Worry not, for most you will find that these skin issues resolve themselves following the birth of your baby.  Here are some of the most common skin problems women encounter during pregnancy—and what you can do about them.

Pregnancy should be a time of excitement

Skin Sensitivity

Go easier on your skin now that you’re pregnant. You might get red more easily if you use a facial scrub, your normal facial might verge on painful, and the perfumed lotion you wear might irritate your skin (and make you nauseated, but that’s a different story). That’s why many mums-to-be switch to unscented products and start choosing products that do not contain harsh chemicals, preservatives and fragrances. “You certainly don’t want anything causing micro-tears on your skin,” says Sue Ibrahim, our dermatology nurse consultant.  “The more cuts and wounds on your skin, the easier it is for chemicals to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Ingredients to stay away from in soaps and body washes include sodium laureth sulphate, parabens and fragrance.” These ingredients aren’t just potential irritants—some say they could pose health risks to baby. We say believe it, because (not surprisingly) a lot of products aren’t tested directly on pregnant women. If you are using prescription topicals on your face you need to tell your doctor that you are pregnant as most prescription creams are not licensed for use during pregnancy either. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we advise our patients to use our Elan Medical DermaCalm range during pregnancy, because they are free from fragrances and preservatives. They also contain mild anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe irritated skin.

Acne breakouts during pregnancy

During pregnancy your hormones are all over the place, and that might mean pimples like you had when you were a teenager. The cruel joke, of course, is that many of the treatments that are prescribed for acne cannot be used during pregnancy. Prescription medications like Tetracyclines, Isotretinoin (Roacutane(R)) and the anti-androgen hormone therapies are definite no-nos. And the jury’s out on over-the-counter creams, since they haven’t been tested specifically on pregnant women (yup, you find that a lot with products). Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be absorbed into the bloodstream, so they’re not worth the risk either. “You can safely use lactic acid and biosulfur to treat acne,” Sue Ibrahim says. Don’t touch, pick or squeeze pimples— just wash with a mild cleanser twice a day. “A lot of women find Acne Phototherapy beneficial during pregnancy and it is perfectly safe for both you and the baby.

Sun Sensitivity

Sorry, mums-to-be, but “pregnancy glow” does not refer to a bronzed, sun-kissed complexion. You should actually try to stay out of the sun as much as you can while you’re pregnant. That’s because your surging hormones make you susceptible to dark patches on your skin—known as melasma, or the ‘mask of pregnancy’, which is triggered by sun exposure. So pull out the big floppy hat, find a beach umbrella and be diligent about wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. If you are unlucky and do get Melasma during pregnancy it may resolve on its own following the birth of your baby, if not then you will need the help of a dermatologist I’m afraid.

Stretch marks

Now you’ve got another big skin concern: stretch marks. Anytime someone’s body grows quickly, they’re at risk for stretch marks, so the fact that baby is growing exponentially in there puts you right in the high-risk zone. Of course, not every mum-to-be gets stretch marks. “For most people, whether or not they get stretch marks has to do with genetic predisposition,” says Sue Ibrahim. But you can do your best to head them off by gently exfoliating and thoroughly moisturising your belly, boobs, stomach, hips and thighs as much as you can. As for what moisturizer to use, it’s hard to make a recommendation. “A lot of products make claims,” Sue Ibrahim says. “Some may help but aren’t really proven to prevent stretch marks.” If you are left with troublesome stretch marks following the birth of you baby, it is worth looking into the skin tightening treatments we offer at Elan Medical Skin Clinic.

Skin rashes during pregnancy

If you’ve got red, itchy skin, it’s important not to ignore it. Itchy feet and hands could be a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy, a scary complication that can cause liver problems for baby. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to make sure that’s not causing your rash. Another common pregnancy rash is PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy), which often starts in the abdomen and spreads from there. PUPPP is actually harmless to baby, but it will be completely aggravating for you. Book in for a Dermatology Consultation if you are concerned.

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London skin expert from Elan Medical Skin Clinics can smooth and soothe your skin

In our last blog we talked about soothing lumps, bumps, rashes and itchy skin, this time it’s all about smoothing and rejuvenating our skin.

As well as having more than 30 years’ experience in dermatology, Elan Medical Skin Clinic director, Sue Ibrahim, has spent many years honing her cosmetic dermatology services. This means she can offer exceptional quality treatments including skin fillers, wrinkle relaxing injections, skin peels and plasma soft surgery.

