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.

Extrinsic Ageing

Due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the appearance of the hands changes with time. 

Extrinsic ageing, which affects the epidermal and dermal layers, is a result of factors including exposure to the sun, chemicals, and smoking. 

Ways extrinsic ageing manifests on the hands

Actinic keratosis: Rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure

Solar lentigines: Harmless patches of darkened skin, AKA dark spots or  age spots, common in people over the age of 40, solar lentigines results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causing local proliferation of melanocytes and accumulation of melanin within the skin cells (keratinocytes).  

A solar lentigo is a flat, well-circumscribed patch that can be round, oval or irregular in shape, with colour varying in skin colour, size, and number. Though they occur in light and dark skin, they tend to be more numerous in fair-skinned individuals.

Hypopigmentation-punctate palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome: A rare, genetic, epidermal disease characterized by punctate keratoderma on palms and soles associated with irregularly shaped hypopigmented macules, typically localized on the extremities.

Solar purpura: A condition, most often affected on areas exposed to the sun, often occurring on the hands, forearms, and legs, causes one or more flat, purple bruises.

Intrinsic Ageing

In contrast, intrinsic ageing alters the deeper soft tissue planes, decreasing skin elasticity, soft tissue volume,  and dermal vascularity. Signs of intrinsic ageing include wrinkles, translucent and thinner skin, and prominent veins, joints, and tendons. 

Many patients notice that their ageing  hands sharply contrast with their newly rejuvenated faces, and request hand rejuvenation procedures. However, despite great advances in facial cosmetic procedures, hand rejuvenation has been slower to catch up. 

Hand rejuvenation refers to a whole suite of aesthetic techniques that improve the appearance and feel of your hands.  Hand rejuvenation procedures result in softer, plumper, brighter, and smoother hands.

Types of hand rejuvenation

Just like several types of rejuvenation for the face exist, there are several treatment options to restore the youthful appearance of the hands. Most hand rejuvenation treatments focus on extrinsic ageing by unifying pigmentation and skin resurfacing. 

These treatments, including topical acids like tretinoin and vitamin C, topical 5-fluorouracil, bleaching agents, microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser treatments, have been shown to be the most effective and safe. At Specialist Skin Solutions, we offer a whole suite of rejuvenation techniques that will have your hands looking radiant and youthful again in no time. 

• Dermal Fillers
• Laser Genesis 
• Chemical Peels
• Age spot removal

Dermal Fillers

Just like those that take years off your facial age, dermal fillers are effective for contouring the hands, subtly filling in wrinkles and adding volume to plump bony hands and sagging skin. 

Dermal Filler is a medical injectable gel made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance already found in your body that attracts and binds with water, hydrating and plumping ageing skin anywhere on the body, including the extremities. When injected into the hands, dermal fillers restore volume, soften and fill lines, contour, and rejuvenate.

The ideal complement to laser treatments, which work wonders to resurface the appearance of hands, dermal  fillers complete the process by adding volume to eliminate that bony, veiny look. That’s not to say that bones, tendons and veins don’t have important functions— but dermal filler just makes them less noticeable by plumping the surrounding tissue. 

Though dermal fillers are not permanent, results can last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the area treated and the product used.

At Specialist Skin  Solutions, we believe in educating our clients, which is why a thorough consultation takes place prior to every treatment to discuss the areas of your concern,  treatment options, the amount and type of product to be used, as well as associated costs.

Laser Genesis

Laser Genesis is the latest in technological innovations, a medical procedure effective for softening wrinkles and reducing dark spots on the hands.

Restoring and rejuvenating the skin of the hands from beneath the surface, Laser Genesis uses a heat-based laser to target deep layers of the skin. Triggering the skin’s natural healing process to stimulate collagen production, Laser Genesis leaves hands resilient, radiant, and healthy-looking.

Laser Genesis does not wound the skin. Instead, it works by penetrating the top layer of skin and delivering thousands of micro-pulses of light to the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. The warming action shrinks blood vessels, breaks down scar tissue, and stimulates collagen production, leaving skin free of broken blood vessels, and dark areas.The state-of-the-art laser hand treatment diminishes sun spots, age spots and other hyperpigmentation imperfections, as well as lines and wrinkles. Laser treatments are an ideal complement to dermal fillers. While laser treatments work wonders to resurface the skin on the hands, dermal fillers complete the process by adding volume to eliminate that bony, veiny look.

Chemical Peels

Not just for the face, chemical peels can be beneficial for the hands as well. By exfoliating the outer layer of skin, which can become dry, tough, and aged from our many tasks and activities throughout the day, a chemical peel can not only improve the texture of the skin, but it can also help fade dark marks and tighten some of the laxity that can develop in this area over time.

Is hand rejuvenation right for you?

In general, anyone who is unhappy with the way time has changed the appearance of their hands are good candidates for hand rejuvenation. More specifically, you should consider hand rejuvenation if any of these conditions apply to your hands:

• Veiny appearance
• Wrinkled and crepey
• Thin skin
• Age spots or sunspots
• Very dry skin

It’s never too late to turn back the hands of time.

