5 Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy You Should Know About
Have you ever heard of the pregnancy glow? Women can’t seem to wait for it. But being pregnant invites more than just glowing skin for moms-to-be. The growing belly and the rushing hormones may bring on some rather unwelcome surprises for their skin.
The most common skin conditions observed during pregnancy include stretch marks, hyperpigmentation & acne. In this blog, we’ll delve into some of these most common pregnancy skin conditions and share insights on how to better manage them.
Melasma
Melasma is a common pregnancy skin condition that affects up to 50% of moms-to-be. In melasma, dark brown or greyish patches form on the woman’s face or body. The commonly affected areas are the cheeks, forehead, lips, nose and chin. But occasionally you may notice these spots on your back, neck or arms as well. These appear in patches or freckle-like patterns.1
Areas which are more exposed to the sun have higher chances of being impacted. And this is the reason why melasma peaks during summer. You’re also more at risk of developing melasma if you have a darker skin tone. Because a dark skin tone means more melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes in the body. The pigment is responsible for imparting colour to your skin & hair. Hormones, UV rays, sun & light cause the melanocytes to produce more melanin, which results in skin hyperpigmentation or melasma.1
Melasma is completely harmless to you and your baby. But it can sometimes be unnerving to see these marks develop. While there isn’t much that can be done to stop it, you can avoid risk factors that make it worse, for example, the sun. Also, the marks gradually fade away after giving birth.1 To make them go away faster, you can opt for targeted skincare products such as AreoVeda’s Skin Brightening Serum. Enriched with the goodness of NaturePep Pea, Bakuchiol CryoGold & CryoCoffee, the serum is a true hyperpigmentation warrior.
Stretch Marks
These are so common that up to 9 out of every 10 pregnant women get them.2 These appear in the form of reddish or purplish lines when your body grows bigger & stretches during pregnancy. Commonly, you find them on your growing belly. But other parts like hips, thighs, breasts & arms can also be impacted sometimes. When about to form, you feel an itchy sensation in those areas.
Again, not harmful to you or your baby, but can be aesthetically unappealing.3 So it’s obvious for you to want to get rid of them. Sadly you can’t. But cheer up because they’ll fade & become lighter over time. Bonus tip - Try using AreoVeda’s Stretch Marks Cream - it can help reduce both old and new stretch marks, ensuring visible results in 28 days. It’s formulated with glycerine & carefully selected plant extracts from traditional Chinese medicine. These have been scientifically proven to improve skin firmness and elasticity, reduce itching & soothe redness.
Prurigo Of Pregnancy
Prurigo of pregnancy is the itchy rash that develops on your hands, legs or belly in the first or second trimester. The rash might feel dry & bumpy. Prurigo is caused due to an alteration in the immune system during pregnancy. And while it might be annoying & uncomfortable, it doesn’t really pose any threat to you or your baby.4
Treatment mainly involves providing relief from itching. For that, you can try to keep yourself cool by wearing breathable clothes. Also, strictly avoid using harsh chemical-laden skincare products like soaps. Include a high-quality moisturiser in your routine that offers long-lasting hydration.4
Acne
If you had acne during your teenage years, there is a good chance you may get them in your 1st trimester. The culprit behind your pregnancy acne is the hormones. They cause sebaceous glands to produce more oil. These, when built up & blocked in the ducts, take the form of acne. Skin bacteria and a genetic history also play a role in giving you pregnancy acne.5
Pregnancy acne usually goes away in the 3rd trimester and post-delivery breastfeeding. But for its proactive management, you can keep your face & hair clean, wipe makeup off before bedtime & use only non-comedogenic moisturiser or other skin care products.
Linea Nigra
About 80% of women are affected by linea nigra, or a dark line of pigmentation that forms between your pubes and the belly button, sometimes stretching further. While there isn’t much known about its exact cause, studies show that the increase in melanocyte-producing hormone during pregnancy causes an increase in melanin production which leads to skin pigmentation.6
Linea nigra doesn't pose any health threat and usually goes away on its own after delivery when the hormone levels reach back to normal. To prevent it from getting worse, you should avoid going out in the sun. You can also consume foods rich in folic acid as it may help reduce the intensity of these lines.6
Parting Notes
Most common pregnancy skin conditions resolve on their own once your pregnancy is over. And addressing them as soon as they appear helps to manage them better. But when using any skincare product during pregnancy, ensure that it is pregnancy-safe. This is because many topical products have the capacity to seep through the skin & ultimately reach your baby.
So ladies, here’s to wishing you a happy pregnancy & a healthy baby.
FAQs
Q1. What Are Normal Skin Changes In Pregnancy?
Acne, dark spots & stretch marks are some of the common skin conditions in pregnancy.4
Q2. When Do Skin Issues Start In Pregnancy?
Some of the skin issues in pregnancy start in the 1st trimester itself.4
Q3. Will Melasma Affect My Baby?
No, melasma won’t affect your baby. However, certain skincare products that contain harmful chemicals like hydroquinone or tretinoin might be harmful to your developing baby.7
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