The 5 Most Annoying Pregnancy-Related Skin Problems + What To Do About Them

A precious bundle of joy is headed your way and you couldn’t be more thrilled. You’re ready to begin this exciting new adventure and enjoy every step of motherhood that’s waiting for you. There’s only one problem. That "new mother glow" that you’ve heard about from family and friends and that you’ve seen in movies and magazines is nowhere to be found. Instead, you find yourself undergoing radical skin changes you weren’t planning on—skin changes you’d rather do without.

If you experience constant stress on a day-to-day basis, your oil glands will work harder as the tiny receptors on these cells are stimulated to produce more oil. This in turn causes the pores to open, and the pH of the surface of the skin changes1. The result? Breakouts. It can be challenging to overcome stress during pregnancy, especially if you’re regularly nauseated, fatigued, and dealing with other responsibilities as well such as work, other children, or family issues. It’s absolutely vital, however, to try to find a balance.

Your developing baby needs water and nourishment, so it’s no surprise that it takes all it needs from you. If your skin is not in ideal health, dehydration typically happens more easily. This causes uneven tones, dry texture, and more breakouts than usual.

As the skin on your stomach stretches, it can become irritatingly itchy, often due to dryness. There are many other physiologic changes influenced by the changing hormonal milieu of pregnancy, as well. Diseases specifically associated with pregnancy can include autoimmune conditions, like the rare pemphigoid gestationis, or dermatologic diseases like atopic dermatitis.

Massaging an organic oil, cream, or lotion at least once a day can help to moisturize your stomach, breasts, hips, and thighs. There are even special organic breast and belly balms that can nourish and feed your skin with regenerative oils, butters, and extracts from flowers, fruits, seeds, and nuts. Try Zoe Organics Belly Butter ($20) or Erbaviva Lotion ($18)—or opt for a warm oatmeal bath to soothe the itchiness.

During pregnancy, a woman’s skin becomes incredibly sensitive. Normal, everyday tasks like face scrubs might result in skin becoming red more easily and may even feel painful at times. Even perfumed lotion can cause irritation and nausea. Be gentle with your skin and opt for unscented and more natural-based products.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition where the skin darkens because of an increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for color (pigment). As you undergo hormonal changes,3 the body temporarily increases its production of melanin. As a result, you’ll notice areas of your body darkening such as your neck, armpits, and nipples. Melasma, meanwhile, is a form of hyperpigmentation. It’s characterized by tan or brown patches that can usually be found on the face, a condition so common among pregnant women that it's called "the mask of pregnancy."

Top Tip: Not a lot can be done during pregnancy to prevent hyperpigmentation or melasma, but being vigilant about UV protection can make a difference. Wearing hats and a zinc-based sunblock, therefore, are must-haves. Additionally, try to limit your exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and add antioxidant rich foods, like colorful fruits and veggies, to your diet.