It's no secret that the body changes during pregnancy. Both visible and invisible changes occur, the latter having a significant impact on physical appearance. For instance, hormonal fluctuations are responsible for mood swings, but also for the appearance of certain skin problems.
That glowing skin, specific to pregnant women, is one of the changes that occur during pregnancy and is due to an increase in the level of sebum, the skin's natural oil. However, when the sebum level is too high, luminous skin can turn into acne-prone skin.
Most skin changes are not irreversible. Typically, the skin returns to its usual appearance in the period after birth. Whether it's pigmentation spots (melasma), hormonal acne, stretch marks, or varicose veins, these changes are natural and can be managed with appropriate skincare products and routines. In this article, we explain the causes of these manifestations and how you can take care of your skin during the most sensitive stages of life.
Table of Contents
Causes of skin changes during pregnancy and after birth
During pregnancy, over 90% of women experience significant skin changes, which can have a major impact on their lives.
Main causes of skin changes in pregnancy:
Endocrinological changes
Immunological changes
Metabolic and vascular changes
Hormonal changes
Most changes that occur during pregnancy are related to hormones. During this period, increased levels of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, contribute to increased blood flow to the skin, giving it a more radiant appearance. Hormonal changes can also affect the skin's hydration level.
After birth, hormone levels tend to drop sharply. This can lead to changes in skin texture and appearance.
However, the changes are not the same for all women. Some women find their skin looks healthier. Other women find their skin to be dry, sensitive, with pigmentation spots, developing acne or other skin problems.
Main skin problems during pregnancy and postpartum
Many women notice changes in their skin, nails, and hair during pregnancy. In some cases, these are conditions and changes they haven't experienced before.
Skin conditions that worsen or improve during pregnancy usually return to their pre-pregnancy state during the postnatal period.
Here are some of the most common skin problems during pregnancy and postpartum.
Melasma
Melasma is a condition that occurs when there is an increased level of melanin (skin pigment) in certain areas of the skin. It is also known as "the mask of pregnancy," as it is a skin problem that predominantly affects pregnant women. Almost 50% of pregnant women show signs of melasma.
Signs:
Pigmentation spots appear most frequently on the forehead and cheeks, in the second half of pregnancy.
Most of these brownish spots fade over time, often within a few months after birth, but some women may have pigmentation spots for years.
Recommendations for managing melasma
To minimize the risk of melasma, it is recommended to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 daily. Also, reducing time spent in the sun and avoiding peak hours – between 10 AM and 4 PM – helps prevent pigmentation spots during pregnancy.
? Discover products from the Sunlight range, which provides very high SPF 50+ sun protection.
At the same time, to fade pigmentation spots, it is advisable to introduce products with ingredients that reduce melanin production into the daily skincare routine.
Ivawhite Depigmenting Cream — increases radiance and smooths sensitive skin with hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Reduces the number, size, and intensity of lentigines (age spots), freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Ivawhite Intensive Depigmenting Serum — evens out and improves the brightness and radiance of the face. Stimulates the disappearance of hyperpigmentation spots and prevents their recurrence. The serum has a dual mechanism of action on pigmentation spots: it reduces melanin production by inhibiting enzymes involved in its formation, and it prevents the transfer of melanin to the upper layers of the skin.
Acne
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to the appearance or worsening of acne because:
Blood flow increases by up to 50%
The body produces a greater amount of hormones, which cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
The result is the so-called pregnancy glow. However, this glow is not always beneficial, as increased oil production can lead to the appearance or worsening of acne. The good news is that acne usually disappears shortly after birth.
Recommendations for acne
Generally, most over-the-counter cleansers and acne treatments can be safely used during pregnancy. However, it is best for acne treatment to be followed under the recommendation of a specialist doctor.
? Discover the Ivapur range, designed for sensitive oily or combination skin with acne tendency.
Linea nigra
Linea nigra is a dark line that appears on the abdomen of some pregnant women. What it looks like:
It starts from the navel and continues down to the pubic area
It becomes visible, most frequently, in the second trimester of pregnancy (around the twentieth week)
It can become darker as the pregnancy progresses
It is more visible in people with darker skin.
