MM Pregnancy skin
During pregnancy, you may notice changes in your skin pigmentation. Rosi Chapman, CEO of leading formulated skincare company, Transformulas, gives you the lowdown…
It’s only skin deep
Rosi Chapman Transformulas
Pregnancy is such a rush of emotions for mummies to be – that mix of excitement, nervousness, uncertainty and sheer delight and elation. In the throes of parenting books, shopping for cots, creating baby name lists and all the doctor’s appointments, many women don’t take the time to appreciate the changes pregnancy can have on not just the shape of your body – but the appearance of your skin. If you’ve already got kiddies, you may
remember your skin becoming darker during those nine months. It’s all down to hormonal changes in pregnancy, which can affect the complexion of many women. In some cases, women radiate a beautiful healthy glow, while others get the raw end of the deal, and end up suffering from skin problems including hyper-pigmentation, which can lead to loss of body confidence and low self-esteem during an already vulnerable time. Excessive (or hyper) skin pigmentation is
a result of abnormal production and deposition of melanin, the pigment which colours the skin, by melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). Production of melanin is dependent on UV or sun exposure, hormonal changes or physical
trauma and is a natural protective mechanism of the skin. In other words, mummies to be, it’s a completely natural and non-dangerous process the body goes through. Melasma, or chloasma, is a common
type of pigmentation, and it’s thought that two in three women will experience it to varying degrees during pregnancy. Heightened hormone production leads to an increase in production of melanin, resulting in dark brown patches appearing on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and body. If you’re pregnant in summer, it’s going
to be difficult, but I would recommend that you stay indoors as much as possible, especially on days when the sun is shining bright, and at peak sunlight hours. The sun’s rays can be very harsh on the skin and melanin (a pigment that determines skin colour) is produced by the skin as part of the skin's defence against the sun. In layman's terms, in order for the skin to protect itself effectively, it will produce more melanin, so, if you are exposed to sunlight, your complexion will become darker as a result of increased melanin production. If you really can’t resist the call of a good
book in the garden, always wear sun protection of at least SPF30 and apply this
no matter what the weather. Your fashion choices also make a huge difference in preventing the damage. Choose light, airy clothes (tight clothes can irritate the skin) in pale shades (black absorbs the sun’s rays), and always carry a wide-brimmed hat (so chic) and a pair of oversized sunglasses. In a nod to decades past, I always think a sun umbrella is not only a fantastic fashion statement, but the perfect way to protect your face and upper body. Diet and lifestyle can also play a huge
part in protecting mums to be from hyper- pigmentation. The most important factor is to reduce the level of estrogen in the body – as it is the hormone responsible for melanin production. So off the menu come tofu, flaxseeds, soybeans, soy yogurt, sesame seeds, multi-grain bread, hummus, garlic and dried apricots. Next, it’s time to increase your
progesterone levels by introducing whole grains, walnuts, lean red meat, seafood, bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach and fortified cereals into your daily diet. Magnesium is also important and can be upped with whole grain cereals, black beans, halibut, spinach, pumpkin and squash seeds, okra and nuts. Also eat foods rich in folic acid. The
human body cannot produce folic acid by itself, so you need to acquire folate through your food. Though folate is best known in preventing birth defects, it can benefit the skin as well. Increasing your folic acid will decrease skin pigmentation. Foods rich in folate or folic acid are dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, mustard and romaine lettuce, asparagus, broccoli and more.
Non-surgical radiance: that’s the secret of Transformulas. With over 30 years’ experience in the beauty industry, and as one of the top cosmeceutical experts in the UK, Rosi Chapman believes in substance before style. That is how Transformulas came into existence.
transformulas.com
34 Modernmum
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