Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation - not just emotionally and physically, but also in the way your skin looks and feels. It's all part of how your body supports your growing baby — but understanding what's normal and what's not can help you care for your skin with confidence.
Your hormones are on a rollercoaster ride! During pregnancy, your body produces more estrogen, progesterone, and blood — all of which can lead to big changes in your skin.
Here are a few things you might notice:
Increased Pigmentation
Melasma (Mask of Pregnancy): Dark, blotchy patches often appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip.
Darkening of Nipples and Areolas: This is due to increased melanin production.
Moles and Freckles: Existing spots may become darker or more noticeable. Keep an eye on any rapid changes in size or shape.
Stretch Marks (Striae Gravidarum)
Reddish, purplish, or silvery streaks may appear on areas where the skin is rapidly
expanding — usually the belly, breasts, thighs, hips, or buttocks.
Over time, they usually fade to a lighter color.
Acne
Hormonal surges can lead to oily skin and clogged pores, resulting in breakouts, even for women who haven’t had acne before.
It's important to use pregnancy-safe skincare -avoid retinoids and high-dose salicylic acid.
Dryness and Itchiness
As your skin stretches, especially over the abdomen, you may experience tightness, dryness, and itchiness.
Stay hydrated and use fragrance-free moisturizers to soothe discomfort.
Skin Tags
These small, soft, flesh-colored growths may appear under the arms, breasts, or neck due to hormonal changes and friction.
They’re harmless and often fall off postpartum or can be removed if needed.
Palmar Erythema
Redness and a burning or itchy sensation on the palms of the hands and sometimes the soles of the feet
This is usually harmless and due to increased estrogen levels.
Increased Skin Sensitivity
Your skin may become more reactive to sunlight, heat, skincare products, or friction.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even if you're indoors most of the day.
Glowing skin
Hormones and increased blood flow can give your skin a natural “glow.”
Linea nigra
A dark line running down your belly — very common and usually goes away after birth.
Severe or constant itching, especially on palms and soles
May be a sign of a liver condition called cholestasis of pregnancy — needs medical attention.
Painful, blister-like rashes
Could indicate a rare condition like pemphigoid gestationis. Don’t ignore it.
Sudden swelling or redness in one leg
May signal a blood clot. This needs immediate attention.
Fever with a skin rash
Could be an infection — best to get checked.
Skin changes that won’t fade, worsen, or cause pain
If something feels off, it's always okay to ask your doctor.
PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy)
An itchy rash made up of red bumps and welts, typically starting on the abdomen and spreading.
More common in first pregnancies and during the third trimester.
Not harmful to you or your baby, but can be very uncomfortable.
Pregnancy-related skin changes are mostly temporary!, but proper care can ease discomfort and support healthy skin.
Melasma and linea nigra usually fade after delivery.
Stretch marks may lighten with time.
Acne often settles post-birth.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing when outdoors.
Helps prevent melasma and further pigmentation caused by UV rays.
Hydrate your skin daily with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
Ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or ceramides help relieve dryness, tightness, and itchiness.
Apply after a shower to lock in moisture.
Switch to mild, non-comedogenic cleansers and unscented body washes.
Avoid products with alcohol, strong acids, or artificial fragrances that may trigger irritation.
Avoid ingredients unsafe during pregnancy, such as:
Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin)
Hydroquinone
High-dose salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
Opt for pregnancy-safe options like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or azelaic acid.
Aloe vera gel, Oatmeal baths, Shea butter and coconut oil can help keep your skin soft and nourished.
Consult your dermatologist and get a suitable product and personal care prescribed.
Yes! Some women find their eczema or psoriasis improves during pregnancy, though others may see flare-ups. Everyone’s experience is different.
Fact: The “pregnancy glow” comes from increased blood flow and oil production, not your baby’s gender. It happens to many pregnant women, regardless of whether they’re having a boy or girl.
Fact: Stretch marks are mostly due to genetics and skin type, not just weight gain. Even very fit or thin women can get them during pregnancy.
Fact: While moisturizers can help reduce itchiness and dryness, no cream can guarantee zero stretch marks. Hydrated skin might fare better, but it's not a magic solution.
Fact: You can use skincare — you just need to avoid certain ingredients. Consult your Dermatologist for guidance.
Fact: Many changes (like melasma and acne) do fade over time, but not always immediately. Some women may need treatment even after childbirth.
Fact: Pregnancy acne is caused by your hormones, not your baby’s. It has no link to whether your baby will have acne or skin issues.
Most skin changes in pregnancy are completely harmless and temporary. But when in doubt, speak up and consult your dermatologist — your comfort and safety matter!
Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.
Explore articles in this section to gain a deeper understanding of various skin diseases and conditions. Each article provides detailed information on symptoms, causes, and treatment options, helping you to manage and address these dermatological issues effectively.
Psoriasis is a skin condition where new skin forms at a faster rate, showing up as red rashes with whitish scales, commonly over elbows, knees, and other body parts.
Dandruff is a common scalp condition in which small pieces of dry skin flake off from the scalp and is usually associated with itching. The exact cause of Dandruff and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis is unknown.
Dermatophyte infection is a superficial fungal infection of skin, hair and nails. It is also known as ringworm. In Hindi it is termed as Daad and in Marathi it is termed as Gachkaran.