What happens after pregnancy?
Linea nigra will disappear after pregnancy, when hormone levels return to normal. Fading is gradual, over several weeks or months. In some cases, it does not disappear entirely or takes much longer to fade.
Linea nigra is not dangerous, causes no problems for the mother or fetus, and does not require treatment.
Sudden change causes the collagen and elastin fibers, which provide skin strength and elasticity, to degrade and these scar-like lines to appear.
Stretch marks are common during pregnancy, affecting up to 90% of women in the second and third trimesters.
In pregnant women, stretch marks appear mostly on the abdomen, but can also develop on breasts, buttocks, and thighs.
Most stretch marks fade after the baby is born, but they may never completely disappear.
Resveratrox V Anti-Stretch Mark Cream — prevents the formation of new stretch marks and reduces the size of existing ones. By restoring collagen and elastin fibers, it restores skin elasticity. It has a profound restructuring effect and increases the skin's resistance to distension. It is used during pregnancy and after birth.
Eczema
Eczema, medically known as dermatitis, is the most common skin condition during pregnancy. Symptoms:
It usually affects the face, wrists, ankles, elbow creases, and the backs of the knees.
The frequency of eczema is higher in the first two trimesters of pregnancy.
Varicose veins
Spider veins (telangiectasias) and varicose veins are common during pregnancy.
Spider veins:
Appear as a result of hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy and represent an intermediate stage in the development of varicose veins.
They are more common in the first half of pregnancy and appear as small red veins on the face, neck, and arms.
The redness should disappear after the baby's birth.
Varicose veins:
Varicose veins appear due to the weight and pressure exerted by the uterus, which causes decreased blood flow from the lower body.
Consequently, the veins in the legs begin to swell, turn blue, and cause pain.
In most cases, varicose veins disappear after birth.
Other problems
Itching
In addition to these problems that frequently occur during pregnancy, pregnant women may also experience pruritus (excessive itching), which appears especially in winter, when the skin is dry, as well as a change in the color of freckles and moles, nipples, areolas, and labia. Due to hyperpigmentation, these can become darker. These areas may remain dark after pregnancy.
Hair growth
Last but not least, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause hair on the head and body to grow or become thicker. Sometimes, pregnant women grow hair in areas where they normally do not have hair, such as the face, chest, abdomen, and arms.
Skincare during pregnancy and after birth
Most over-the-counter skincare products can be safely used during pregnancy. The skin can be more sensitive during this period and may react to chemicals in some products. Therefore, for establishing a skincare routine during pregnancy, a dermatological consultation is recommended.
Among the essential steps in skincare during pregnancy and after birth are:
Constant skin hydration. To avoid itching and the development of skin conditions, as well as to maintain skin health and radiance, it is recommended to use hydrating products in both morning and evening routines, such as those from the Ivahidra+ range.
Skin protection against ultraviolet radiation. Sun exposure can lead to the appearance of pigmentation spots or the worsening of existing ones. Therefore, a form of protection against sun rays is indicated, most often involving avoiding it and wearing appropriate clothing.
Avoiding harsh products. During pregnancy and postpartum, the skin is more sensitive, which is why gentle skincare products, without harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin, are recommended.
Skin transformations during and after pregnancy are a natural part of the maternal experience. Skin changes differ from woman to woman, and proper skincare can help prevent some conditions or alleviate the symptoms of others.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Skin changes during pregnancy and after birth
It's no secret that the body changes during pregnancy. Both visible and invisible changes occur, the latter having a significant impact on physical appearance. For instance, hormonal fluctuations are responsible for mood swings, but also for the appearance of certain skin problems.
That glowing skin, specific to pregnant women, is one of the changes that occur during pregnancy and is due to an increase in the level of sebum, the skin's natural oil. However, when the sebum level is too high, luminous skin can turn into acne-prone skin.
Most skin changes are not irreversible. Typically, the skin returns to its usual appearance in the period after birth. Whether it's pigmentation spots (melasma), hormonal acne, stretch marks, or varicose veins, these changes are natural and can be managed with appropriate skincare products and routines. In this article, we explain the causes of these manifestations and how you can take care of your skin during the most sensitive stages of life.
