Agent Fix-It

Hormones may wreak havoc on your skin during and after pregnancy. Dermatologists weigh in on the most effective ways to handle the effects of your changing endocrine balance.

- Madhu Banerjee

AS A NEW MOM, you are gearing up to take charge of your little bundle of joy. But your body is not equipped to handle all the changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Enter a phase where you face skin and hair issues, which were never in your life before. But no problem is without a solution. We got experts to decode the common beauty problems that most new moms face and find solutions to them.

MELASMA

This condition is characterized by discoloured patches mostly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. “When you are pregnant or on oral contraceptives, your changing hormones make you extremely sensitive to sun, leading to melasma,” says Dr. Kiran Lohia of Delhi-based Lumiere Dermatology.

Keep it at bay: Wear lots of sunblock! Apply at least two tablespoons of sunscreen on the face every four hours, whether you are at home or outdoors.

Find a cure: “Use lightening and bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, glycolic acid and retinol. Oral lightening agents like tranexamic acid are also prescribed. Laser treatments can reduce melasma too,” says Dr. Soma Sarkar of Skin Inn, Mumbai.  

FLAKY SKIN

It is caused either by inherent skin dehydration, or inappropriate beauty products.

Keep it at bay: Use products specifically designed for dry skin and avoid scrubs, foaming face washes and toners.

Find a cure: Make it a point to use lots of moisturizer, along with a mild cleanser.

SPOTS