The skin changes that can happen after you've had a baby - expert advice from Dr Christine Or about how you can fix them
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- 1 day ago
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The skin changes that can happen after you've had a baby - expert advice from Dr Christine Or about how you can fix them
Bringing a new baby into the word is an extraordinary and life-changing experience filled with joy and love. However, it can also bring some unexpected changes to your skin and body, and many women who are postpartum often notice that their skin is different after pregnancy.
In this blog, award-winning Dr Christine Or, who has built her reputation on providing skin health advice for her patients, shares the most common skin changes that can happen after you've had a baby and the most safe and effective treatments to help combat these.
Post-pregnancy pigmentation - melasma and dark spots
Hormonal fluctuations can often overstimulate pigment cells causing melasma or uneven brown patches on the skin post-pregnancy. Dr Christine Or advises that a condition like melasma responds well to medical grade skincare that can suppress pigmentation production in the skin and in-clinic treatments to stimulate regeneration of the skin leading to a more even skintone.
It is important to note that you will need to stop breast feeding before having any in-clinic treatments and take advice from a skin specialist before using new skincare products as not all are suitable when breast-feeding.
Gentle chemical peels: The Obagi Blue Peel Radiance contains a unique blend of salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids to provide a gentle but effective facial chemical peel, resulting in smoother, tighter, brighter-looking skin after just one treatment. It effectively exfoliates the uppermost damaged skin layers, leaving your skin refreshed, renewed and radiant with little to no downtime.
RF microneedling: This advanced energy-based treatment combines both medical microneedling and radiofrequency to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. The creation of micro-injuries to the skin encourages collagen production in the dermis resulting in anti-ageing and skin tightening. It improves skin texture, pigmentation and an uneven skin tone.
Medical grade skincare brightening products: Products containing active ingredients such as Vitamin C, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, arbutin and hydroquinine, help to inhibit melanin production. When combined with a retinoid to increase cell turnover, existing pigmentation can be broken down and new pigment production can be slowed.
Postpartum acne and breakouts
Hormone shifts, stress and a lack of sleep when looking after a newborn can all trigger congestion or inflammatory breakouts of the skin. Dr Christine advises that repairing the skin barrier and reducing inflammation can help with postpartum acne and recommends the below:
LED light therapy: Dermalux Flex LED Phototherapy delivers Red, Blue and Infra-red light at clinically proven wavelengths to energise skin cells to allow them to function better. The light energises the skin to revitalise a dull tired complexion and can be used to treat acne and inflammatory conditions. Following a single Dermalux LED treatment you can expect immediate improvement in skin tone, hydration and radiance. However, a course of Dermalux treatments is recommended to stimulate the skin's natural repair and rejuvenation process for long lasting results.
Medical grade skincare : It is important to have a consultation with a skin specialist who can examine your skin and recommend the best skincare for you. Products containing potent and clinically proven ingredients such as niacinamide or salicylic acid help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, regulate oil production in the skin and promote cell renewal post-partum. However, often skin can feel dry and dehydrated and yet still breakout, so gentle products that do not strip your skin and repair the skin barrier may recommended instead. Always consult a skin specialist before using any new products, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Skin laxity and loss of skin firmness
After pregnancy, hormonal shifts and increased bodily demands temporarily alter collagen production which can often leave the skin lacking elasticity. Dr Christine advises that regenerative in-clinic treatments with "skinboosters" to stimulate collagen can help combat this concern and recommends:
Profhilo: This is an injectable hyaluronic acid which uniquely flows under the skin, so it distributes to all areas to deeply hydrate the skin. In addition, it also stimulates collagen production in the skin leading to further improvement in skin quality, elasticity and firmness. Skin will feel smoother and regain a natural glow. Treatment is not recommended if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, but it is worth booking a consultation to discuss how Profhilo may benefit your skin when you are ready.
Polynucleotides: This treatment involves injecting highly purified fragments of DNA extracted from wild salmon or trout sperm into the skin to boost collagen. Polynucleotides stimulate a receptor on cells that activate fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen and elastin. This leads to rejuvenation of the skin with improved skin structure, firmness and elasticity.
Skin Dryness and Sensitivity
Breastfeeding, disrupted sleep, and hormonal changes can all cause the skin barrier to weaken which increases dryness and irritation. By replenishing the lost moisture, this will help the skin recover more quickly and Dr Christine advises:
Medical grade skincare barrier repair products: Barrier repair creams soothe dryness and sensitivity by replenishing essential skin lipids and moisturise the skin to rebuild the outer layer. Look for products that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, all of which work to restore the skin's natural defences for softer, more resilient skin.
Support your skin internally: Prioritise anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, omega-3 sources like salmon or flaxseed, and adequate hydration. Feeding your skin from within has a profound impact on your skin's resilience and recovery. Taking a supplement like Skinade can also help provide internal support for your skin as it contains a unique blend of hydrolysed marine collagen, calcium ascorbate, MSM, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, organic flax seed and l-lysine. These active ingredients are essential for your skin's hydration, radiance, elasticity and to increase the production of collagen in your skin.
Why Choose Dr. Christine Medical Aesthetics?
Pregnancy and childbirth are very special but can also be very demanding, so it is important to find some time for self-care. If you have noticed post-pregnancy skin changes, book your consultation with Dr Christine Or who will be happy to discuss a personalised skincare and treatment plan that is suitable for your current situation.
