Pregnancy marks on face

Changes to your skin during pregnancy

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As your pregnancy develops, you may find that you experience changes to your skin and hair. Some women can develop dark patches on their face and hormonal changes can make your skin a little darker.

You may also develop stretch marks on your body, particularly around your stomach where your skin is stretching to accommodate your growing baby.

Chloasma - dark patches on the face

Some pregnant women develop dark irregular patches on their face most commonly on the upper cheek, nose, lips, and forehead. This is called 'chloasma'. It is also sometimes known as 'melasma' or the 'mask of pregnancy'.

Chloasma is thought to be due to stimulation of pigment-producing cells by female sex hormones so that they produce more melanin pigments (dark coloured pigments) when the skin is exposed to sun. Some women develop these patches when they take oral contraceptives (the pill).

Women with a light brown skin type who are living in regions with intense sun exposure are more likely to develop these patches. The patches usually fade over a period of several months after giving birth, though they may last for several years for some women.

Careful protection of the skin using broad spectrum sunscreens every day during pregnancy and while taking the pill may make it less likely that chloasma will develop. It is necessary to continue to use sunscreen after pregnancy as sun exposure may cause the patches to reappear. Some creams that need to be prescribed by doctors may help to fade the patches.

Skin and hair changes

Hormonal changes taking place in pregnancy will make your nipples and the area around them go darker. Your skin colour may also darken a little, either in patches or all over. Birthmarks, moles and freckles may also darken. Some women develop a dark line down the middle of their stomach, called 'linea nigra'. These changes will gradually fade after the baby is born, although your nipples may remain a little darker.

If you sunbathe while you are pregnant, you may burn more easily. Protect your skin with a good high-factor sunscreen and don't stay in the sun for a long time.

Hair growth can also increase in pregnancy, and your hair may be greasier. After the baby is born, it may seem as if you are losing a lot of hair but you are simply losing the extra hair.

Stretch marks

Many women develop stretch marks during their pregnancy, usually in the last 3 months.

They usually appear on your stomach or sometimes on your upper thighs or breasts. Stretch marks are not harmful and over time, your skin will shrink and the stretch marks will fade into white-coloured scars.

Find out more on stretch marks.

Sources:

Royal Women's Hospital Victoria (Common concerns in early pregnancy - itching and skin), The Australasian College of Dermatologists (Striae), The Australasian College of Dermatologists (Melasma)

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: January 2020

Common discomforts during pregnancy
Stretch marks

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Melasma in Pregnancy: Treatment and Causes

Your body goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy.

Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. You may experience cramping, morning sickness, and all sorts of unfamiliar aches and pains. Your hair and skin may also go through a transformation for the better — or worse. (You’re beautiful all the same.)

If you’ve noticed dark patches of skin on your face, you may have melasma. Here’s more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely.

Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. In pregnancy, it’s often referred to as chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy.”

Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. It doesn’t affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications.

People with more pigment in their skin — for example, those of African, North African, Middle Eastern, Latin or Hispanic, Asian, Indian, or Mediterranean descent — are more likely to develop chloasma, as they naturally have more active melanin production.

Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy.

Related: Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases

The primary symptom of chloasma is darkening of the skin on the face. You may notice dark patches or splotches on your forehead, cheeks, chin, or around your mouth. These areas may get darker the more you’re exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy.

Pain, itchiness, or soreness are not symptoms of melasma. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. Bring up any additional symptoms you have with your doctor.

A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition using a Wood’s lamp, which helps show whether a skin condition is bacterial, fungal, or otherwise concerning.

Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. You may see a line (linea nigra) extending from the pubic area over the belly, or darkening of the skin all over the body.

Changing hormones, particularly the excess of estrogen and progesterone, is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. Beyond that, the dark patches on the face can be exacerbated by sun exposure, the use of certain skin care products or treatments, and even genetics.

Chloasma may also be worsened by hormonal imbalances that may have been present even before pregnancy.

Whatever the case, your melanocyte-stimulating hormones react to these triggers by making an excess of protective pigments (dark patches) on the skin called melanin.

Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester.

Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. How much you’re out in the sun or even the time of year when you’re pregnant may also affect when you first notice it.

The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely won’t get worse after you deliver your child. That said, it may take time — possibly months — for it to completely fade without any targeted treatment.

Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for more information.

Some experts don’t recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. One reason is that it may resolve on its own. And some treatment methods may not be safe or effective to use when pregnant.

The best course of treatment may actually be prevention, with the help of a few lifestyle changes.

Seek shade

Since the sun may trigger the development of more pigment, it’s a good idea to stay out of its rays, especially for long periods of time.

Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead.

If you’re exercising, try avoiding peak sun hours in your area, generally the middle of the day. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low.

Wear sunscreen

This doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors when the sun is out, though. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key.

Look for products that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or other physical blockers (mineral sunscreens) versus those that rely on chemical blockers. Physical blocking sunscreens tend to offer broader protection and may be less irritating to the skin.

Dress for success

Another option for sun cover is clothing with or without UV protection, such as SPF rash guards or sun protective clothing. Even if it’s hot outside, loose-fitting clothing can be comfortable and protect your skin.

What about the face? Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. And don’t forget a stylish pair of sunglasses — the bigger the better.

Use gentle skin care products

Face washes, lotions, and serums that irritate your skin may make melasma worse. Slather up with gentle products instead. Look on the label for words like “noncomedogenic,” “sensitive,” “fragrance-free,” or “dermatologist approved” if you get overwhelmed in the beauty aisle.

The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. Look for noncomedogenic or hypoallergenic foundations, concealers, powders, and other products.

Related: Your guide to pregnancy-safe skin care

Try at-home masks and methods

You may be able to lighten your melasma using ingredients from your pantry. While there are no specific studies on these methods for chloasma, the following topical treatments may help:

Lemon juice. Mix together a solution of half fresh lemon juice and half cucumber juice or water. The acid in the juice may help remove pigmentation in the top layer of the skin.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV). Similar idea here. Mix a solution of half ACV and half water to use as a toner on dark areas.
Milk of magnesia. After washing your face, apply milk of magnesia to dark areas using a cotton ball. Leave on the skin overnight and wash off in the morning.
Oatmeal and honey. Whip up a mask made with cooked oatmeal (let it cool down so it isn’t hot) and raw honey. Leave on the skin for 10 minutes before washing away. The mask helps to exfoliate your skin and the enzymes in the honey may lighten it a bit.

Eat well, rest, and try a few supplements

Since melasma may also be the result of hormonal imbalances, you may improve matters by giving yourself some much-needed TLC. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night.

Be sure that you’re rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. And ask your doctor about any potential vitamin deficiencies. Some studies link melasma to deficiency in iron and possibly vitamin B12.

Be patient

After pregnancy, you may ask your dermatologist about other treatments if your melasma doesn’t fade on its own. Treatments include topical medications like:

hydroquinone
tretinoin
corticosteroids

Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. There are also some procedures — including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies — that may work.

It can be frustrating to deal with changes to your skin during pregnancy. Fortunately, chloasma generally fades within a few months after giving birth.

There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. Otherwise, speak with your doctor about the options for treatment and the benefits and risks of each. You’ll be glowing again before you know it!

What will tell the skin of the face during pregnancy

Often, that a woman is expecting a baby, you can guess even before the appearance of characteristic roundness in the abdomen. You just need to look at it: very often the skin of the face in the early stages of pregnancy changes noticeably. This is due to the hormonal changes taking place in the body. Not always such changes please the expectant mother, but it is important to understand that they are completely natural.

FACE COLOR AND PIGMENTATION

The first thing you notice is the change in skin tone during pregnancy. Often, too bright blush plays on the cheeks of the expectant mother. This indicates an increased load on the vessels, which is quite natural during the gestation of the baby. If a woman has had freckles before, they may become even more noticeable. Brown-haired women and brunettes often face chloasma, popularly known as the mask of pregnant women. In this case, individual areas on the forehead, cheeks, chin, as well as on the back of the nose and under the lip darken. Because of this, the skin of the face acquires an uneven tone. Skin pigmentation in expectant mothers is completely natural: this is a consequence of an increase in the level of progesterone in the body. But do not think that such changes will remain forever. Even if the skin of the face deteriorated during pregnancy, as a rule, after the birth of the baby, the previous shade gradually returns to it. So it is not necessary to resort to complex procedures to combat pigmentation, just be patient.

EDEMALS

Many pregnant women experience swelling. They are especially noticeable on the face. Due to swelling, it becomes larger and rounder. Such changes can be expressed to varying degrees. How to determine if edema has appeared? To do this, gently press on the skin with your finger. If a hole has formed on it, most likely, we are talking about the presence of edema. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor leading the pregnancy in a timely manner. The specialist will adjust the diet, as well as prescribe treatment, if necessary.

