Skin Care in Pregnancy and the Postnatal Period

Kerry Pollard RGN RM, West CorkAesthetics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.55975/INKW9867

A great deal of advice around maintaining health is focused on nutrition and exercise - in particular what todo and what not to do. Little focus is on the importance of skin care. Just like the heart and lungs, the skin is an organ of the body. In fact it is the largest of all of the organs. It has many functions, many of which support us to maintain health and wellbeing through a complex ecosystem of the micro biome where it provides protections against pathogens, supports vitamin synthesis,

metabolism and immune development.¹ In pregnancy, the body’s organs undergo a myriad of physiological changes affecting each system differently.² There are three categories of skin conditions in pregnancy, benign hormone-related changes such as hyperpigmentation and striae gravidarum, pre-existing skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis, and pregnancy-specific disorders such as atopic eruption of pregnancy.³ Each will require different treatment or care to minimise discomfort or irritation.

In today’s society we often look for additional products to assist with keeping our skin healthy. The challenge we face is knowing what products are best for us. The skin care market can be overwhelming with many companies claiming their products can help with a multitude of skin complaints. Fortunately in Ireland we are governed by skincare regulations that mean cosmetic products placed on the market here must meet the European Union (cosmetic products) Regulations 2013.⁴  However, it is important to be aware that as well as the impact of the change in hormones on the skin, some ingredient in products should be avoided as they can be absorbed by the skin and could pass in to the bloodstream. For example, chemical sunscreens retinoids, hydroquinone, salicylic acid,  formaldehyde, parabens and spironolactone.⁵Due to the ethical issues of clinical trials in pregnancy, reviews around the safety of topical products in pregnancy are limited.⁶

Supporting the skin in keeping its protective barrier functioning effectively can help protect against infection and pollutants. Maintaining skin care through cleansing of the skin, exfoliation and moisturisation can help address early skin care complaints and minimise discomfort or complications. Such a process helps to keep the skin healthy and thus supports the  protective barrier of the skin against environmental factors, irritants and pollutants. As well as the physical benefits, this practice of self care also has a positive effect on holistic  support and wellbeing for everyone.⁷

REFERENCES

1. Lai-Cheong JE, McGrath JA. Structure and function  of skin, hair and nails. Medicine.2021;49(6):337-342. doi. org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2021.03.001.

2. Muallem MM, Rubeiz NG. Physiological and biological  skin changes in pregnancy. Clin Dermatol.2006;24(2):80- 83. doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2005.10.002. 3. Erlandson M,Wertz MC, Rosenfeld E. Common  SkinConditions During Pregnancy. Am Fam Physician. 2023;107(2):152-158.

4. https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/cosmetics/regulatory-informationhttps://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/cosmetics/legislation_en

5. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of skin  care products during pregnancy. Can FamPhysician.  2011;57(6):665-667.

6. Putra IB, Jusuf NK, Dewi NK. Skin Changes and Safety  Profile of Topical Products DuringPregnancy. J Clin  Aesthet Dermatol.2022;15(2):49-57.  

7. Caring for your mental health. National Institute of  Mental Health.https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/ caring-for-your-mental-health.

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