Beautiful With the Bump: How to Care for Your Skin During Pregnancy

Your hormones have gone up, and they're taking a toll on your skin, and in turn, your confidence. It's already frustrating to deal with skin that doesn't look or feel like your own, but pregnancy makes it even harder, since there's little you can do to stop the hormonal shifts behind most of these changes.

The truth is, some of this is simply out of your hands until after the next nine months. What you can do is understand why your skin looks the way it does, take the steps that are safe and effective, and embrace the rest. Because the truth is: you are beautiful with the baby bump, and your skin is too.

Why Does Pregnancy Change Your Skin?

You've probably asked "why?" every time you look in the mirror. Here's what's actually happening:

1. Hormonal Pigmentation (Melasma): Rising estrogen and progesterone levels increase melanin production, the pigment responsible for your skin's color. This is why many pregnant women notice their skin appearing darker or developing patches of pigmentation. It's a normal pregnancy change, and it doesn't take away from how beautiful you are.

2. Exhaustion and Its Effect on Skin Health: Pregnancy fatigue is real, and disrupted sleep (thanks to finding a comfortable position and frequent wake-ups through the night) takes a visible toll on skin health. Tiredness affects how your skin repairs and regenerates, which is part of why it can look dull or stressed.

3. Pregnancy Acne and Excess Oil Production: Sebum production is controlled by hormones, and with hormone levels rising during pregnancy, your skin can produce significantly more oil. This often leads to clogged pores, comedones, and acne, sometimes spreading beyond the face to the back and chest.

4. Facial Puffiness and Fluid Retention: Noticing puffiness around your nose, lips, or face? Your body is retaining extra fluid during pregnancy, which is a normal physiological response, not a sign that something is wrong.

5. Tinea Versicolor (White Patches on the Skin): Some women develop white, stubborn patches known as Tinea Versicolor during pregnancy. This is a common and well-documented pregnancy skin condition, not something to worry about excessively; many women experience it during antenatal visits.

How to Care for Your Skin During Pregnancy

Now that you understand the "why," here's how to care for your skin safely through pregnancy.

1. Eat Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Feed your skin from the inside out with foods like oranges and watermelon. You can also incorporate vitamin C-based skincare ingredients into your routine, since they help brighten skin and support collagen production.

2. Protect Your Skin From Sun Exposure: Sun exposure during pregnancy can worsen dark patches that are difficult to reverse afterward. Avoid direct sun exposure, and note that sitting near a window or inside a vehicle doesn't fully block UV rays. Where possible, schedule outdoor appointments for early morning or early evening, around 3:30 pm, when UV exposure is lower.

3. Manage Oil Without Stripping Your Skin: You can't stop pregnancy hormones from producing oil, but you can manage the excess. Wash your face regularly, especially after being outdoors, using a mild, pH-balanced cleanser. Avoid heavily fragranced soaps, as they can strip natural oils, and pregnancy can also make your skin more reactive to fragrance.

4. Avoid Unsafe Over-the-Counter Acne Products: Many common acne treatments aren't recommended during pregnancy. Benzoyl peroxide's safety is still debated, salicylic acid is generally considered unsafe for expectant mothers, and ingredients like witch hazel and evening primrose, though effective outside pregnancy, aren't advised during this time. Retinoid creams in particular are linked to birth defects and should be avoided.

Stick to a simple, pregnancy-safe skincare routine rather than experimenting with over-the-counter acne products. Always check with your doctor before introducing new active ingredients.

5. Reduce Water Retention: Lower your salt intake and engage in light, doctor-approved exercise to support healthy blood circulation and reduce swelling.

6. Manage Tinea Versicolor Naturally: Avoid cosmetics that disrupt your skin's natural pH, since a balanced skin surface helps the good bacteria on your skin keep infection-causing organisms in check. Eating a balanced diet to support your immune system also helps, since weakened immunity is linked to Tinea Versicolor.

While there are several treatments available for Tinea Versicolor, the safest approach during pregnancy is boosting your immunity through proper nutrition. Also remember that the fungus responsible for this condition can linger in makeup sponges, clothing, and face towels, so wash these items regularly to avoid reinfection.

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© Teju Duru is a Skincare Specialist at Yosher-Dan Beauty.