Wrinkle reducing injections

Done properly, no-one should be able to tell you’ve had wrinkle reduction. By choosing the right practitioner to achieve your aim, you can rest assured that your appearance will be improved yet remain completely natural.

Wrinkle-relaxing injections are one of the most popular cosmetic medical treatments for facial lines and wrinkles in the UK. Our award-winning nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim, has more than 15 years’ experience in advanced wrinkle reduction procedures.

Skin fillers

Masters of dermal fillers have an exceptional knowledge of the skin – and Sue definitely fulfils this criteria. Skin fillers can provide truly excellent results and Elan Medical Skin Clinic is delighted to offer a new generation of dermal filler that is more comfortable and can last up to 18 months in the skin.

Skin peels

We are delighted to offer two of our own specially created skin peels, developed and formulated by Sue. Our chemical peels have been designed to refresh your skin, add vigour and lustre, and reduce blemishes, acne, acne scars, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and sun damage.

Plasma soft surgery

Plasma soft surgery helps dramatically reduce hooded eyelids and bags under the eyes, as well as a host of concerns including treating skin imperfections such as warts and skin tags, and reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Great, central London location

Our central London medical skin clinic is just five minutes from Barbican and Old Street tube stations and a 15-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station. We are situated almost on the corner of Old Street and Whitecross Street, an area famous for its lively food stalls – in fact a lot of our clients work in Clerkenwell and Moorgate and spend their lunch hour visiting the food market in Whitecross Street. So, if you’re in the area, pop in and meet our welcoming team. Until then, check out our website for lots more information.

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Mole checking is essential says Sue Ibrahim the nurse consultant in dermatology from Elan Medical Clinics in central London and Essex

Moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are usually harmless, but not always. If you have a certain type or large number of moles (more than 100), you are at greater risk of developing skin cancer.

The ABCDE method for checking moles is very useful but if in doubt, getting them professionally assessed is vital, says Sue Ibrahim. Sue, the nurse consultant in dermatology at Elan Medical Skin Clinics, has more than 30 years’ experience of assessing and removing moles using the latest advanced radio-wave technology. Click here to read reviews from her clients.

Asymmetry

If you draw a line through the middle of a mole, the two sides will match, meaning it is symmetrical. Anything asymmetrical is a warning sign for melanoma.

Border

A benign mole has smooth, even borders, unlike melanomas. The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven and the edges may be scalloped or notched.

Colour

Most benign moles are all one colour — often a single shade of brown. Having a variety of colours is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, white or blue.

Diameter

Melanomas are usually larger in diameter than the eraser on your pencil tip (¼ inch or 6mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected. If you are concerned, seek professional help.

Evolving

Common, benign moles look the same over time. Be on the alert when a mole starts to evolve or change in any way. Any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting points to danger.

Help is at hand

Moles can be removed quickly and painlessly at one of our daily minor surgery clinics in Rayleigh, Essex and central London and we can also biopsy any suspicious skin lesions. If you have any concerns, book a dermatology consultation with Sue now.

Remember to use a broad spectrum sunscreen

Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic says the best way to enjoy the sunshine safely is to use a daily, broad spectrum sunscreen of factor 30 + and remember to apply it frequently and liberally thoroughly the day. The term broad spectrum means that the skin is equally protected against both UVA and UVB sunrays.

Elan Medical Skin Clinic stocks a number of broad spectrum sunscreens at an SPF 30 and 50 that are light, easy to apply and feel more like a BB cream than a sunscreen. Some are fragrance free, paraben free and oil free so they can be used on the most sensitive of skins. Some are even suitable for acne prone skins. We also stock sunscreens that are slightly tinted, leaving your skin with a natural sun kissed glow. And with prices from £14.50 it is not expensive to protect your skin.

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Elan’s Pressed Mineral Foundation and BB Cream

Elan’s 4-in-1 light reflective mineral foundation minimises the appearance of fine lines without adding shine while providing weightless supreme coverage and provides a chemical free natural sun protection.

Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for problematic skin such as acne, rosacea and eczema. Effortless and easy to use, Elan’s pressed mineral foundations are a four-in-one product: concealer, foundation, powder and they provide a sun protection factor of  SPF 26.

