The Motif Guide to Pregnancy Skin Care

Pregnant women seem to possess a certain je ne sais quoi about them. Society has characterized "the pregnancy glow" in a romantic light — Primarily attributed to hormonal changes, increased blood circulation, and excess sebum production, this glow is synonymous with vitality, fertility, and well-being. 

But what about the acne, dark spots, or dry skin concerns that are also common during pregnancy? 

The reality is, pregnancy is a rollercoaster of both emotions and changes in the body. In fact, more than 90% of women experience significant and complex skin changes during pregnancy. It’s not hard to imagine why — as someone is preparing to bring new life, their body is literally transforming. Naturally, this is reflected through how someone is feeling (i.e. morning sickness) and more visual cues like their skin breaking out. 

Beyond the pregnancy glow, pregnancy is known for causing stretch marks. However, this is more apparent in areas like the abdomen and thighs. There’s limited conversation about how other skin reacts to pregnancy — namely, how facial skin reflects this period of growth. 

How does your skin change during pregnancy?

Each trimester of pregnancy brings a unique set of skin changes. During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, hormonal surges are most common. Increased levels of hormones, like progesterone, are what create that “glow.” From weeks 13-27, women continue to experience hormonal fluctuations and pregnancy glow because of elevated blood circulation. During the final stretch, weeks 28-40, acne breakouts due to hormonal fluctuations, dryness, and shifts in the complexion are commonplace. 

While these issues are common towards the final weeks of pregnancy, they can also arise at any point during pregnancy as each person's journey is unique.

Melasma during pregnancy: This is one of the most common skincare conditions, often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy." Melasma is triggered by the surge in hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations stimulate melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin, resulting in dark patches on the face. 

Pimples and acne during pregnancy: In addition to melasma, pregnant women may experience breakouts. Acne during pregnancy is primarily linked to the heightened production of sebum, an oily substance, driven by increased hormonal activity. 

Dry skin during pregnancy: Hormones are running the show during pregnancy. As the body grows, it experiences a hormonal imbalance that leads to reduced sebum production and compromised skin barrier function. This leads to dryness and an increased susceptibility to dehydration. 

How to have a pregnancy safe skin care routine

There’s so much happening during pregnancy. It’s a critical time to deeply connect with the self and understand the body when it is at its most intimate and vulnerable. The changes one experiences during pregnancy may feel so foreign — but these shifts are only temporary and their lasting impacts can be reduced through care during and after pregnancy. In addition to the tips below, creating space and time to truly tend to your well-being will make all the difference. 

 4 quick tips to care for your skin during pregnancy: 

• Prioritizing rest & nutrition
• Pregnancy-safe skincare products 
• Daily SPF application
• Adequate water consumption & deeply hydrating products