All pregnancies aren't the same. According to Healthline, there is an increase in hormones — such as estrogen and progesterone — that helps the baby grow, but also impacts the skin.
Of this change, Dr. Karan Lal told The List, "Your skin becomes red and rosy. This is due to an increase in blood volume. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone increase which can lead to oilier skin, accompanied by acne." Perhaps you never struggled with acne before, and now you can't use retinoids to treat them. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Dr. Lal, you can use glycolic acid or azelaic acid, as prescription acne medication is not deemed safe for use.
Another common skin issue during pregnancy is the 'mask' of pregnancy. A study showed that almost 70% of pregnant people can get dark patches on their skin, a kind of melasma.
Dr. Lal told us, "These hormones also cause your skin to get darker (including your moles). In fact, you may develop more moles during pregnancy (that may disappear after pregnancy)." Sun exposure without protection can worsen the skin's darkening, so it's essential to always wear pregnancy-safe sunscreen during this time.
Then there are stretch marks. Boston-based dermatologist Abigail Waldman told Allure, "Stretch marks are really, really common — about 75% of pregnant women experience them." This happens due to rapid weight gain, and topical vitamin E can help diminish their appearance.
