MAMA SKIN

Tips and advice for hormonal pregnancy skin and postpartum complexions from the new book by skincare queen Caroline Hirons

PREGNANCY

Hormones can wreak havoc with your skin, but there is no way of telling which way your skin will go, so:

• Invest in a hyaluronic facial mist to spray on your face when you are hot and flustered, or dry and dehydrated (or both). You’ll love it when you’re in labour.

• Buy a good-quality fragrance-free facial oil to apply if your skin is inflamed.

• Switch out your vitamin A for something like bakuchiol. This is a plant-derived product considered a suitable alternative for vitamin A during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it’s shown to have a similar effect on the skin.

• Surges in hormones frequently result in breakouts, and despite old wives’ tales, low levels of salicylic acid are completely safe for pregnant women. Doctors recommend using no higher than a 2 per cent product to tackle pregnancy breakouts, and most over-the-counter products are sold at levels lower than 2 per cent.

All other acids are fine, although I wouldn’t use anything that your skin is not accustomed to during this period.

DRY SKIN

Dry skin is normally a skin type but it can also be a temporary skin condition. It is caused by lack of oil in the skin. Characteristics of dry skin include:

• Small pores

• Skin feels ‘tight’

• Skin may be flaky

• Milia, blackheads and spots may be present

• Skin looks dull

• Skin is not plump

• Skin doesn’t absorb products easily

• Skin is easily irritated and more likely to suffer reactions to products skin is aggravated by poor skincare

DEHYDRATED SKIN

A skin condition such as dehydration can affect any skin type, including dry and oily skin. It is caused by lack of water in the skin (not lack of water taken orally!). Characteristics of dehydrated skin include:

• Pores can be large or small

• Skin feels ‘tight’ and dry, although confusingly, in the case of oily skin, it can still look shiny and have breakouts

• Skin absorbs moisturisers really quickly

• Blackheads and spots are still visible

• Makeup disappears (and goes patchy) throughout the day as the skin is absorbing any water in your foundation

• Skin looks ‘ashen’

• A possibility of suffering from headaches

In normal circumstances, your hydrolipidic film (on the surface of the skin) acts as a regulator and barrier – retaining moisture and protecting your skin against germs. If, for whatever reason, that film’s effectiveness is affected, the moisture in the epidermis evaporates too quickly and the normal, healthy state of the skin is compromised.

The reality is that most of us at one time or another have dehydrated skin. Any and all of the following can cause dehydration:

Environment

Wind, cold air, dry air, too much sun, air conditioning, central heating

Diet

Eating the wrong foods, consuming alcohol and caffeine, not eating enough water-heavy foods or not drinking enough water

Lifestyle

Stress, poor skincare routine, using the wrong products, medication (including birth control) or smoking

Genetics

Monthly cycle, pregnancy or hormones

A word on supplements...

Omega oils found in either flax or fish oil supplements will help both dry and dehydrated skins, however you need to be using them for at least 3 months before you’ll see the benefits on your skin.

It is quite common to have skin that is both dry and dehydrated, but if the definitions above have helped you ascertain that your skin is either dry or dehydrated (or both), these dos and don’ts might help:

• Do upgrade your moisturiser to one suitable for dry skin if you recognise the signs – go for products using the words ‘nourishing’.

• Do change your moisturiser to one labelled ‘hydra’ or ‘hydrating’ if you suspect you are dehydrated.

• Do use balms, oils and serums for dry skin.

• Do use milks, specified oils and treatments for dehydrated skin.

• Do not use products that are too harsh or too stripping.

• Steer clear of foaming products – keep the bubbles for your dishes.

• Whether your skin is dry or dehydrated, adding a little hyaluronic acid to your routine won’t hurt.

Try these...

– Bioderma Hydrabio Cream

– Clarins Cleansing Milk with Alpine Herbs

– Darphin Rose Aromatic Care

– Weleda Skin Food

– Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence

– Neutrogena Hydro Boost

– NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex

– Hada Labo –range is made for dehydrated skins

– Zelens Daily Defence SPF30