Hi, I’m Des’Rae Clarke and mummy to a 6-year-old. I have been in the beauty industry for 8 years, working in spas, salons and aesthetic clinics. I am level 2, 3 and 4 qualified and currently on the journey to getting my level 7 qualification in aesthetics & teaching (equivalent to a masters). I opened up my own beauty salon from home 3 years ago as I wanted to make a greater impact on the industry than ever before. I can be found at @raeceebeautybar on Instagram. I’m going to talk to you about how you can take care of your postpartum skin...
Q1). If someone is really struggling with their skin during or after pregnancy, which professionals would you suggest they turn to for support?
I would advise you go to your GP or an aesthetician based on concern. If you are struggling with your skin during or after pregnancy, the first port of call should be an aesthetician. Please be sure to check their qualification before booking a consultation (minimum level 4 qualification).
GPs are best for chronic issues and disorders which require prescriptions whereas aestheticians are better for the appearance of skin. If an aesthetician cannot assist with your issue, they will always advise you see your GP. Your GP will help with immediate issues such as cracked nipples due to breast feeding, c-section scarring, infections, etc. as they can offer prescriptions. Whereas an aesthetician can help with things like stretch marks, scarring (after 6 months), saggy skin, dry skin, nutrition and weight management.
Q2). What can I do to treat dry and saggy skin after pregnancy?
You will need to use a very hydrating oil or body cream in order to treat dry and saggy skin. One I would recommend is the CeraVe Moisturising Cream which is a rich and nurturing moisturiser that delivers a surge of much-needed hydration to dry, sensitive and uncomfortable skin.
Q3). Can you recommend a quick and effective everyday skin care routine for a busy mum?
Having an everyday skincare routine is important to help maintain skin health, prevent ageing, pigmentation and acne within the skin. Every skincare routine, even the quickest, must have the 4 main non-negotiable steps. Which is cleanse, treat, hydrate and protect. Below is a quick skin care routine, that is perfect for busy mama’s:
Step 1: Cleanser – splash your face with water and then use a cleansing gel or Soap-free face wash. The Refreshing lather thoroughly removes impurities, without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Step 2: Serum – Use your fingertips to gently apply the serum to your face and neck and then lightly tap, pat, and smooth the serum out. Avoid tugging the skin and rubbing too hard, let the product absorb on its own once you've smoothed it out. Serums help to enhances the skin’s natural defence system to brighten, firm and help dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 3: Moisturise - Squeeze a little more than a pea-sized amount into palm, warm up the moisturiser in your hands, then begin by applying to the cheeks using gentle circular motions, then apply to the forehead and rest of face, then finish off by using light, gentle upward strokes, especially on the neck.
Step 4: SPF – Then you will want to finish off with an SPF. Ideally a minimum of SPF 15 to 30 is recommended for everyday wear. When in the sun though, it’s important to reapply sunscreen to exposed areas every 90 to 120 minutes, or as the product label indicates. Some daily moisturisers actually have SPF in them, which means that you could cut this step out making your daily skin care routine even quicker.
Q4). How can I treat stretch marks during & after pregnancy?
Stretch marks occurs when the skin is stretched beyond its elastic capacity, leaving the skin scarred and teared. Stretch marks are common in around 90% of women when they go through pregnancy making it almost unpreventable. However, there are ways you can make them a little less uncomfortable & reduce the appearance of them. Stretch marks first appear red or purple in colour, this is the best time to treat the area. There are many over the counter affordable products for stretch marks. Some I would recommend are:
Deux Derme Stretch mark prevention
Deux Derme’s concentrated Stretch Mark Prevention formula is a scientific blend of plant extracts and oils to keep skin moisturised to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The advanced proprietary blend is both Vegan and Cruelty-Free, and does not contain harmful known ingredients for pregnancy
Deux Derme Stretch mark intensive cream
Deux Derme’s Stretch Mark Intensive Cream helps to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
You can also have aesthetic treatments done that can help with the appearance of stretch marks.
Best treatments for stretch marks include:
Micro needling (also known as skin needling or collagen induction therapy) is a type of treatment that uses small needles to cause tiny punctures in the skin. These small contact points encourage the body to create a wound healing response and renew the skin cells. As your skin repairs, the production of collagen and elastin is triggered to give an almost immediate plumping effect. It can also help tackle other skin damage such as scarring, dark marks, sun damage and ageing. Usually costs between £70 - £200 and requires proximately 6 - 8 treatments.
Laser skin resurfacing - Laser resurfacing is one of the most advanced skin rejuvenation treatments available. It is hugely effective as a rejuvenation treatment which removes fine lines and wrinkles, tightens skin, evens out discolouration, repairs sun damage and smooths out rough skin. It can also treat deeper skin concerns such as scars, acne scars, hyper-pigmentation and pigmentation. Our skin experts can focus on specific areas such as around the eyes or mouth, or treat the whole face. We can also treat the neck, chest, hands and arms. Usually cost between £400 - £1,000 and requires approximately 6 -8 treatments.