Skin Changes During Pregnancy: Stretch Marks, Acne, etc.

Pregnancy brings many skin changes, affecting nearly every expectant mother. Here's what to expect and how to manage it safely:

• Stretch Marks: Up to 90% of pregnant women develop these. Moisturize daily and try products like Palmer's Cocoa Butter or Bio-Oil for relief.

• Acne: Hormonal shifts can cause breakouts. Use gentle cleansers and pregnancy-safe treatments like azelaic acid or low-dose benzoyl peroxide.

• Dark Spots (Melasma): Affects 50-70% of women. Protect your skin with mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+) and use vitamin C or kojic acid for treatment.

• Dry, Itchy Skin: Common due to hormonal changes. Hydrate, moisturize with shea butter or ceramides, and consider a humidifier for relief.

Quick Tips:

• Stick to simple, pregnancy-safe skincare routines.

• Avoid retinoids, chemical sunscreens, and high-dose salicylic acid.

• Consult your doctor for severe symptoms like intense itching or unusual rashes.

These changes are normal and often fade postpartum, but proper care can help you feel more comfortable during pregnancy.

Stretch Marks: Prevention and Care

How Stretch Marks Form

Stretch marks are common during pregnancy, affecting up to 90% of expectant mothers ^[13]. They occur when rapid growth disrupts elastin and collagen in the skin, leading to small tears and scarring ^[11]. These marks typically show up in the second half of pregnancy ^[9], often appearing as reddish lines on the belly, breasts, buttocks, and thighs ^[1].

It's important to set realistic expectations:

It is important to maintain realistic expectations that while these modalities can improve color and texture of stretch marks, it is often not feasible to completely eradicate them. ^[13]

Ways to Prevent Stretch Marks

Understanding how stretch marks develop can help guide prevention efforts. While there's no surefire way to stop them, certain steps may lower your risk:

Certified Professional Midwife Rebekah Mustaleski emphasizes the role of diet and hydration:

Your nutrition and hydration can help minimize stretch marks if they do start to show up, so keep eating nutrient dense foods, drink lots of water every day and take your prenatal supplements. ^[10]

Treatment Options During Pregnancy

If prevention doesn't fully work, there are safe treatments to improve the appearance of stretch marks. Board-Certified Dermatologist Annabelle Garcia explains:

While there's no magic bullet cream to definitively prevent stretch marks, some products may help soothe itchy skin during pregnancy and may also improve the appearance of stretch marks. ^[11]

Here are some of the top-rated pregnancy-safe products:

Top-Rated Products for 2024:

• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion ($16) - Recognized as the Best Stretch Mark Cream in the 2024 Pregnancy-Safe Beauty Awards ^[11].

• Bio-Oil Skincare Oil ($21.54) - Awarded Best Belly Oil for its lightweight, non-greasy formula ^[11].

• Trofolastin ($39.90) - Clinically shown to prevent stretch marks in 89% of users ^[11].

Ingredients to Look For:

• Shea butter

• Cocoa butter

• Coconut oil

• Jojoba oil

• Vitamin E

• Centella asiatica extract

• Hyaluronic acid

• Aloe vera gel ^[11]

For best results, apply these products daily and massage them gently into your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that massaging during application can boost effectiveness ^[11]. Start using these products as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed, as early use tends to yield better outcomes ^[10].

Pregnancy Skin Changes - Stretch Marks, Melasma, Rashes, and More

Pregnancy Acne Solutions

Here’s how pregnant women can tackle acne while sticking to safe skincare practices.

Hormones and Acne

Over 40% of pregnant women deal with acne ^[14]. Hormonal changes, especially increased progesterone levels, lead to higher sebum production, which often triggers breakouts ^[14][16]. If you’ve had acne tied to your menstrual cycle in the past, you’re more likely to experience it during pregnancy ^[15]. Below are treatment options that are safe and effective for managing these hormonal shifts.

Safe Acne Products

It helps to unclog pores, and because of this and its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be helpful for acne and rosacea. And it's safe to use during pregnancy, unlike many of the other medications we use to treat acne and rosacea. ^[16]

When shopping for acne products, look for these safe ingredients:

• Benzoyl peroxide (4% or less)

• Azelaic acid

• Glycolic acid

• Low-concentration salicylic acid

• Hyaluronic acid

• Niacinamide

• Ceramides

When to Consult a Doctor

If your acne becomes severe or doesn’t improve with over-the-counter products, it’s a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider. Seek advice if you notice:

• Moderate to severe acne that doesn’t respond to treatment

• Emotional distress caused by the condition

• Uncertainty about trying new medications

For daily care, follow these tips:

• Wash your face twice a day with lukewarm water.

• Keep oily hair away from your face.

• Use oil-free cosmetics.

• Avoid picking or squeezing pimples to prevent scarring.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new skincare routine. They can guide you toward the best options for your specific needs.

Dark Spots and Melasma

Why Skin Darkens

Melasma, often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy", affects up to 90% of pregnant women due to increased melanin production triggered by higher levels of estrogen and progesterone ^[17][18].

