Childbirth is a beautiful and unique moment in a woman’s life. Even if she has several during her life, each one will be special in its own way, different from all the others. Childbirth is a special moment for every woman, but at the same time, it is something aggressive to the body and can leave marks that do not always disappear. Many women complain, for example, of developing stained skin after childbirth, or what is called Melasma, which can be considered something natural but still causes concern for many of them. But after all, why does this happen? What can be done to remove these stains? What is the best way to treat stained skin after childbirth? We will address each of these topics in greater depth.

Why Do Skin Stains Appear?

The most common types of skin spots that appear during pregnancy are dark spots on the face and also some lines on the belly. In addition to these types, birthmarks and freckles that the woman already has may become more pronounced during pregnancy1. Changes in skin pigmentation in a pregnant woman are a common effect of the hormonal storm, specifically estrogen, that occurs inside the body during pregnancy. Knowing this and that it is something natural at this stage for women, there is no need to panic about stained skin after childbirth, since there are many ways to treat and even eliminate them quickly and effectively.

How to Remove the Stains?

Both the spots that appear on the skin during pregnancy and those that arise after childbirth tend to fade on their own over time. However, there are ways to speed up this process. Some of the main ways to help the skin recover from these stains are:

  • Protect yourself from the sun: Avoid exposing your skin to the sun, especially during midday, and use sunscreen with high protection factors, as this can help accelerate the healing process, since the sun tends to make the skin darker.
  • Cosmetic camouflage creams: Another option is these creams that help lighten the skin and disguise Melasma. However, this type of solution only camouflages and does not treat the stains directly.
  • Review the use of contraceptives: If you are already using contraceptives and the stains do not disappear or even worsen, you should see your doctor and consider the possibility of changing medications to help with the stained skin problem after delivery.

Treatments for the Skin Before Childbirth

Skin care for a pregnant woman should begin before childbirth. The use of creams to prevent stretch marks, for example, can already be used, along with sunscreen, which should always be with the woman to avoid any undue sun exposure2. In addition, other types of creams that can be used are those for dry skin, which normally have no restrictions and help hydrate and maintain the woman’s skin.

Skin Problems After Childbirth

Several problems can appear on a woman’s skin besides stained skin after childbirth. Some of the most common are:

  • Stretch marks
  • Acne
  • Varicose veins

Stretch Marks

Pregnancy-related stretch marks occur in eight out of ten women, that is, they are extremely common. What happens is that the rapid growth of the belly causes the skin to stretch too quickly, exposing deeper layers that could not be seen before3. These layers can be seen as red or purple lines, especially on the breasts, belly, and thighs. Pregnancy stretch marks usually turn white over time, but are unlikely to go away on their own. There are treatments with creams, peels, and lasers to eliminate this type of problem, but a woman should only undergo them once she is no longer breastfeeding, to ensure the baby’s health is not affected.

Acne

Acne, or the well-known pimples, are very common in both pregnant women and those who have recently given birth. It also occurs because of the large quantity of hormones circulating in the body during this period, which end up affecting the skin in several ways. Treatments with specific creams prescribed by a dermatologist can make acne go away more quickly, but this type of problem usually disappears on its own over time.

Varicose Veins

When they appear, varicose veins usually improve within three to four months after childbirth. They normally occur because the weight of the woman’s belly is not supported by the legs and the blood does not circulate properly, especially near the shin area. Exercise can help prevent or speed up the disappearance of varicose veins. They are not usually very dangerous, but it is always good to visit a doctor if the problem persists for a long time. Skin care is not the only precaution to be taken after childbirth, but even so it should not be put aside or forgotten, as they can turn into problems that will require much more from you at a time when you need to focus on your baby. Do not neglect your body, but also do not go overboard, as certain marks and changes are part of the cycle of life and your body will, little by little, adapt to the new reality and gradually return to normal. See Also: Ringworm – Causes and Treatment Photo: Julien Haler