Our minerals consist of natural pigments including titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxides, freeze dried vitamins A, E and D.

This mineral foundation contains no talc, dyes or alcohol and is not tested on animals and comes in 12 different shades.  ‘Barely There’ is a particular favourite with younger clients who just want to hide a few blemishes. ‘Cool Beige” is ideal for clients with rosacea or dermatitis, as it tones down skin that is high in colour. ‘Seashell’ adds a sun kissed look to skin that looks dull. ‘Sand Dune’ suits asian skins perfectly by adding warmth to the skin tone.

This skin healthy formula works to replenish, protect, soothe and smooth the skin for a natural flawless complexion. They are very low risk to sensitive skin, a nearly zero allergy risk and are very water resistant so you can look great while enjoying your active lifestyle. This silky foundation provides coverage with a light as air feel and blends with ease for sheer, natural looking coverage while replenishing and neutralising free-radicals.

The Elan Pressed Mineral Foundation should be used with our Luscious Kabuki brush to provide sheer coverage with a flawless finish. Combine Elan’s Pressed Mineral Foundation with Elan’s BB Cream and the sunscreen factor becomes a SPF 30+

Why not take a look at our online shop?

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The DermaActives hyperpigmentation programme from Elan Medical Skin Clinics

During the summer months, keep an eye out for patches of darker-than-normal skin that can develop on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, chin and jaw, and sometimes the neck and forearms.

London skin expert, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh, Essex explains that the condition is called melasma and it’s a common skin complaint that affects women and men.

Melasma is when brown or greyish pigmentation appears on the face, the exact cause of which is not known. But rest assured that it is not contagious, not due to an allergy and is not cancerous. It is not itchy or sore, so if you have a raised rash that is, please seek further advice immediately.

Melasma is more noticeable in the summer and often improves during the winter. Several factors can contribute to the skin disorder, such as pregnancy, hormonal drugs such as the pill, medical conditions that affect hormone levels, the use of sunbeds and exposure to the sun.

Although the condition is harmless, it can be upsetting and can affect people’s quality of life. If you would like to talk to an nurse consultant in dermatology about what can be done to help, look no further than Sue Ibrahim, who has more than 30 years of experience in skin conditions.

How can Elan Medical Skin Clinic help?

Sue, our award-winning nurse consultant in dermatology uses a highly effective treatment programme to reduce the signs of photodamage and ageing that result in fine lines, age spots, skin laxity, an uneven, dull complexion and hyperpigmentation.

The DermaActive Hyperpigmentation Programme of 5 products contains highly effective ingredients that will help lighten the hyper-pigmented patches in the upper layers of your face and neck. This programme can be purchased on our website and contains DermaActive Cleanser, DermaActive Exfoliator, DermaActive Serum, DermaActive Cream and DermaProtect Day Cream with SPF 50.

The DermaActive Melasma Programme contains prescription only creams that help clear pigmentation in the deeper layers of the skin. These creams also inhibit the production of pigment in pigment-producing cells. Due to the prescription only element, this system can only be purchased following a face-to-face skin consultation.

Here’s a testimonial from one of our clients:

“I just wanted to say that I have been using Elan Medical Skin Clinic’s DermaActive range religiously for over 6 months now. My skin has never been so clear, healthy looking and blemish free. Initially I saw Sue for my Melasma but since solving this problem for me I have continued to use the DermaActive range morning and night, which have given me amazing results. I also use their pressed mineral foundation, which is the best I have ever used. Over the years I have spent hundreds of pounds on creams, lotions and potions – none of which ever did any good. The DermaActive range is effective and I will now use nothing else on my skin. Thank you Sue.”

Skin affected by melasma darkens more than the surrounding skin with exposure to sunlight, so sun-avoidance and sun-protection are important. The most important thing you can do if you have melasma is to protect your skin from sunlight exposure. It is also important to avoid the use of sunbeds.

Not sure if you have melasma? Why not complete our online Skin Assessment? You are welcome to contact us for more information or to book a dermatology consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Some sunshine is good for us and helps our bodies create vitamin D, not to mention the wellbeing and feel good factors it

Woman stays safe in the sun thanks to advice from Elan Medical Skin expert, Sue Ibrahim

induces. Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic says the best way to enjoy the sunshine safely is to use a daily, broad spectrum sunscreen of factor 30 + and remember to apply it frequently and liberally thoroughly the day.

