areas of dark pigmentation such as freckles, moles, nipples, areolas, and labia, can become even darker during pregnancy.  Most of the time, this is not serious but if you notice that a mole or freckle changes in appearance, size,  or shape, contact your healthcare provider.

13 Tips for Preventing or Alleviating Pregnancy-Related Skin Conditions

1. Avoid sitting for long periods of time to prevent varicose veins and spider veins.
2. Walk  as much as possible to help keep blood circulating.
3. Avoid standing for long periods of time.
4. Keep feet propped up if sitting for long periods of time. 
5. Wear  support stockings to aid with circulation.
6. Eat foods high in vitamin C to keep veins healthy and elastic.
7. Sit with legs higher than your head for at least a half an hour a day.
8. Eat healthy and get plenty of exercise to avoid excessive weight gain.
9. Keep skin properly and thoroughly moisturized with non-medicated creams or lotions.
10. Wash face twice a day (but not more often)  to help with excessive oil production.
11. Avoid using topical medications that contain benzoyl peroxide or other strong ingredients to treat acne during pregnancy.
12. Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated.
13. Lotions that contain vitamin E and alpha-hydroxy acids may help prevent stretch marks.

When you’re expecting a baby, we know there are a lot of changes happening that you might not be expecting—and we’re here to help.  Our lovely team of experts is immensely knowledgeable and trained on the latest techniques, highly experienced, and incredibly dedicated to providing the best results possible. And they’re here to meet with you to discuss your individual concerns. Just book an online consultation or give us a call @0249341700 today!

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we believe in transparency and education, first and foremost, providing every client with information, explanations, and treatment options before performing any procedure. 

Offering a thorough consultation prior to treatment, we’ll discuss the areas of concern, the range of treatment options, and our pricing structure. We know you have a lot going on and we’re here to help you with the changes to your skin you may not have expected when you’re expecting.

Specialist Skin Solutions
30 Belmore Road, Lorn, 2320
0249341700

The post What You May Not Expect When You’re Expecting: Recognizing, Preventing, and Treating Common Pregnancy-Related Skin Conditions appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Types of Peels

Medical-Grade Peels

A medical-grade peel is an exfoliation and resurfacing treatment that gently unglues and peels away your skin’s topmost layers. By inducing acute inflammation, the goal of a medical peel is to rid your face of dead, unhealthy cells and allow smooth, dynamic cells to surface. 

Medical-grade chemical peels are an amazing option for individuals who are looking to reverse sun damage or other minor or major imperfections in their skin. These chemical peels allow you to remove dead skin cells and address fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and unwanted dark spots in a safe and effective way. They are extremely controlled treatments that are performed in the comfort of our office.

Not all medical-grade chemical peels are the same. They come in different strength levels and are designed to accomplish different goals. Most chemical peels are performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home immediately after the treatment is complete. They are designed to make your face look brighter, tighter and younger.

The level or grade of medical chemical peel that you use will vary depending on the color of your skin, the texture of your skin, how elastic your skin is, and the condition you want to treat. Peels come in the form of very superficial, superficial, medium, and deep.

Very superficial and superficial chemical peels are designed to be a surface-level treatment. They may get rid of some dry skin, address some problems with texture,  and treat some minor discoloration in your skin. This type of chemical peel usually allows you to go on with your everyday life with little to no downtime.

Medium peels reach down further to remove the epidermis as well as the top layer of the dermis. This is generally designed to address fine lines, acne, and other facial conditions. Depending on your situation, you may need to have multiple treatments spaced out a set amount of time apart. This procedure can require a little bit of downtime, depending on how quickly your body can recover and heal from the procedure.

Deep peels affect all of the top layers as well as additional layers of the dermis. Deep chemical peels are the most intense and there is downtime associated with this peel. You will need to stay out of the sun for a period of time, and you will need to take steps to keep yourself protected as your skin recovers. This type of skin peel tends to deliver the best results and last for a long time. Deep peels are not for everyone. We will examine your skin to determine which level of medical-grade peel is best for your skin color, texture, and concerns. We will also factor in lifestyle and financial considerations before creating a treatment plan that works for you.

Deep Sea Peels

If the idea of an acid peel isn’t for you, the Deep Sea Peel is the perfect alternative. Deep Sea Peels use plant extracts and sea herbs and are incredibly effective for promoting the stimulation of collagen and elastin production and cell turnover.

Deep Sea Peels utilize manual exfoliation to resurface the skin, lifting away stubborn pigmentation and softening the look of acne scarring.

The Deep Sea Peel also induces more shedding than traditional lactic and salicylic peels as it dries out the epidermis resulting in a more intense exfoliation for your skin.

The treatment level of this peel can be individually tailored to meet your personal needs as it is worked into the skin by massage as opposed to penetrating like an acid peel would, resulting in smoother, denser, and more hydrated skin.

