Pregnancy
Many changes take place in the body during pregnancy and many of the changes affect the skin. Hyperpigmentation or pregnancy mask is often seen in pregnant women. An increase in blood flow and blood pressure during pregnancy may lead to enlarged capillaries on the face and other parts of the body. These usually fade after childbirth.

Also, some women may develop sensitivity to waxing and skin care products.

Products containing alphahydroxy acids, Retin A, and electrical therapy should be avoided during pregnancy.

At Skin Essentials we are sensitive to a pregnant woman’s needs. We offer facials and products that will help keep your skin healthy and glowing. Our massage therapist has been trained special techniques for the pregnant woman.

PMS
Women frequently experience acne flare-ups 7-10 days before menstruation. The cause is not completely known but it is believed that large levels of progesterone present in the blood stream somehow cause the breakouts. Scheduling a deep cleansing facial one week before the normal monthly break out and using non-comedogenic products can reduce or eliminate the flare-ups. 

Birth Control Pills
The biggest problem associated with birth control pills is the tendency of some women to have acne flare-ups caused by hormone fluctuations. Pills that contain little or no estrogen lend to be more aggravating to acne while estrogen dominate pills tends to make acne prone skin better.

Splotchy, pigmented complexions may be present with the use of birth control pills. It is usually located on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. Over exposure to sun can make this condition much worse.

Glycolic acid and hydroquinone should be used to treat these conditions.

Menopause
Menopause normally occurs when a woman reaches her late forties or early fifties. The time before menopause is called perimenopause. During perimenopause the production of the estrogen hormone fluctuates and eventually no estrogen is produced. The impact on the skin during this phase of a woman’s life can be dramatic.

Recent studies have shown that the presence of estrogen has a strong influence on collagen formation. As estrogen levels drop, wrinkles begin to appear on the skin and there is a loss of elasticity. The skin may also become more sensitive, dehydrated and hyperpigmentation begins to appear.

Some women may experience a sudden flare of acne during menopause. This is caused by the decrease of estrogen and the increase of the male hormone androgen which increased the production of oil in the pores.

The use of antioxidants to help protect and sooth dehydrated skin are recommended as well as lipid based creams to improve the barrier function of the skin. Frequent clinical treatments are also advised.