During pregnancy and postpartum our body is subject to several significant changes: anatomical, physiological, hormonal, immunological, vascular and metabolic. Many of these are the cause of noticeable changes in a woman's skin. These changes can lead to discomfort, discomfort, itching; and even a deterioration in our well-being, as they can considerably affect our image [1]. We are going to tell you about some of the most important ones:

Stretch marks in pregnancy

Stretch marks are the most common skin alteration and one of the most feared, as they tend to persist after childbirth. According to studies, between 77 and 90% [2] of women may suffer from stretch marks on their skin during pregnancy, especially after the sixth month of pregnancy. Stretch marks are lines of atrophic skin, usually in the form of a zigzag, which arise due to the rupture of the dermis under an intact epidermis. Their initial appearance is red-violaceous, erythematous and raised. They usually begin to appear around the navel, abdominal wall, thighs and hips, and continue on the breasts and armpits. The specific causes of their appearance are several factors together: both the abdominal extension, as well as the increase of stereoid hormones that decrease the production of collagen and also certain genetic predisposition. It is very important to prevent its appearance from very early in pregnancy and to re-epithelialize and repair the area to smooth its appearance and stop it from continuing.

Up to 90% of women suffer from stretch marks during pregnancy.

Flaccidity after childbirth

Abdominal flaccidity after childbirth is the biggest concern that women have at this stage, according to a market study that we conducted in Mamanecó. After giving birth, the skin that had elongated to accommodate our baby now notices a significant distension that leads, in 60% of women, to a very pronounced flaccidity. Collagen and elastin fibers lose their structure and firmness. In addition, during pregnancy, the skin becomes thicker and more turgid as it accumulates fluids, fluids that remain at this time after childbirth. This skin, both in the abdomen, thighs, hips and buttocks has also accumulated more fat, which will increase the body flaccidity. Therefore, for its approach, it will be important to increase the synthesis of collagen and elastin, eliminate liquids, eliminate fat from adipocytes, increase microcirculation and remodel the layers of the skin.

Postpartum flaccidity is the greatest aesthetic concern shown by women during their maternity period

Nipple cracks

30% of breastfeeding women suffer from nipple cracks. The cracks in the nipple are wounds in a very sensitive area of our body; this makes that, during breastfeeding, the suction becomes a torture for the mothers of the pain that they get to experience, even abandoning breastfeeding. Cracks can be caused by a bad posture of the baby's mouth when sucking, which we must take care of and work on. It is also recommended to leave the breasts open to the air, not to wear tight bras or bras with fabrics that can irritate us, and to leave the mother's milk on the nipple for a while after feedings. However, all these recommendations, most of the time, are not enough, since we need to soothe and calm the area quickly to moderate the intense pain that occurs and to repair and reepithelialize the nipple for rapid healing. Fortunately, there are balms for this purpose.

Nipple cracks can lead to abandonment of breastfeeding

Pregnancy spots

Skin blemishes are another very likely and uncomfortable manifestation during pregnancy. It usually appears in 13-75% of pregnant women [3]. Irregular pigmented areas appear, well delimited and spread over the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. Its mechanism is the increase of melanin in the skin at this time of pregnancy, due to hormonal, genetic and environmental factors.

Acne in pregnancy

Acne is another skin disorder that can appear during pregnancy in up to 43% of women [4]. It usually occurs on the face, in the lower area, but can also spread to other parts of the body such as the back. Again, it is the endocrine changes with the increase in estrogens and progesterone that cause this dermatosis. Having had acne in the past or being a young mother are also favorable factors for its appearance. In this case, not just any treatment is valid; we have to carry out a good hygiene of our skin and an appropriate approach adapted to the time of pregnancy.

Dermatoses in pregnancy

There are many other dermatoses that can appear during pregnancy, such as the appearance of eczema, pruritus, and some more specific to pregnancy, which can, in rare cases, become complicated. In addition, diseases that we suffered from before, such as psoriasis, lupus, or even contact dermatitis, can also be exacerbated during this stage [5].

More sensitive skin in pregnancy

In general, and due to hormonal and immunological alterations in our organism, our skin becomes more sensitive and, therefore, we have to treat it as such. It is a special time, when the largest organ of our body needs special care with products carefully designed to approach mother's skin in a delicate and safe way, just as she is.

A cream that was used daily before can now, during pregnancy, produce a reaction, because the skin at this time increases its sensitivity.

Our brand Mamanecó is dermatologically tested on sensitive skin to offer you that respectful care for your skin, and to prevent or alleviate its affections at this time with advanced technology ingredients and with a greater efficacy scientifically proven.

Bibliography

1. Ciechanowicz P, Sikora M, Taradaj K, Ruta A, Rakowska A, Kociszewska-Najman B, Wielgoś M, Rudnicka L. Skin changes during pregnancy. Is that an important issue for pregnant women? Ginekol Pol. 2018;89(8):449-52. doi: 10.5603/GP.a2018.0077. PMID: 30215465.
2. Muzaffar F, Hussain I, Haroon TS. Physiologic skin changes during pregnancy: a study of 140 cases. Int J Dermatol 1998;37(6):429-31.
3. Goh CL, Dlova CN. A retrospective study on the clinical presentation and treatment outcome of melasma in a tertiary dermatological referral centre in Singapore. Singapore Med J 1999;40:455-8.
4. Dréno B, Blouin E, Moyse D, Bodokh I, Knol AC, Khammari A. Acne in pregnant women: a French survey. Acta Derm Venereol. 2014;94:82-3.
5. Vora RV, Gupta R, Mehta MJ, Chaudhari AH, Pilani AP, Patel N. Pregnancy and skin. J Family Med Prim Care. 2014 Oct-Dec;3(4):318-24. doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.148099. PMID: 25657937; PMCID: PMC4311336.