Typically, the treatment takes around 45 minutes. You may experience a slightly shorter or longer treatment depending on your individual needs, the condition of your skin, and your comfort levels throughout the duration of the treatment.

The Deep Sea Peel can be enjoyed by most skin types provided that the skin has been correctly prepared prior to your treatment.

If you have sensitive or impaired skin, it is not recommended to have a Deep Sea Peel. This type of peel is also not recommended for pregnant clients or those currently using acne medication.

Recovery times after the Deep Sea Peel range from 4-7 days. During this period, it is normal to experience redness, heat, tingling, pin-prick sensations (similar to sunburn), and peeling. Best results are evident 14 days after treatment.

The Peeling Process

The peeling process begins with a gentle cleansing, as a defatting solvent is wiped over the area to be treated. The chemical solution is then applied and allowed to penetrate the skin for a specific amount of time, depending upon the type of peel used, the skin type,  and the severity of the patient’s concerns. Once the predetermined time is reached, the peel is removed, and soothing ointment is applied.  

The patient is then sent home to heal. The duration of the healing process varies based on the specific type of treatment, although every patient is different.

While superficial peels don’t generally require anesthesia, deeper peels may require local anesthetic or oral sedation. Cold compresses are often enough to manage pain, although patients who opt for deeper peels may prefer to have pain medication available.

Peels are commonly recommended to treat fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone,  and blotchy or dull complexions. Peels are also used to treat age spots, acne scars, precancerous lesions, and rough or leathery patches.

Most patients who are in overall good health can safely undergo this type of cosmetic treatment. However, anyone with darker skin should seek a doctor’s recommendation before having a chemical peel, as the newly revealed layers of skin could be significantly lighter than their current skin tone.

Associated Risks and Potential Side Effects

• Skin darkening or lightening, especially among people with darker skin.
• Permanent scarring.
• Chemical peels on rare occasions can cause fungal and bacterial infections
• Persons with herpes simplex may experience a flare-up of the disease after the treatment.
• Deep peels use a type of phenol that might damage the heart muscle, cause uneven heartbeats, and damage the kidneys and liver.

The post Peeling Back the Years: Cosmetic Peels for Younger-Looking, Rejuvenated Skin appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

A chronic medical condition affecting more than 3 million people, rosacea can appear on the skin for a short time, several years, or be a lifelong problem. It can be caused by anything from food allergies and sun exposure to environmental toxins and genetics. 

Commonly mistaken for acne or other skin conditions, rosacea can affect just about anyone, but is more common among middle-aged women with fair skin. For many people, rosacea causes more than just facial flushing and redness. Symptoms of the skin condition may also include acne-like bumps, eye irritation, and thickened skin. Although there is no consensus among medical professionals about the reasons some people develop  rosacea when others do not. It cannot be cured and left untreated, this skin condition can get worse with time. 

Though various treatments can control symptoms of rosacea, this chronic condition is ultimately best managed by avoiding certain triggers.

Rosacea Triggers to Avoid 

Rosacea triggers vary from person to person, but heat, cold air, extreme exercise, sun exposure, stress, and medications that increase blood flow to the surface of the skin can aggravate rosacea. 

Foods do not “cause” rosacea, but some ingredients are known triggers.

Spicy Food

Adding hot peppers or ordering food with an extra kick, spicy foods may be one of many underlying causes of rosacea flares. Cayenne pepper, red pepper, black pepper, curry, paprika, and other spicy ingredients can cause tiny blood vessels underneath your skin to dilate, resulting in flushing. By substituting other ingredients like oregano, sage, and basil, your dishes will get that added flavor without triggering rosacea symptoms.  

Alcoholic Beverages

Red wine, bourbon, gin, vodka, champagne, and beer can all be triggers for certain people prone to rosacea symptoms.

Sun Exposure

Basking in the sun might be fun, but if you suffer from rosacea, it might not be a day at the beach for you.  Sun exposure is the most common  trigger of rosacea that stimulates the blood vessels to dilate.  

Stress

Stress is among the things that make rosacea worse. And though you can’t always avoid stressful situations, you can help minimize their effect on your life and your skin.

Exercise

Exercise is good for the body and the soul, but it’s also a factor that can aggravate rosacea. Exercise elevates your heart rate, which causes flushing from increased blood flow to the skin. Instead of exercising during the hotter peak hours of the day, working out during off-peak hours when the sun is low and temperatures are cooler could help to alleviate symptoms. 

Hot Drinks

36% of rosacea sufferers point to hot drinks as their primary trigger.   Hot chocolate, tea, and coffee,  which cause the blood vessels to expand, can cause flushing and redness.

Hot Temperatures

Heat is among the things that make rosacea worse. And it’s not just a challenge during the summer — it can be a year-round problem. The winter is the time we close our windows and turn up the heat, so open some windows to keep your living spaces cool and less dry. In summer, seek out air conditioning whenever possible.  Avoid saunas and hot tubs.