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains:

Dark spots and patches are caused by an increase in the body's melanin - a natural substance that gives color to the skin and hair. ^[2]

Around 50% to 70% of pregnant women experience melasma, usually during the second half of pregnancy ^[18]. These dark patches commonly appear on the cheeks, nose bridge, forehead, upper lip, chin, and sometimes the neck. Those with darker skin tones are more likely to notice these changes ^[18]. While melasma is purely cosmetic and doesn't impact your baby's health ^[18], understanding its causes can help guide safe and effective treatment options.

Safe Treatment Methods

To address dark spots safely, here are some proven methods:

These treatments can be seamlessly added to your skincare routine to target pigmentation concerns while maintaining skin health.

Daily Prevention Tips:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.

• Wear wide-brimmed hats and protective clothing outdoors.

• Stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

• Stick to gentle, fragrance-free skincare products.

Safe Treatment Options:

• Apply a vitamin C serum in the morning before sunscreen.

• Use products with azelaic acid, especially after the first trimester ^[19].

• Try natural remedies like turmeric masks for a soothing effect.

When to Consult a Doctor:

• If dark patches appear in unusual areas beyond your face ^[20].

• When new rashes or skin changes develop.

• If current treatments don’t show results.

• For a professional assessment, such as a Wood's lamp examination ^[18].

While some dark spots may fade after pregnancy, others could require ongoing care. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting new treatments, as not all skincare products are safe during pregnancy ^[20].

Dry and Itchy Skin Relief

Managing dry skin during pregnancy requires specific care tailored to hormonal changes and increased skin sensitivity.

Causes of Dryness

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can significantly affect your skin's ability to retain moisture. Dr. Susan Crowe, OB-GYN and clinical professor at Stanford Medicine Children's Health, explains:

Blood volumes are increasing in order to meet the needs of a growing fetus, increasing your body's fluid demand. ^[22]

Dryness can begin as early as the first trimester and often shows up on areas like the stomach, face, thighs, arms, and breasts. By the third trimester, swelling (edema) stretches the skin, causing dryness and cracking. This can be made worse by cold weather and indoor heating, which lower humidity levels ^[21].

Safe Relief Options

Here are some pregnancy-safe ingredients that can help relieve dry skin:

To keep your skin hydrated, try these tips:

• Apply moisturizer on damp skin right after a lukewarm shower.

• Stay hydrated by drinking about eight glasses (1.6 L) of water daily. A cooling aloe-peppermint spray can also provide relief ^[21][24].

• Use a humidifier and a rich night cream to prevent moisture loss while you sleep ^[21].

Warning Signs

While mild itching is common, certain symptoms should prompt a call to your healthcare provider:

• Severe itching at night

• Itching on the palms and soles

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

• Dark urine or pale stools ^[26]

These could be signs of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), a liver condition that affects about 1 in 140 pregnant women. It typically appears around week 28 but can occur earlier ^[26].

Dr. Crowe adds:

This hormone has a physiologic purpose as well. It helps to retain the additional fluid pregnant people need in their blood volumes, but by doing so, it can decrease the hydration to the skin. ^[22]

When to Call Your Doctor

While daily skincare is important, knowing when to seek medical advice is equally crucial, especially during pregnancy.

Skin Warning Signs

Some skin changes shouldn't be ignored. Here's a quick guide to watch for:

Dr. Anisha Patel, M.D., a dermatologist, emphasizes:

Don't delay regular dermatology appointments. ^[4]

Getting Expert Help

If you notice any concerning skin changes, here's what you should do:

• Skin Changes

  • Reach out to a dermatologist for any new or evolving skin lesions.

  • Keep up with regular skin checks during pregnancy. ^[4]

• Urgent Symptoms

  • Contact your OB-GYN without delay if you experience:

    • Severe itching without a visible rash (affects about 1 in 140 pregnancies ^[26]).

    • Dark urine or pale stools.

    • Loss of appetite.

    • Nausea or vomiting accompanied by skin changes. ^[3]

  • For rapidly worsening symptoms, head to the emergency room. ^[6]

These steps work alongside your skincare routine to help safeguard both your health and your baby's well-being during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Skin Care Tips Summary

Quick Reference Guide

Pregnancy brings many skin changes, and a gentle, safe routine can help manage them. Did you know nearly 90% of pregnant individuals experience stretch marks, and almost 50% develop melasma? ^[3] Here’s what dermatologists suggest for common pregnancy skin concerns:

A pregnancy-friendly, under-appreciated multitasker, doctors pick azelaic acid as a favorite to reduce the look of blemishes during pregnancy. It's an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and brightening antioxidant. We adore its power to refine the appearance of pesky breakouts and skin inflammation. ^[29]

Normal vs. Concerning Changes

Understanding what’s normal versus what needs attention is key to staying healthy. While most pregnancy-related skin changes improve after delivery ^[5], here’s a quick guide to differentiate:

• Normal Changes (usually fade postpartum):

  • Linea nigra, melasma, and palmar erythema are common and typically resolve after pregnancy ^[5].

• When to Seek Medical Help: Contact your doctor if you notice severe itching, changes in moles, or sudden weight gain with eyelid puffiness ^[28]. Regular check-ins with a dermatologist can ensure both you and your baby stay safe and healthy.