Dr Naomi Mackle fuses her experience as a GP with her approach as a Dermatologist to treat patients with skin issues at her clinics in Dublin and Limerick. She shares her know-how with HerFamily.ie on tackling pesky skin issues before and after pregnancy:
We all know it's not uncommon for women to suffer breakouts before or during their period, but this is very often the case during pregnancy. While some women get that desirable pregnancy 'glow' the reality is many women don’t and women can often look exhausted during and after pregnancy. Then, when the baby arrives there's no time or energy to take care of our skin, and this becomes visible as skin starts to deteriorate. The good news is there are lots of treatments available for problem skin:
The Pill
If you're not pregnant or breastfeeding and you don't want another baby immediately after giving birth, you might consider taking the combined oestrogen and progestogen pill. This will regulate your cycle, hormone levels, and control breakouts. If you're still breastfeeding but want contraception, you might consider the progestogen-only pill, but be mindful, this method can trigger breakouts.
Skincare products
Stress from daily living and the stress caused to your body as a result of being pregnant and delivering a baby can cause hormonal outbreaks of spots or acne. For those who don't wish to take the combined pill (Yasmin or Marviol) are in the midst of pregnancy or who have just given birth and are experiencing problem skin, there's a really effective product for hormonal breakouts called Clearogen. It comes in a three-month supply box set for €75, with a salicylic acid cleanser, a salicylic acid toner and a nourishing sulphur lotion. It helps cleanse the skin removing dirt and excess oil, decrease the size of pores, reduce redness and sensitivity and will actually enhances the skin’s renewal. Available
here and in selected pharmacies.
Make-up
Make-up can trigger breakouts by blocking pores. If you're prone to hormonal breakouts and your skin is becoming oily and congested, stick to using mineral make-up and oil-free moisturiser and sunscreens.
MTS Sun Protection Cream, €52 is a brilliant daily sunscreen that will protect against environmental damage and won't lead to severe breakouts.
IPL
Once the baby arrives, whether you're breastfeeding or not, IPL 415 nm Laser (blue light) can be considered for treating extreme problem skin or acne. Six sessions at one week apart is needed to tackle the problem properly. Prices may vary but at our clinics, the treatment costs €100 for one. It's super-effective for hormonal acne and should put it into remission for 18 months to two years. Sometimes maintenance sessions are needed to keep it at bay. An added benefit for new mums in need of a pick-me-up is that this treatment brightens up skin leaving it feeling renewed and refreshed.
Chemical peels
Only suitable for those who are not breastfeeding, chemical peels can be considered post pregnancy. Salicylic acid peels are very good for acne; a course of six might be required, one or two weeks apart. A TCA 35 per cent chemical peel, while not specifically for acne, is fantastic for decongesting skin and reducing pigmentation, fines lines and wrinkles. Mums should bear in mind this peel can be quite severe on the skin and will result in severe peeling for approximately one week afterward. It is imperative that you have the option of staying indoors for a week to give your skin time to heal.
Home Care
I would advise every woman to take iron daily for at least six weeks post-birth along with eating a healthy balanced diet. From a skin product point of view, to improve skin quality and condition, the best products which are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding are MTS Vitamin C20 per cent, €75 with an MTS Home Dermaroller, €80. Two or three drops of Vitamin C 20 per cent should be applied to clean skin in the morning and gently rolled into the skin with a home dermaroller.
A moisturiser should then be applied and a daily sunscreen. Another fantastic product for skin rejuvenation is the
MTS Vitapep Serum, €52, which should be applied at night for maximum benefits. This increases skin cell turnover and makes the skin look fresh and bright. (However as this has a retinoid in it, it can’t be used if pregnant or breastfeeding)."
For more from Dr Mackle and MTS products, visit Adare Cosmetics Clinic.
