By Lesley Kerr – Clinical Aromatherapist

Skin, the largest organ we have, can change dramatically during pregnancy and often these changes and symptoms are displayed after the birth of your baby. Everyone is different and women experience different changes in their skin during pregnancy. Some may have the best complexion ever whilst others may experience very dry or very oily skin for the first time in their lives.

Most of the skin changes seen in pregnancy are due to the effects of hormones on various body structures. These changes are viewed as normal and not disease-related by the doctor, however, for the individual concerned it can be very distressing and worrying. Some of the changes discussed below can be permanent or be present during pregnancy and for a short time after the birth of your baby. Some of the most common skin changes in pregnancy are stretch marks with 90% of women experiencing this, along with itchy skin, darkening, dryness and acne.

ACNE- Some women who may have been prone to breakouts of this prior to or during menstruation may develop acne during early pregnancy whilst others may find that their acne condition improves. It is most common in the first three months while the levels of hormones are increasing. Progesterone is more androgenic (male hormone-like) than oestrogen and causes the secretions of your skin glands to increase, which can lead to more acne. After the first trimester, progesterone is produced by the placenta and not the ovaries, so acne usually clears up after this time. While pregnant, the skin can also dry out more than normal so drying treatments such as benzoyl peroxide cream or gel may be too harsh. It's better to use products that are natural in origin. Tea tree oil is safe to use on spots and blemishes and if you have blackheads and oily skin, clay masks are fantastic for absorbing oils and blocked pores.
My Tip - Skin cleansing with a mild natural cleanser (not soap) at least twice a day is the best way to avoid acne breakouts. Don’t wash the face too often as the skin may become dry and aggravate the problem. Follow with a good non alcoholic toner and suitable natural moisturiser. Remember to drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruit and vegetables - beneficial for your skin function.

CHLOASMA - known as the “mask of pregnancy”, is a skin pigmentation which causes brownish patches on the facial skin. It tends to be more common in women with dark hair and pale skin. The effects of chloasma may become more pronounced with each pregnancy. The splotches can show up around your upper lip, nose, cheekbones, and forehead, they may also appear on your cheeks or along your jaw-line. You may develop dark patches on your forearms and other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. What's more, you may find that skin that is already more pigmented, such as your nipples, freckles, scars, and the skin around your genitals becomes even darker during pregnancy. This also tends to happen in areas prone to friction, such as your underarms and inner thighs.

These changes are caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in your body's production of melanin, the natural substance that gives colour to hair, skin, and eyes. The areas of increased pigmentation will probably fade within a few months after delivery and your skin should return to its normal shade, although in some women the changes never completely disappear. Exposure to sunlight may cause these dark areas to become darker.
My Tip - It’s a good idea to stay in the shade and wear a hat when outside. Good sun protection is very important such as creams and lotions with added SPF and UV filters. Apply every day, whether it's sunny or not, and reapply often during the course of the day if you're outside. Use gentle natural cleansers and facial creams. Preparations with chemicals that irritate the skin may make the problem worse. Using foundation make-up can also help disguise dark patches or spots on the skin.

ITCHINESS - Itchy skin particularly around the abdomen and breasts can be an irritating problem. It is most common during the second and third trimesters and is due to the skin stretching as the body grows causing uncomfortable dryness and itching. If you begin to experience severe itching late in your pregnancy you should consult with your health care professional. A very small percentage of pregnant women can suffer from a liver problem and severe itchiness accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fatigue can be an indication of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester.
My Tip – To help alleviate dry itchy skin you should keep the skin moisturised by massaging the affected areas with a rich nourishing vegetable oil such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or borage oil. You can also use an anti-itch cream such as calamine lotion. Itching may also be due to excess acidity in the body so drink plenty of mineral water and avoid too much sugar. See recipe below for stretch marks which will help.

NAILS - Hormonal changes for some women cause fingernails and toenails to grow faster than usual or for some they may become brittle or soft.
My Tip - Massage, especially around the cuticles with a nourishing vegetable oil, e.g. sweet almond oil.

RASHES - Many women perspire more during pregnancy. This is due to the effect of hormones on the sweat glands and may cause heat rashes and itchy red bumps on the abdomen. These may spread to other areas including the buttocks, arms and legs, causing irritation and discomfort.
My Tip - Moisturise the areas concerned with vegetable oil e.g. sweet almond oil
and avoid hot baths and showers as they tend to dry out the skin even more. Also wear loose fitting cotton clothes when out in warm weather and when in bed.

STRETCH MARKS - tend to occur from the second trimester onwards when the breasts and abdomen start to enlarge, stretching the skin considerably. More than half of all pregnant women develop stretch marks which can leave scarring. In some women they also appear on the buttocks, hips and thighs. They are a form of scarring and are caused by tiny tears of the elastic fibres of the skin. Stretch marks, once formed, are very difficult to remove and prevention is definitely easier than cure.
My Tip - It is helpful to gain only the recommended weight, usually 25 to 35 pounds and to do so, slowly. Daily massage of the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs and buttocks with moisturising body oil with added natural vitamin E is excellent and should be carried out morning and night for the duration of the pregnancy. Continuing this routine for a few weeks after the birth should help muscle tissue return to a more normal state and increase elasticity of the skin.

RECIPE - MASSAGE OIL FOR DURING & AFTER PREGNANCY
This is a great recipe for you to try at home and I recommend this blend be massaged into the affected areas e.g. abdomen, breasts, thighs etc. twice daily. The vegetable oils in this formulation are just as important, if not more important, than the essential oils so don’t worry if you can’t purchase for example, Neroli essential oil

60ml Sweet Almond Oil
10ml Rosehip Oil
10ml Carrot Oil
10ml Borage Oil
10ml Natural Vitamin E Oil
15 drops Tangerine essential oil
 5 drops Neroli essential oil

Ask Lesley

If you have any questions regarding your skin condition, I offer a free personal skin care analysis service. Please e-mail me for further details:

Write to Lesley at:
Lesley@kerrbally.com

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by Lesley Kerr, Clinical Aromatherapist and co-founder of www.Kerrbally.com. The article is for informative & educational purposes and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation and diagnosis for which individuals should seek advice from their GP.