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mom & baby skincare Craig Kraffert, MD, responds to your questions
What are some of the most common skin concerns that new after delivery, and how can they be addressed?
Sometimes called the mask of pregnancy, melasma is caused by a combination of he- redity, sun and hormones. Typically, melasma slowly improves after delivery. The best ways to help prevent it is to
avoid the sun whenever possible and to use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 50. Taking vitamin D3 is important for those strictly avoiding sun exposure. Treatment for melasma includes using brightening products and retinoids after delivery. Prescription op- tions rely on tretinoin and hydroquinone, which can be harsh and unpleasant but do provide results over time. Newer non- prescription options that contain nanoencapus- lated retinol, which is less harsh than its traditional counterparts, frequently
- rable to prescription therapy and are better tolerated.
www.youandyourfamily.com Blood vessel enlargement occurs during
pregnancy as a result of increased estrogen levels. Known as telangiectasia and spi- der hemangioma, they appear frequently on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead, and typically tend to fade after delivery. Those that don’t fade may respond well to non- scarring vascular laser treatment. Spider hemangiomas also occur on the
face, neck, chest and upper extremities. These respond to vascular laser and elec- trodessication needle treatment. A common occurrence, stretch marks
represent internal tearing of the dermis due to its inability to accommodate tension from rapid skin stretching. Genetics may predis- pose some new moms to stretch marks. Many prescription and non-prescription
remedies have been suggested, but none marks invariably fade within 6 to 24 months of formation, but not completely. Watchful waiting really is the best approach. Moles tend to rise up and become lighter as the years go by. Pregnancy, how- ever, can speed up this natural process, which is in part due to increased hormone levels. Raised moles also can be more prone to irritation from clothing, seatbelts and more. Shave removal can be performed with good technique.
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