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When you're pregnant, your skin needs extra care and attention. Many women experience dark circles under the eyes, stretch marks, varicose veins, brown patches, acne, dryness, and loss of collagen, elastin or resiliency. We asked Dr. Susan C. Taylor, founder and president of the Skin of Color Society and author of Brown Skin: Dr. Susan Taylor's Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair and Nails (Harper Collins, 2003), to answer a few common questions.
Q: Why does the skin change during pregnancy?
A: The hormone levels that increase during pregnancy are responsible for many of the changes in the skin.
Q: Is it true pregnant women "glow"? If so, why?
A: Increased blood flow to the skin.
Q: Are there any skin conditions African Americans are more prone to when pregnant?
A: Yes, our skin may become very dark in certain areas such as the nipple and areola and the line between the belly button and the pubis.
Q: What sort of skin care routine do you recommend for pregnant women?
A: Gently washing the skin including the body folds (under the breasts and under the belly with mild products and moisturizing all areas of the skin including the belly. Applying an absorbent powder in the body folds may also be helpful.
Q: Are there any products that are better to use during pregnancy?
A: Since the blood flow increases during pregnancy, we tend to be warmer and a bit oilier. So particularly in the summer, products designed for oily skin are in order.
Q: Is there a way to prevent stretch marks?
A: No, not really although many MDs think that moisturizing the skin helps.
Q: Can you get rid of stretch marks?
A: Some lasers may help as well as Retin A.
Q: Why do some women get sort of a "mask" and why?
A: The mask is also called melasma and it is related to estrogen and sun exposure. We treat it with bleaching agents.
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