The post Turn Back the <em>Hands of Time:</em> Effective In-Office Treatments for Younger Looking Hands appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Everyone wants bright, even, and glowing skin because a radiant complexion is a sign of health, youth, and freshness. But the sad reality is that uneven, discoloured, and blotchy skin are common concerns caused by a variety of internal and external triggers.

Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which some areas of skin are darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when specific cells in the skin make too much of the pigment called melanin. Hyperpigmentation may appear as freckles, age spots, or larger areas of darkened skin.  

This article will dig deep into the causes of hyperpigmentation,  preventative measures, and options available to treat dark spots, uneven skin,  and discolouration.

What is Hyperpigmentation

All skin contains melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give skin its colour. In certain conditions,  melanocytes can become abnormal and cause an excessive amount of darkening, uneven tone, or discolouration. 

Skin with too much melanin is called hyperpigmented skin. Skin with too little melanin is called hypopigmented. Skin with no melanin at all is called depigmented.

While hyperpigmentation usually isn’t harmful, it can be upsetting, and disturbing,  and can sometimes be a symptom of another medical condition.  

Hyperpigmentation varies from person to person and from one area of the body to another. It can occur in small patches, over large areas, or affect the entire body.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

There are several types of hyperpigmentation, with melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation being the most common.

• Melasma – Melasma is normally caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. This type of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but are most common on the stomach and face.
• Sunspots – Also called liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are very common. Related to overexposure to the sun, sunspots can develop over time, generally appearing on areas exposed to the sun, like the tops of the hands and the face.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation –  A result of injury or inflammation to the skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common among cystic acne sufferers. 

Symptoms of Hyperpigmentation 

Darkened areas on the skin are the most obvious symptoms of hyperpigmentation. Patches can vary in size, level of darkness, and location on the body.  People with naturally darker skin are more prone to experience hyperpigmentation due to increased melanin in the skin.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an excess production of melanin.  Several factors can alter the production of melanin in your body.

• Prescription drugs – Medications that increase light sensitivity Pregnancy – Melasma, or pregnancy mask  
• Hormone system diseases –  An endocrine disease called Addison’s disease can produce hyperpigmentation in areas most frequently exposed to the sun and areas exposed to friction, such as the elbows and knees.  
• Sun exposure. The greatest risk factor associated with hyperpigmentation is sun exposure which causes an increase in melanin production.  

• Trauma to the skin, such as a wound or burn
• Acne
• Skin inflammation 
• Haemochromatosis  (an overload of iron)

Preventing Hyperpigmentation

Avoiding overexposure to the sun and wearing sunscreen are the two most important steps one can take to reduce or prevent hyperpigmentation. The best sunscreens are those that contain zinc oxide as the main active ingredient, contain an SPF of 30 to 50, and provide broad spectrum coverage.

Wearing Many Hats: Why Sun Exposure Causes Premature Ageing and How to Avoid It (While Still Enjoying It). 

Sunscreen should be used daily, not just for days at the beach, pool, or participating in outdoor sports. Reapply it every 2 hours if you are out in the sun for extended periods and more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.

For hyperpigmentation caused by skin disorders such as melasma,  a mineral sunscreen that contains iron oxide is recommended.

SPF-infused sun-protective clothing is now widely available and is recommended for use during prolonged periods in the sun.

Treating Hyperpigmentation 

A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of hyperpigmentation by performing an exam and requesting a patient’s medical history to determine the cause. In some cases, a skin biopsy is performed.

Topical medications such as hydroquinone and retinoids are available to treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. Prolonged use of topical hydroquinone, however, can cause ochronosis, a darkening of the skin. For this reason, topical hydroquinone should only be used under the care of a physician.

Hyperpigmentation isn’t generally harmful, and in many cases, dark areas will fade on their own with good sun protection. In other cases, more aggressive treatment is needed.  

Treatments like Lazer Genesis (insert link to Laser genesis article) and dermal peels can help to reduce hyperpigmentation.

There are also combinations of treatments that help with certain types of discoloured skin.

At Specialist Skin Solutions,  a cosmetic clinic specialising in non-surgical, anti-aging aesthetic procedures, including the latest laser techniques and dermal therapies, we proudly offer the latest treatments and products for hyperpigmentation and other skin concerns. 

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 and the range of treatment options suggested to produce optimal results.  So, if you’re ready to get even with hyperpigmentation, book an appointment with us today! At Specialist Skin Solutions, 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 at any age. We look forward to speaking with you!

If you have specific questions, call us at 02-4934-1700.  

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant to serve as an informative tool only, and is not meant to diagnose or treat skin concerns. Skin is an organ, and skin concerns are medical conditions. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you seek help from a dermatologist if you are experiencing skin problems.

The post Getting Even: Understanding, Preventing and Treating Discoloured Skin Caused by Hyper-Pigmentation appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.