The term broad spectrum means that the skin is equally protected against both UVA and UVB sunrays. UVA is associated with skin ageing and UVB is responsible for sunburn and has strong links to skin cancer. Sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) will help block UVB rays and prevent the skin from burning, and by extension, damage that can cause skin cancer.

Years ago if you wanted a high factor sunscreen you would end up putting a gloopy, greasy cream on your face and body that would not rub in well and you would end up with a ghostly white face.

Elan Medical Skin Clinic stocks a number of broad spectrum sunscreens at an SPF 50 that are light, easy to apply that feel more like a BB cream than a sunscreen. Some are fragrance free, paraben free and oil free so they can be used on the most sensitive of skins. Some are even suitable for acne prone skins. We also stock sunscreens that are slightly tinted, leaving your skin with a natural sun kissed glow. And with prices from £15 it is not expensive to protect your skin. Our sunscreens are available to buy at our Elan Medical SKin Clinics in Rayleigh and central London.

To complement our range of high quality, low cost sunscreens, Elan Medical DermaActives also produces a pressed mineral foundation in a wide range of shades that also provides extra sun protection.

But don’t just take our word for it – read some client reviews on our BB sunscreen and mineral foundation on the Elan Medical Skin Clinic Facebook page.

Help sheet

There’s a fabulous factsheet available on the British Association of Dermatologists’ website – click here to have a read.

Please heed the following advice from the British Association of Dermatologists: “Studies have found that most people apply less than half of the amount of sunscreen required to provide the level of protection indicated on the packaging. Areas such as the back and sides of the neck, temples and ears are commonly missed, so you need to apply it generously and be careful not to miss patches.”

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These flat, brown, gray or black spots are areas of sun-damaged skin found predominantly on sun-exposed parts of the body. These include the backs of the hands and forearms, the face, ears and lips, the scalp in balding men and the lower legs in women, says Essex nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh and central London.

They are not contagious and are usually harmless but there is a very small risk of some sun spots developing into to a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Seek professional help if you’re worried

If you have any doubts, visit Sue at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Essex or London for a professional diagnosis. If there’s nothing to worry about she will happily let you know. However, if she is concerned, she will remove a small amount of skin (biopsy) and send it away for further analysis.

How do we get age spots?

Age spots are caused by an excess production of melanin or skin pigment. People of any age, sex or race can develop them, especially if they have had excessive sun exposure over many years from sunbathing, sunbed use and outdoor work or recreational activities. They are more common in older people. Fair-skinned, blue-eyed, red- or blonde-haired people, who burn easily but tan poorly, are at particular risk.

How can we avoid them?

You can’t always prevent age spots but you can reduce your chances of getting them by avoiding the sun between 10am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are most intense.

We would also strongly advise wearing a sunscreen every day. It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least SPF30. Please remember to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it regularly, more often if swimming or sweating.

You can also protect your skin from UV rays by wearing protective clothing such as hats, long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts. UV-blocking clothes with an ultraviolet protection are also available. Avoiding sunbeds would also be advised.

Self-examination is also important to check if an age spot has started to bleed, itch or thicken. If you notice any of these things, please contact us immediately.

What can I do if I have sun spots already?

Elan Medical Skin Clinics can provide a range of treatments to help improve the appearance of sun spots, including cryotherapy, which freezes them with liquid nitrogen. This is an effective treatment that does not normally leave a scar, but it can be painful.

Cosmetic radiowave surgery is also effective. We use the latest advanced radio-wave technology, which is carried out under local anaesthetic and takes fifteen to twenty minutes. No stitches are required and scarring is minimal. It is normally possible to return to work immediately following the procedure.

Adequate sun protection is essential all year round and this will help prevent new sun spots from developing. We have a range of DermaActive products that have been specially formulated for sun damaged skin, such as our DermaProtect Day cream with SPF50, pressed mineral foundation that will help conceal age spots and our DermaRepair Programme that is ideal for ageing or sun damaged skin.

We have also devised a dermatology system containing prescription only products that are able to produce radical changes. Results start to appear around 6 weeks into the programme, although it can take up to 16 weeks for the full effects to be seen.

For more information please visit the British Association of Dermatologists, which also provides a range of patient information leaflets. Click here for more about actinic keratoses.

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