Hormonal changes and fatigue can drastically change a mother’s skin both during and after pregnancy. The onset of conditions like melasma, acne, dermatitis, and dry, flaky, irritated skin, could be triggered not by chemical changes, but also by the sheer exhaustion brought by taking care of your little one.
Your skin may become more sensitive in the process, most especially if you are a working mom who may be subject to additional stress on the job. Check out these five common problems we have listed for working moms with sensitive skin, plus tips on how to manage these conditions.
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Dry, Flaky, and Irritated Skin
Body-chemistry wise, dry skin occurs when there is a significant lack of lipids (oils) and water on the outermost layer of the skin, or the barrier layer. It can be caused by several things, like extremely hot or cold weather, hot baths and showers, harsh detergents, and body soaps, as well as conditions with a more serious underlying cause such as eczema, psoriasis, and fatigue.
When the stress hormone, cortisol, rises, the skin weakens, causing varying degrees of dryness and loss of radiance. It is essential to remain adequately hydrated and moisturized to help avoid or control the symptoms of skin dryness.
You can avert and prevent moisture loss by keeping your skin supple through a few dry skin solutions.
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Always use skin-appropriate moisturizers to seal water within the skin barrier
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Apply lotion
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Drink enough water
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Limit baths to just once a day, if possible
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Skip drying soap formulations and switching to gentle, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic cleansers with added moisturizers
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Apply sunscreen
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Increase intake of flaxseed oil and oily fishes like salmon
Relying on sugar-loaded goodies to give you energy throughout the day can worsen non-specific dermatitis, so limiting or avoiding sweets altogether will greatly improve your overall complexion.
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Puffy Eyes and Dark Undereye Circles
Motherhood is a 24-hour job that recalibrates your routine to a whole new level. Late nights caused by putting your children to bed and making sure their needs are taken care of after a long day at work will most often show around your eye area, leading to puffy eyes and appearance of dark undereye circles.
If you are a breastfeeding mom, increasing your water intake to at least two liters daily and applying eye creams loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C will shield your skin’s collagen. Eye moisturizers and serums with peptides and aloe vera or those that have cooling menthol will help hydrate your eye area and reduce overall puffiness, making you look more rested.
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Melasma
Melasma, more commonly known as skin pigmentation, causes dark spots. It often manifests as brown-hued patches on your cheeks, forehead, chin, nose bridge, or other parts of the body, especially those that are most exposed to the sun.
A research conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology indicates that women are more prone to melasma, with over 90% of people who developed the condition being women.
It is a common side effect of pregnancy that extends even after six months post-partum because of hormonal imbalance, characterized by increased estrogen and progesterone levels that activate the melanocytes that cause skin discoloration—that is why it is also known as the “pregnancy mask.”
Ask your dermatologist about non-invasive treatments like micropolishing that sloughs off the skin’s top layer to buff and tone affected areas, or Intense Pulsed Light treatments that use light energy to treat affected areas, which is often combined with microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells.
For moms who have no time or resources for in-office procedures, acid-based toners (lactic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid) can help with exfoliation to bring new skin to the surface. There are gentle scrubs and polishing kits that can aid in repairing melasma-damaged skin. Moisturizing after exfoliation is also vital to hydrate the skin.
Using sunscreens that offer UVA and UVB protection and are at least SPF 30, while avoiding sun exposure, will also help prevent dark spots, as ultraviolet rays can stimulate hyperpigmentation.
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Acne
Many women who had smooth, clear skin only experienced acne when their motherhood journey started. During pregnancy, the increased levels of progesterone, that maintains a healthy uterine lining, can cause more oil production, possibly leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
Post-pregnancy elevated cortisol levels are mainly due to the stress of child-rearing and holding a job at the same time, increasing oil production that can lead to pimples.
There are pore-cleaning treatments like facials and peels that can be done at your trusted dermatologist’s clinic to sort the problem, as well as over-the-counter solutions like mild facial cleansers containing ingredients like sulfur (an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory natural ingredient), aloe vera, green tea, and eucalyptus to calm the skin.
Topical treatments with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are also usually safe for breastfeeding moms suffering from acne. Stick to using soap-free, fragrance-free cleansers, and do not use oily moisturizers or facial oils as this can clog your skin and cause more breakouts.
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Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, is vital in replacing and restoring dead skin cells. It naturally decreases as you age. Its production is also affected by lifestyle choices like diet, sun exposure, smoking habits, and even hormonal imbalances that occur in a mother’s changing body.
Some anti-aging ingredients that lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines include niacinamide, which boosts skin barrier function and improves overall skin appearance. Products containing plant stem cells and peptides also enhance collagen production.
A good rule of thumb is to develop a simple skin regimen that will fit your busy schedule and to use hypoallergenic products that will not aggravate the problem. Always consult your GP or dermatologist before using any new products, especially if you know that you have sensitive skin. You don’t want to end up adding more stress by worsening your condition.