“You shine!” are words that every pregnant woman is waiting to hear. Some of us do, but many others wait – in vain – for that pregnancy glow. That was more my side of the story.
I realized that pregnancy would be associated with many uncomfortable, uncontrollable and uncomfortable physical changes. Weight gain of course, but also morning sickness (more like 24 hour nausea), fatigue, acid reflux, heartburn, constipation, water retention, sciatica, food aversions and stretch marks. But at least I’d have shiny hair and glowing skin, right?
Wrong.
Social pregnancy expectations shine through
There is a myth that all Expectant mothers enjoy glowing skin thanks to a combination of factors, including increased blood circulation and hormonal surges. But the same hormonal changes can also cause a number of other skin and epidermis related problems not so often discussed.
During my pregnancy, my hair was thicker than ever. However, my skin was also more prone to acne, hyperpigmentation and scarring. I haven’t had a pimple since I was 16, but after 6 weeks, my first pimple appeared on my left cheek. confess. I chose it. And it left a brown scar effect on my cheek that lasted the whole year. Most of my pregnancy photos have a visible spot that shocked me with its stubbornness.
As my skin and body underwent changes, I was given a piece of paper with a list of ingredients to avoid. This meant meticulously checking the labels of every skin care product I owned, as well as any potential substitutions. Most of all, I wanted a skin care that would safely and effectively support me through these new symptoms.
As a technologist, I turn to data when faced with uncertainty or conflicting information—not just Google search results or social media, but genuine scientific research. I looked through many scientific journal articles about skin care during pregnancy and in general. I realized that my experience was common and there were empirically true ways to make the struggle easier.
Prevalence of Pregnancy Acne
According to 2014 studymore than 40% of future women struggle with acne. That’s almost one in two women. Some of my friends have struggled with more severe acne – and yet, the glow stereotype persists, failing the other half of the statistic.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the oil glands in the skin to become more active, which is often the cause of the “pregnancy glow”. However, this boost in activity can also trigger and worsen acne. It is more common in the third trimester, but can start to appear as early as the 6th week of pregnancy and can last the entire period, only after delivery.
During pregnancy, nodular acne is more common – these are pimples that run deep and are usually red and painful. To make matters more complicated, most acne medications, acids, and retinoids are off limits. The resulting inflammation causes blackheads or scars that are also worse when pregnant.
Hyperpigmentation and the pregnancy mask
According to another study50 – 70% of pregnant women will get some form of melasma – that is, brown patches on their cheeks, nose and forehead. This issue known as chloasma, or “mask of pregnancy” is extremely common during pregnancy.
In addition to melasma, pregnancy-related endocrine changes also cause increased hyperpigmentation as seen linea nigra (that dark vertical line on your belly) and general darkening all over the body This is especially common in pregnant women who already have darker skin.
Endocrine changes are associated with a temporary increase in melanin production, which disappears for most women after childbirth, but in some cases, it decreases but remains long after a new skin concern has occurred.
Pregnancy hormones and their effects
Pregnancy is a well-planned, roller-coaster of hormones that all play their designated role. The most important are estrogen and progesterone, both of which are secreted by the ovaries and are considered the main pregnancy hormones.
Elevated estrogen
During pregnancy, a woman’s body produces more estrogen than at any other time in her life. This dramatic increase in estrogen serves several critical purposes. It supports the formation of new blood vessels, which are essential for the increased blood flow required during pregnancy. Estrogen also stimulates the growth of the uterus, allowing it to expand and accommodate the developing fetus. In addition, it enhances the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus through the placenta. Perhaps most importantly, estrogen plays a vital role in the proper development of the fetus and its organs. The increased production of this hormone during pregnancy highlights its importance in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and fetal development.
And that’s just for the baby! Estrogen also affects a woman’s body during pregnancy. It stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which can enhance the volume and appearance of the skin. However, the increase in estrogen can also lead to increased skin pigmentation and vascular changes. These changes can include the appearance of spider veins (small spider-like veins just below the surface of the skin) and palmar erythema, a condition that causes redness in the palms of the hands.
Increased progesterone
Progesterone plays a key role in supporting a healthy pregnancy. It thickens the lining of the uterus, which helps a fertilized egg develop into an embryo and later a fetus. In addition, progesterone helps to relax the ligaments and joints of the body, preparing for childbirth.
However, progesterone also affects the skin, particularly by stimulating sebum (oil) production in the skin glands. As progesterone levels rise during pregnancy, this often leads to oilier skin. This excess oil can lead to clogged pores, potentially causing acne breakouts. Many women also experience increased skin sensitivity during this time, which is another effect linked to rising progesterone levels.
Options for Regaining a “Pregnancy Glow”
Getting pregnant took longer than I expected. And as a result, from trying to conceive, through pregnancy and breastfeeding, I became acutely aware of everything I put in and on my body. This increased vigilance lasted well beyond the hospitalization phase, forever changing my approach to my skin, personal care and diet.
Navigating skin care during pregnancy became challenging, with hormonal changes affecting my skin and strict limitations on product use. The lack of clear guidelines for safe skin care has only added to the overwhelming nature of this new reality.
Moms-to-be often fall into two camps: those who meticulously research specific ingredients and use products across brands, and those who invest time upfront and then commit to the right skincare line. The latter group looks for brands with a strong reputation, dermatologist endorsement and proven results, while avoiding ingredients contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Whichever approach you take, I always recommend the following steps.
6 steps to take back control of your skin while pregnant
- Keep skin clean and balanced: Cleaner is the most underrated of all skin care products. Arguably, all a skincare minimalist really needs is a good cleanser and sunscreen. The right cleanser will cleanse the skin of sweat, dirt, sunscreen and makeup residue without drying it out. It should also be pH balanced to support the skin’s natural biome. And remember – even oily skin needs hydration.
- Use sunscreen: Sun exposure increases the symptoms of hyperpigmentation and melasma, making it more important than ever to stay out of direct sun, wear a hat, and apply (and reapply) a good sunscreen. Natural sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are best, as the jury is still out on the safety of chemical sunscreens.
- Use clinically proven acne fighting ingredients: Ingredients like niacinamide and azelaic acid are supported by independent, unbiased, peer-reviewed clinical journals in their ability to fight acne, soothe inflammation and increase hydration.
- Use safe but powerful antioxidants for a glow: Vitamin C and other non-vitamin C antioxidants, such as Oxyresveratrol, block tyrosinase overactivity, reducing melanin overproduction and relieving symptoms such as acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and other melasma-like symptoms.
- Use a gentle exfoliator for cellular renewal: Introducing a carefully researched and formulated chemical exfoliant (my personal favorite is lactic acid) can also complement a pregnancy routine by addressing the challenges of both acne and pigmentation.
- Exercise care: Not all skin care ingredients are safe for pregnancy. Avoiding hydroquinone, retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and essential oils is recommended. (This is not an exhaustive list!) In addition, skin concerns can also be caused by certain prenatal vitamins and excessive consumption of biotin or B12. Be sure to consult your doctor to better understand which ingredients may or may not be right for you.
As I reflect on my pregnancies, what was hardest about my skin care struggle was the expectation society (and I) placed on myself that I would glow. The barrage of (sometimes conflicting) information, especially in my first pregnancy – what to do, not do, eat, not eat, practice or avoid was frustrating and defeating at times. The heightened hormones amplified every emotion, making every challenge feel insurmountable and making me feel alone.
However, now, with my beautiful children by my side, I realize that those moments were intense but fleeting—pale in comparison to the joy they brought to my life. It is this satisfaction that makes me truly glow from the inside out.
