When talking about maternity, it can be said that it is a stage with many changes at the immunological, endocrine, vascular and metabolic level, which trigger aesthetic problems such as stretch marks, acne, darkening of the skin, cellulite, increased volume in the legs, arms and neck.
due to fluid retention. At Slow Life House we know the importance of maintaining a healthy face and body during pregnancy, with specialized and tailor-made facial and body treatments, so that the expectant mother always feels radiant, without drastic changes in the texture and appearance of the skin. and body volume with that much-desired “pregnancy glow”.
What cosmetic changes does my body experience during pregnancy?
It is impossible to stop the physical changes during pregnancy, because a different hormonal activity is generated; but they can be controlled so that they are not noticeable and can be more easily eliminated in the postpartum period.
These aesthetic changes have to do with nutrition and hydration, two super important factors; if fats, fried foods and sugars are ingested, weight gain will be uncontrolled, facilitating the appearance of swollen feet and stretch marks on the skin of a pregnant woman , and the skin becomes more prone to acne or impurities. It is recommended to consume foods that have vitamins C, B, E and minerals such as zinc and copper and silicon that stimulate collagen production. Likewise, drink 1.5 liters of water a day to maintain hydration, and use sunscreen to avoid spots or melasma.
Within the aesthetic modifications in pregnancy is the darkening of the skin in the second trimester of pregnancy. From 70 to 90% of women, especially those with a brown-based complexion, develop irregular and diffuse brown-toned spots on the face and neck (chloasma or “mask of pregnancy”), nipples and areolas, genital skin, armpits, inner part of the thighs and the midline of the abdomen, also known as “linea alba” – which disappears immediately after delivery. These spots can be a hereditary and/or hormonal condition, but the sun is the main trigger.
The increase in body and facial hair is super normal, because it increases the production of androgenic hormones that occurs especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. The most common places where they usually appear: abdomen, chest, breasts, armpits, arms, legs and back. And on the face: the pear, the upper lip area and sometimes even the cheeks and ears. To eliminate them, hair removal is recommended using tweezers, wax or shave or electric hair removal machines. Never use chemical bleaches or topical hair removal products (depilatory creams); Although there are no studies that indicate that they can affect the health of the baby, but since its components are absorbed through the skin, it is better to prevent and refrain from its application.
It is proven that the breasts increase in size rapidly during the first 8 weeks, growing from 25 to 50%. It can be beneficial for those with small chests, but it can cause a certain discomfort or sensation of breast tension, and without proper hydration they can cause stretch marks. The use of creams is recommended to increase skin flexibility and provide regenerative properties.
How can I remove the darkening of the skin caused by pregnancy?
The effects of the sun on pregnant women due to prolonged exposure or without the necessary care can be irreversible, so it is advisable to protect the skin with a sun protection cream of at least 30, if you are going to spend a long time total protection SPF 50+ with a hat and under an umbrella. The spots or pregnancy mask usually disappear after giving birth, but in a small percentage (10%) they can remain, in this case consult a specialist.
Treat stretch marks during pregnancy
The skin tends to stretch up to ten times during pregnancy, causing visible scars that will last on the skin: stretch marks, which are nothing more than the rupture of elastic fibers, especially on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, hips, and lower back; these with the areas where stretch marks appear in pregnant women. There are creams especially for daily skin hydration, the best are those that contain aloe vera as a source of hydration, and should be applied after bathing, with upward circular movements.
The best aesthetic treatments for pregnant women at Slow Life House
Sometimes facial skin, as a consequence of hormonal changes, can be affected by dryness, the appearance of acne breakouts, the appearance of spots and the dreaded melasma. Our facial treatments for pregnant women regenerate, nourish, calm and pamper the skin. we have specific treatments that are carried out with postpartum products such as soft superficial peels (ferulic or retinoic acid) to remove dead skin, decongest it from acne and stimulate cell turnover, ideal as a facial treatment against melasma. It can be used with mesotherapy, vitamins and active ingredients that stimulate skin cell metabolism.
Regarding the body, as indicated above, the main problem of pregnancy is fluid retention, which favors the increase in cellulite and the appearance of stretch marks. For this reason, we have recommended body treatments for pregnant women., with specific and compatible technology without harming the pregnancy of the baby, such as: pressotherapy without activating the abdominal part, only legs to perform therapeutic massages that help soothe muscle discomfort. And lymphatic drainage (after week 12), performed by physiotherapists to combat fluid retention; We currently take advantage of the benefits of underwater massage; in which the body is submerged in a bathtub, and a pressure jet is applied under water to eliminate cellulite, drain fluids, improve circulation, produce a relaxing effect on the nervous system, and above all relieve the feeling of heaviness in the legs.
Aesthetic and cosmetic treatments that a pregnant woman should avoid
It is very characteristic that the woman uses different creams in her daily life, but when she is pregnant her body is more sensitive to external agents, so special care must be taken and read the components of the containers, as well as advice with a specialist. The most important thing is to avoid those creams or lotions that accumulate in fat and can cross the placental barrier such as creams with a high content of vitamin A, D, E and K, especially the first one -aimed at preventing signs of aging on the skin- that Due to its high dose during pregnancy, it could be related to the appearance of congenital defects in the baby. As well as hydroquinone creams,only apply them when clearly necessary, because it is highly risky: they can cross the pleasure bar and cause damage.
During the 9 months of pregnancy, the body is much more sensitive and prone to eczema, allergies, infections and other more serious complications depending on the case, so laser, ultrasound, pulsed light and radiofrequency treatments are prohibited . Although it has not been scientifically proven, due to the creams, lotions and gels used and the waves they emit, it is believed that they can affect the development of the baby, and when in doubt it is better to avoid.
It is very important to take care of yourself during pregnancy with the greatest possible attention, to speed up postpartum recovery. Follow the obstetrician’s instructions and recommendations from specialized aesthetic centers such as Slow Life House, where we are experts in medicine and aesthetics: Dr. Pilar de Benito, who studies the history of each patient, as well as their skin and needs, creates adapted and totally personalized treatments.
