Skin Care during Pregnancy - Coping up with Stretch Marks and Pigmentation Problems

Pregnancy is a time when the body goes through many changes, and a number of these affect the skin. Levels of circulating female hormones, primarily estrogen, are much higher than normal. The skin is extremely responsive to these hormones, and the changes that they produce are often attractive. But some effects of pregnancy on the skin, such as stretch marks and pigmentary blemishes, are less welcome.

An Expectant Glow

Some pregnant women find that their skin looks better than ever, with any residual acne or spots disappearing after about the first three months. Many notice a softer texture and improved tone and appearance: the famous glow of pregnancy. However, some women's skin becomes slightly drier during pregnancy. Using moisturizers and bath oils helps to relieve this, and the skin should revert to its normal condition after delivery.

Stretch Marks

It's estimated that between 75 and 90 percent of pregnant women develop striae, or stretch marks. These occur as a result of thinning and loss of elasticity in the dermis(the lower layer of the skill), and the tearing of the collagen bundles.
When stretch marks first appear, they are bright red raised lines, 1/4 to 1/2 in(6 to 12 mm) wide. Later they may become purple, but they eventually flatten and fade considerably to form pale, shiny depressed streaks.
They usually develop on the breasts, abdomen, hips, and thighs, which are the areas that grow most rapidly during this time.

Causes

There are two probable reasons why stretch marks occur during pregnancy. The first is the presence of large amounts of hormones that break down and remove protein from the skin, disrupting the collagen bundles, and making the skin more papery. The second reason is the weight gain of pregnancy. This increases pressure on the skin, stretching the collagen bundles to the point of breaking.

Can You Avoid Stretch Marks?

There is no way of telling who will get stretch marks during pregnancy and who will not. It is often said that women with very elastic skin avoid them, or that certain ethnic groups are less prone to stretch marks. There is no evidence that either of these beliefs is true.

A number of creams and moisturizing lotions claim to help prevent stretch marks, but there is no proof that they work. There is little that you can do to avoid stretch marks beyond keeping your weight gain during pregnancy gradual and moderate.

Treatment

If you do develop stretch marks, the skin will never return entirely to its former elasticity, and the marks will not disappear completely. But they do fade to become almost translucent and much less visible. However, some treatments are available, although the results are not always reliable.

Some reports indicate that applying Retin-A, an acne treatment, may help recent marks that are still red, but this medication is not safe for use during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects in the unborn baby.
Dermatology clinics sometimes offer laser treatment for stretch marks. Again, this is best used on recent, red marks. It may partially fill the depressions and improve the surface texture in some cases. However, the results are modest.

Pigmentation Problem

Melanocytes- the pigment-producing cells of the skin- are also sensitive to the female hormones that circulate during pregnancy.

In most women this does not produce any visible change in pigmentation. However, some darker-skinned women develop pale brown pigmentation around the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Known as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy," it is often exacerbated by exposure to the sun. This is because the combination of hormones and sunlight stimulates the melanocytes to produce melanin, the brownish-black pigment in the skin.
Chloasma usually fades after delivery, but does not always disappear completely. For this reason, it is wise to avoid excessive sun exposure and to wear a sunscreen when outdoors.
Changes in pigmentation can also occur on the body. Many women develop a dark line running from the pubic area to the navel, known as the linea nigra. The nipples may also darken, especially in women who have naturally dark skin.
Both of these pigmentation changes tend to fade or disappear after delivery, though this may take some time.