EXCESSIVE HAIR

At the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, many women notice that the amount of body hair has increased. Noticeable hairs can also appear on the face. This is due to the increase in the level of androgens - sex hormones that occurs during this period. To remove facial hair, you can use tweezers, sugar or wax epilation. At the same time, during pregnancy, the use of chemicals to combat unwanted vegetation is not recommended. In fact, it is not at all necessary to remove the hairs that have grown on the face and body: they will disappear by themselves about six months after childbirth.

RASHES

Many women complain that perfectly clean skin deteriorated during pregnancy: pimples appeared on it. Rashes can be associated with both an allergic reaction and hormonal disorders. When it comes to allergies, a small, well-marked rash usually appears on the skin, which may be accompanied by itching. With hormonal changes associated with an increase in the level of progesterone, the work of the sebaceous glands is activated. As a result, acne may appear on the face of a pregnant woman. The emergence of such problems contributes to an unbalanced diet, genetic factors, lack of fresh air. If acne appears, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist, be sure to inform the specialist about the ongoing pregnancy. The doctor will select therapy taking into account the condition of the woman: not all components of therapeutic creams, lotions and other products are allowed for use during this period.

DOES SKIN ALWAYS GO FOR THE WORSE?

You shouldn't think that carrying a baby inevitably leads to a deterioration in the appearance of the expectant mother. It often happens that the skin of the face during pregnancy shines with health and beauty! Hormonal changes can improve cell function and have a rejuvenating effect on the body. In addition, it is in the power of the expectant mother to properly care for the skin to help it maintain elasticity, softness and a healthy tone.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN DURING PREGNANCY

Use suitable cosmetics. During this period, it is especially important to study the composition of cosmetics. To cleanse the skin, it is recommended to use mild products without aggressive components. If rashes appear, the best option is the remedies recommended by the doctor with antiseptic components. You can use cosmetics designed specifically for pregnant women.

Protect your skin from the sun. At any time of the year, it is important to apply a cream with an SPF factor before going outside. Exposure to ultraviolet light can increase the pigmentation that appears under the influence of hormonal changes.

Choose gentle treatments. Deep peels and traumatic mechanical cleansing of the face are not suitable for pregnant women, because during this period the skin becomes especially sensitive, the pain threshold decreases.

Watch your diet. The menu is recommended to include foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular walks in the fresh air, good sleep, moderate physical activity - all this is useful not only for the skin, but also for the health of the child being born.

How the skin changes during pregnancy

Gynecology

During pregnancy, every woman observes changes not only in her figure, but also in the condition of her skin. This is a normal process for this period in life. It is provoked by hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body. But if the resulting rash, abscesses or inflammation do not go away for more than two or three days, you should consult a doctor.

The main changes to which the skin is subject during pregnancy are manifested in the form of a decrease in its elasticity, it becomes less durable. As a result of the active growth of the tummy, in which the baby is located, the skin increases in size, its layers are torn. This contributes to the appearance of stretch marks or striae. They do not occur throughout the body, but in certain areas of it. The areas of the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and chest are especially susceptible to this.

After childbirth, if the skin has low elasticity, then they tend to remain for life. To avoid them, the expectant mother needs to pay special attention to caring for her. To do this, you can regularly use special creams and oils for pregnant women that nourish and moisturize the skin. They will help her survive the increase in size without consequences. For the health of the baby and the general condition of the woman, they do not have side effects. During pregnancy, the skin becomes thin and transparent, and therefore more vulnerable to external influences. In the wind, it dries and weathers faster. Dry skin leads to flaking. There is also an increase in sensitivity. This contributes to the appearance of irritations and allergic reactions. Another common change in the condition of the skin is the process of increasing pigmentation. It manifests itself in the form of darkening of some of its zones and ugly spots. Under the influence of hormones, there is an increased work of skin cells, namely melanocytes. This is especially true for brunettes and swarthy women. There are no methods to deal with this process. The only good news is that after the baby is born, the skin will begin to return to its original state. During pregnancy, the skin of the face also changes. Spots appear on it, which are also called the “pregnant mask”. They are yellow or beige in the forehead, temples, cheekbones, around the mouth. They are located symmetrically on both sides of the face. The main factor that contributes to their appearance is the direct action of sunlight.

Therefore, in order to preserve the natural complexion, it is better to be less influenced by them. Also, effective results are brought by the use of various sunscreens or other products that are specially designed for pregnant women. They are hypoallergenic and do not contain alcohol. Decorative cosmetics, such as foundation, powder, will help hide spots for a while. After childbirth, over time, they disappear in almost every woman and do not leave any trace on the skin. Many skin changes during pregnancy are associated with the gender of the baby. So, for example, the appearance of spots indicates the birth of a girl. But this is only a hypothesis, which in practice is not always confirmed.