Skin Types

Pregnancy Skin

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Pregnancy Skin — skin during pregnancy, when hormonal shifts and increased blood flow can produce changes such as a noticeable glow, breakouts, increased pigmentation, or heightened sensitivity. These effects vary widely between individuals and often resolve after childbirth. Some skincare ingredients are commonly avoided during this time out of caution.

Key points

  • Increased estrogen and blood volume can create the so-called pregnancy glow, though some experience acne or dryness instead.
  • Melasma, a darkening of certain facial areas, is common and can be aggravated by sun exposure.
  • Ingredients such as oral and topical retinoids and high-dose salicylic acid are generally avoided during pregnancy.
  • Any skincare or medication choices during pregnancy are best confirmed with a healthcare provider.

Frequently asked

Which skincare ingredients are usually avoided during pregnancy?

Retinoids, high-dose salicylic acid, and certain other actives are commonly avoided as a precaution during pregnancy. A doctor or midwife can give personalized guidance on what is appropriate.

Why does skin darken in some areas during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes can increase melanin production, leading to darker patches known as melasma or the linea nigra. Daily sun protection can help limit how pronounced these changes become.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care American Academy of Dermatology Clinical guidance aad.org
  2. Learning module: Dermatoses in pregnancy American Academy of Dermatology Clinical guidance aad.org
  3. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy. PUPPP DermNet NZ Clinical guidance dermnetnz.org
  4. Skin changes in pregnancy DermNet NZ Clinical guidance dermnetnz.org
  5. Dermatoses of Pregnancy StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) Reference text ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.