For many, pregnancy is a joyous and exciting time — and it can also be a confusing one when it comes to taking care of your skin. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and the postpartum period can cause both positive and negative changes in your skin (yes, pregnancy glow is indeed a real thing!).
“As your hormones go through various changes, your skin may experience certain issues at different times,” says Joee Nelson, master esthetician at LifeSpa in Eden Prairie, Minn., and mom of four. “For example, you might have more acne during one trimester, which could clear up only to be replaced by discoloration later. This fluctuation is why seeing an esthetician during this time can be incredibly beneficial — with the guidance of a trusted professional, you can better manage these skin changes as they occur.”
Here, Nelson helps us explore some common skin conditions that arise pre- and postnatally, and shares tips for taking care of your skin throughout this transitional time.
What is the “pregnancy glow”?
Many expectant mothers experience a radiant, luminous, or flushed appearance, according to Nelson. This is often attributed to the changes happening in your body, including the following:
- Increased blood flow. Pregnancy increases blood volume and circulation, which boosts blood flow to the skin and can give it a brighter, more flushed appearance.
- Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen increase oil production in the skin. This added oil can make the skin look dewier and more luminous — contributing to the “glow.”
- Water retention. The body retains more fluids during pregnancy, which can plump the skin slightly and smooth out fine lines or dullness.
What skin concerns often occur during pregnancy and postpartum?
Both pregnancy and postpartum can come with their challenges for the skin. Due to hormonal changes, for instance, the skin on your face can become more sensitive or prone to acne; some women may experience hyperpigmentation, often referred to as the “pregnancy mask.”
“Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin in patches and spots, due to excess melanin production, which can be stimulated by hormonal chances,” Nelson explains. “In pregnancy, this often shows up as melasma, which is a specific type of hyperpigmentation. Melasma appears as brown or gray-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip.
“Hormonal fluctuations — particularly rising levels of estrogen and progesterone — can cause an imbalance in the skin,” she continues. “Skin may become more reactive to products, sun exposure, or even ingredients that you used just fine before pregnancy. Redness, itching, or irritation can be more common.”
Pregnancy can contribute to changes in hydration as well as circulation too. “As your body grows, changes, and prioritizes your baby, your skin may not receive the same hydration or nutrient delivery, which can cause dryness, dullness, or uneven texture on the skin,” says Nelson.
Pre- and Postnatal Care for Your Skin
1. Meet with an experienced esthetician.
Nelson recommends seeing an esthetician during pregnancy and postpartum to keep up with any changes in your skin. “I find this is a great time to not only get pampered, but also receive professional advice,” she says. “Estheticians are trained and educated on various skin stages and will know the correct treatments to use on pregnant or nursing clients. Traditional facials are often the way to go for addressing the skin concerns you may have during this time.”
2. Avoid certain skincare ingredients during pregnancy.
Make sure the skincare products you use are pregnancy safe — but know that most products will not have a “pregnancy-safe” label. It’s important to watch out for certain ingredients (when in doubt, consult your doctor). These are some common ingredients to avoid:
- Retinoids (or any form of vitamin A): “While vitamin A is essential for fetal development, high doses can lead to birth defects, including fetal retinoid syndrome,” says Nelson.
- High-dose salicylic acid: “Using high-dose salicylic acid during pregnancy can contribute to the risk of intracranial bleeding in newborns,” Nelson explains. “You can use a small amount topically, look for under 2 percent on the ingredient label.”
- Hydroquinone: “Often used to treat hyperpigmentation, the FDA has been studying its effects during pregnancy and currently notes that hydroquinone should be avoided as it’s an ingredient of concern,” says Nelson.
3. Opt for a gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer.
Nelson recommends using a gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer directed for most skin types during pregnancy and postpartum.
“Your skin can change throughout pregnancy and experience sensitivities, so using products that are gentle is best,” she explains. “I like to recommend iS Clinical products as they are all gentle as well as pregnancy and nursing safe.”
4. Use pregnancy-safe products for addressing acne.
Hormonal changes can lead to skin changes, so if you’re experiencing more oil or breakouts, a cleanser targeted for acne-prone skin may be necessary — and an esthetician can help you find one that’s pregnancy-safe.
“When increased breakouts happen, I recommend using a cleanser that contains glycolic acid or azelaic acid that helps to curb disrupted skin and tackle extra oil and bacteria,” Nelson says. You’ll also want to choose non-comedogenic moisturizers and SPF, which won’t clog your pores. These ingredients are safe for pregnancy and nursing.”
Nelson’s other favorite product for acne-prone pregnancy or postpartum skin is the iS Clinical Active Serum, which contains key botanical ingredients that naturally exfoliate the skin and help clear up blemishes. The ingredients are combined in a results-oriented formula that was clinically tested to show a 94 percent reduction in the appearance of blemishes.
5. Stay hydrated to prevent stretch marks.
Stretch marks during pregnancy are caused by a combination of rapid skin stretching and hormonal changes, as the abdomen (and sometimes breasts, thighs, or hips) expands to accommodate the growing baby. The skin’s elastic fibers can tear, and pregnancy hormones like cortisol can weaken the skin’s collagen and elastin, making it more prone to these tears. The result is reddish, purple, or white streaks (often post-pregnancy) on the skin.
“If you start seeing stretch marks, you can massage an oil into them to prevent them from getting worse,” says Nelson. “Products that contain hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E oil are all wonderful for stretch marks. These ingredients support the skin by improving hydration, elasticity, and healing, which can prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks. During my pregnancies, I used the Phytomer Seatonic Stretch Mark and Firming Oil twice per day, and I highly recommend it as it’s specifically designed for pregnant and breastfeeding women.”
6. Try vitamin C serum to combat hyperpigmentation.
Many pregnant women develop hyperpigmentation, also known as brown spots or the “pregnancy mask.” For this, Nelson recommends using a high-quality vitamin C serum.
“Look for one that contains L-ascorbic acid, and make sure you’re also using SPF daily and reapplying every few hours,” she says (Learn more: “Vitamin C: The Skincare Secret for Summer Sun Damage.”)