Extreme Cold

Winter winds and cold temperatures are common things that trigger rosacea. Cover your face with a scarf or ski mask, be sure to wear sunscreen, and limit hot beverages if that’s a trigger for you. Ask your dermatologist about a skin barrier ointment that could protect your skin from the cold weather elements. Get to know your personal rosacea triggers, advises Stuart. “Avoiding triggers does not seem to slow the progression of this skin condition, but a thorough knowledge of them will help you coexist with this disease more easily,” she says.

Makeup

Applying makeup can be a double-edged sword for people with rosacea. On one hand, it can cover up redness, but on the other hand, it can aggravate rosacea. Using water-based, non-allergenic,fragrance-free makeup helps. Cosmetics that contain alcohol, menthol, witch hazel, and eucalyptus oil tend to be irritating for people with this skin condition. 

To avoid cosmetics that trigger your condition, test all new products on your neck before putting them on your face. If you have a reaction, take note of the product’s ingredients to try to isolate which ones aggravate your rosacea.

Mask-wearing

Maskne, or mask acne, is caused by excessive wearing of PPE face protection and has become problematic for people of all age groups, especially those on the front line. Caused by breathing and talking under the mask which produces a wet heat, causing excess oil and sebum production, rosacea sufferers may experience flare-ups when wearing masks for prolonged periods of time.

Tips to Help Reduce Symptoms

Moisturize 

Moisturizer is an essential skin-care product for rosacea sufferers. They create a barrier that locks out irritants and can help keep symptoms at bay, but choosing the wrong one can actually make your condition worse. When choosing a moisturizer, opt for one that’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic-–the fewer ingredients, the better.

Use Gentle Cleansers 

The type of cleanser you use can also affect rosacea symptoms. Harsh cleansers and astringents can actually make rosacea much worse.  Although rosacea might look like acne, it’s not. Many acne treatments will irritate rosacea, including products that contain retinoids or salicylic acid. Your cleanser should be fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and free of harsh exfoliants as scrubbing can make the condition worse and cause scarring.

Be Wary of Facials  

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and spa facials may be good for your best friend, but they could be your skin’s worst enemy.  Many of these medical-grade treatments can irritate the skin, which can aggravate rosacea. If you want a rejuvenating treatment to make your skin look younger or smoother, you can work with your dermatologist to find other skin-care options.

Opt for Mineral-Based, Fragrance-Free Makeup 

Makeup may be used to help cover up ruddy cheeks, but products containing certain ingredients could worsen rosacea symptoms.  The formula of any makeup specifically for rosacea matters too. When choosing a foundation, opt for pressed powder over liquid which can clog  pores and make rosacea symptoms worse.

Practice Sun Safety  

The top trigger for rosacea flare-ups is sun exposure. So, whenever you’re in the sun, practice sun safety. Apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and stay in the shade as much as possible. Be wary of sunscreens containing harsh chemicals, however.  Opt for sunscreens with physical barriers such as zinc oxide or titanium instead and apply generously and reapply often.

Get to the Bottom of it

Finding ways to reduce stress and minimize situations that increase blood flow to your face can help minimize rosacea symptoms. 

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are ways to avoid triggering its symptoms and treatments available that can be tailored to the individual’s needs. 

Taking notice of which make-up causes breakouts, paying attention to foods that trigger symptoms, and keeping track of external factors can help you get to the bottom of the cause of your rosacea. Treatments that prove effective include everything from topical medications like creams, lotions, and gels, and medications that may help reduce inflammation and redness. 

Oral antibiotics can be effective for more serious symptoms. For patients with dilated blood vessels, permanent redness, and other changes on the nose and cheeks, there are advanced procedures such as Laser Genesis available.

Treatment

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we offer a range of services that provide the best treatment for rosacea. Choose from our tailored and comprehensive 8-session program involving peels, laser, and home care or mix and match products and services to help find your own balance.

8-session program

Our 8-session program for comprehensive treatment for rosacea includes a full facial assessment,  4 sessions of Vitamin C peels, and 4 sessions of Laser Genesis. We also provide medical-grade products and Actinic sunscreen to continue your recovery journey.

If you’re ready to stop seeing red when you look in the mirror, call Specialist Skin Solutions @(02) 4934 1500 today to book an appointment. Reduce rosacea symptoms with our range of medical-grade in-office or at-home treatments by contacting Specialist Skin Solutions and booking your free consultation.

We’re dedicated to helping each one of our clients feel their best by bringing out their natural beauty and loving the skin they’re in. We look forward to speaking with you!

Offering a thorough consultation prior to treatment, we’ll discuss the areas of concern and the range of treatment options suggested to produce optimal results. The amount and type of product, as well as our pricing structure, will also be discussed during the consultation process so there are no surprises.

The post Stop Seeing RED: Triggers and Treatments for Rosacea appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.