Wellness and Happiness

Skin Changes During Pregnancy

By Nadine de Freitas - - Managing Editor, Les Nouvelles Esthetiques SA

Each pregnancy is unique and skin changes vary from a sudden new glow on your face to pinkish, reddish streaks on your stomach to a Linea Nigra. Below is a list of skin changes that are common during pregnancy.

Stretch Marks: Stretch marks are one of the most talked about skin changes that can occur. Almost 90% of pregnant women will experience stretch marks.

Mask of Pregnancy: Also referred to as melasma and chlosma. These areas of hyperpigmentation, most commonly appear on your forehead and cheeks.

Pregnancy Glow: When you are pregnant your body produces 50% more blood, resulting in more blood circulation through your body. This increase in blood circulation causes your face to be brighter.

Pimple Breakouts and Acne: Acne may become more irritated during pregnancy. The extra hormones cause increase sebaceaous activity, which can cause breakouts.

Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are bulky bluish veins that usually appear on the legs during pregnancy. This happens because your body is compensating for the extra blood flow.

Spider Veins: Spider veins, also known as spider nevi, are minute reddish tiny blood vessels that branch outward. These spider veins are also caused by the increase in blood circulation and usually appear on the face, neck, upper chest and arms.

Linea Nigra: The dark line that runs from your navel to your pubic bone. This is a line that may have always been there, but you may have not noticed it before because it was a light colour. During pregnancy this line darkens caused by the imbalance in hormones. It usually appears around the 4th or 5th month o pregnancy. Stretch Marks (Striae gravidarum)

Skin is remarkably flexible and can stretch substantially if given sufficient time. However, a rapidly growing foetus often means the abdominal skin is stretched further and faster than it can comfortably manage. The overtaxed fibres of the dermis tear at the points experiencing the greatest stress, resulting in fine lines appearing on the body, called stretch marks.

When the skin is over-stretched, it produces too much collagen, which can form the "scars". In essence, stretch marks represent a dermal scar in which the connective tissue (i.e. collagen and elastin) within the dermis is disrupted.

Around half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks usually in the third trimester, as the abdominal skin is forced to accommodate the growing uterus. Some pregnant women also develop stretch marks on the breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs. Depending on the skin type, fresh stretch marks can be pink, purple, brown or red. Over time, the stretch marks lose their bright colouring and become silvery, shimmering lines.

Prevention of stretch marks: Research is contradictory. Most studies maintain that creams and lotions can't prevent stretch marks, but some trials have found significant successes with certain creams. Welcome Mama Mio

created by women who really understand women. Whatever their need in every single stage of their life. Young & carefree. Pregnant- glowing & growing. New mamas reclaiming their bodies.

Mama Mio was founded by three beauty experts in London whom between them have 45 years experience in the skincare industry. The products are packed with the best ingredients science and nature have to offer at the highest levels recommended. Additionally Mama Mio maintains a strict no nasties policy - products are safe to use at any time from pregnancy stage to pensionable age. It is Paraben Free, Petrolatum Free, Sodium Laurel Sulphate Free, Xenoestrogen and Phtalates Free, Colourant and Synthetic Fragrance Free. Mama Mio and Stretch Marks

The products for stretch marks divide into two sections - protection (mainly used in pregnancy) and repair (both for stretch marks and surgical scars). However, we will only be looking at protection in this article.

Tummy Rub Oil The first product made in the Mama Mio range and has taken 15 years to perfect, so it carries a particular care and affection. It is a gorgeous blend of only four premium oils, rich in omega 3, 6 and 9, which Mama Mio discovered are absolutely key to protecting your skin throughout the nine month s-t-r-e-t-c-h, as these omega-rich ingredients help prevent stretch marks by increasing skin elasticity.The oils absorbs quickly... it is a completely un-oily!

But if you prefer Tummy Rub is also available in a butter Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter. It is thick, rich and packed with skin-drenching nutrients - omega 3, 6 and 9, with the addition of Shea Butter.