Your Skin and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of great excitement. A growing baby (or babies!) is a cause for celebration, and there are many things to anticipate during the months that you are expecting. Of course, pregnancy brings about changes to the body that are necessary: weight gain and expanding belly are definitely the most noticeable changes. However, other changes may surprise you, such as skin issues that can cause you to feel a bit of anxiety.

Breakouts – During pregnancy, your body will experience huge surges in hormones. Growing a new life takes a lot of work on your body’s part, and significant increases in hormones can cause breakouts to occur. If you are prone to breaking out during your cycle, you should expect to experience moderate acne while pregnant. Talk with your dermatologist about your breakout issues and what acne treatments are safe to use during pregnancy.

Melasma – One of the most unwanted skin issues during pregnancy is melasma, or “the mask of pregnancy.” This facial discoloration causes dark patches to occur, particularly around the mouth. Many women are embarrassed by melasma, but they need to understand that this skin issue is temporary. Using makeup to hide discoloration can be helpful, and there are several treatments that your dermatologist can provide that will help treat melasma during pregnancy and after you give birth.

Stretch Marks – Weight gain varies for each woman. Some women gain weight only in their bellies, while others gain weight all over their bodies during pregnancy. As the body expands, many women get stretch marks on their skin. These marks are light, often with a sheen, appearing as lines on the skin as the skin stretches to accommodate your growing body. Up to 90% of women experience stretch marks, with heredity playing a considerable role in whether or not you will develop them. Keeping your skin hydrated and using a lotion with vitamin E and alpha-hydroxy acids can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and make them less noticeable once you lose the baby weight.

At Kayal Dermatology, we are here to provide you with specified skincare during pregnancy. If you are experiencing unwanted skin changes while pregnant, please contact our practice. We can help you find the pregnancy glow you deserve.