Facial hair after pregnancy

If you were ever in doubt of the power that hormones can have on your skin, you won't be when you're pregnant. Some may well get the radiant glow that's synonymous with carrying a baby, but others might also be dealt adult acne, heightened sensitivity and a 'pregnancy mask' of pigmentation. And there you were worrying about the morning sickness which doesn't discriminate to mere mornings, unfortunately. To help you navigate the beauty minefield that pregnancy presents you with, here's an overview of what might happen to your skin while you're expecting and breastfeeding — and how best to treat it with products and treatments. Coupled with increased sensitivity to sunlight, you can experience a surge in pigment-stimulating hormones while pregnant and these can contribute to melasma — large patches of discolouration which appear on the face. It is usually genetic and often fades post-pregnancy, but, as skincare expert Debbie Thomas notes, it's worth remembering that "many pregnancy-related hormones still stay elevated during breastfeeding, and can take six-to-nine month to settle after you stop feeding".

Pregnant women are quick to discuss the stretch marks, indigestion and swollen feet that plague them for the entire time they are carrying their little bundle of joy. But what about the more strange and embarrassing side effects of pregnancy? From bleeding gums to a newfound snoring habit, some pretty crazy things can happen to the female form while incubating a tiny human. And, proving that celebrities really are just like the rest of us, Adele confessed her own wacky pregnancy symptom at a recent Glasgow concert when she told fans that she grew a beard while pregnant with her son, Angelo, who was born in I call it Larry.

Hair growth on the cheeks, chin and lips generally increase after the second trimester. Does that worry you? Well, relax, because you are not alone! There are many like you still coping with the physical and psychological changes in their body at this time. Blame it on the hormones if you see increase in facial hair.

Back to Pregnancy. The chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic. Most research, although limited, shows it's safe to colour your hair while pregnant. Some studies have found that very high doses of the chemicals in hair dyes may cause harm. Many women decide to wait to dye their hair until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the risk of chemical substances harming the baby is much lower.