Table of Contents
Causes of skin changes during pregnancy and after birth
During pregnancy, over 90% of women experience significant skin changes, which can have a major impact on their lives.
Main causes of skin changes in pregnancy:
Most changes that occur during pregnancy are related to hormones. During this period, increased levels of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, contribute to increased blood flow to the skin, giving it a more radiant appearance. Hormonal changes can also affect the skin's hydration level.
After birth, hormone levels tend to drop sharply. This can lead to changes in skin texture and appearance.
However, the changes are not the same for all women. Some women find their skin looks healthier. Other women find their skin to be dry, sensitive, with pigmentation spots, developing acne or other skin problems.
Main skin problems during pregnancy and postpartum
Many women notice changes in their skin, nails, and hair during pregnancy. In some cases, these are conditions and changes they haven't experienced before.
Skin conditions that worsen or improve during pregnancy usually return to their pre-pregnancy state during the postnatal period.
Here are some of the most common skin problems during pregnancy and postpartum.
Melasma
Melasma is a condition that occurs when there is an increased level of melanin (skin pigment) in certain areas of the skin. It is also known as "the mask of pregnancy," as it is a skin problem that predominantly affects pregnant women. Almost 50% of pregnant women show signs of melasma.
Signs:
Recommendations for managing melasma
To minimize the risk of melasma, it is recommended to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 daily. Also, reducing time spent in the sun and avoiding peak hours – between 10 AM and 4 PM – helps prevent pigmentation spots during pregnancy.
? Discover products from the Sunlight range, which provides very high SPF 50+ sun protection.
At the same time, to fade pigmentation spots, it is advisable to introduce products with ingredients that reduce melanin production into the daily skincare routine.
Acne
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to the appearance or worsening of acne because:
The result is the so-called pregnancy glow. However, this glow is not always beneficial, as increased oil production can lead to the appearance or worsening of acne. The good news is that acne usually disappears shortly after birth.
Recommendations for acne
Generally, most over-the-counter cleansers and acne treatments can be safely used during pregnancy. However, it is best for acne treatment to be followed under the recommendation of a specialist doctor.
? Discover the Ivapur range, designed for sensitive oily or combination skin with acne tendency.
Linea nigra
Linea nigra is a dark line that appears on the abdomen of some pregnant women. What it looks like:
What happens after pregnancy?
Linea nigra will disappear after pregnancy, when hormone levels return to normal. Fading is gradual, over several weeks or months. In some cases, it does not disappear entirely or takes much longer to fade.
Linea nigra is not dangerous, causes no problems for the mother or fetus, and does not require treatment.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks appear on different parts of the body when the skin stretches or shrinks too quickly.
Why and where stretch marks appear in pregnancy:
Most stretch marks fade after the baby is born, but they may never completely disappear.
Eczema
Eczema, medically known as dermatitis, is the most common skin condition during pregnancy. Symptoms:
The frequency of eczema is higher in the first two trimesters of pregnancy.
Varicose veins
Spider veins (telangiectasias) and varicose veins are common during pregnancy.
Spider veins:
Varicose veins:
Other problems
Itching
In addition to these problems that frequently occur during pregnancy, pregnant women may also experience pruritus (excessive itching), which appears especially in winter, when the skin is dry, as well as a change in the color of freckles and moles, nipples, areolas, and labia. Due to hyperpigmentation, these can become darker. These areas may remain dark after pregnancy.
Hair growth
Last but not least, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause hair on the head and body to grow or become thicker. Sometimes, pregnant women grow hair in areas where they normally do not have hair, such as the face, chest, abdomen, and arms.
Skincare during pregnancy and after birth
Most over-the-counter skincare products can be safely used during pregnancy. The skin can be more sensitive during this period and may react to chemicals in some products. Therefore, for establishing a skincare routine during pregnancy, a dermatological consultation is recommended.
Among the essential steps in skincare during pregnancy and after birth are:
Skin transformations during and after pregnancy are a natural part of the maternal experience. Skin changes differ from woman to woman, and proper skincare can help prevent some conditions or alleviate the symptoms of others.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.