Pregnancy and Skincare

Pregnancy is a special physiological condition characterised by numerous hormonal, metabolic, and immunologic changes that support the development of the foetus. These changes often lead to noticeable alterations in a woman's body, particularly in the skin and skincare. While most of these changes are transient, their appearance often leads to psychological concerns among pregnant women. Cultural, societal, and individual expectations regarding beauty and skin health are the leading causes of such concerns that may prompt some women to seek interventions and advice based on non-scientific grounds.

During pregnancy, skin hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and vascular changes are commonly experienced by women caused by significant hormonal changes that may affect skin appearance in different ways. Although these changes are generally harmless and resolve post-partum, their visibility can distress expectant mothers. Misconceptions that these changes indicate underlying health issues or permanent damage may push these women to choose unproven treatments.

Cultural perceptions of beauty and skin health play a very important role in the pregnant woman's perception and response to these commonly occurring changes. In most cultures, good health is associated with clear, unblemished skin, which in turn suggests attractiveness and desirable social status. Hence, the changes brought on by pregnancy, such as melasma ("pregnancy mask" or pigmentation) or stretch marks, may be perceived as undesirable or stigmatising. This may force women to look for ways of restoring their skin appearance, using sometimes uncontrolled or unsafe products.

Skincare companies have capitalised on these concerns by marketing a wide array of products for the prevention and treatment of pregnancy-related skin changes from topical creams and oils to prevent stretch marks, to depigmenting agents such as topical retinoids and hydroquinone. While some products are based on clinical evidence, many lack rigorous testing for safety and efficacy during pregnancy.

Many are dissatisfied with over-the-counter products or home remedies for pregnancy-related skin changes due to unrealistic expectations or a lack of visible improvement. The reasons for dissatisfaction with these products are usually related to the intrinsic limitations of topical treatments in addressing conditions such as pigmentation and melasma, and due to the complex hormonal and genetic factors involved in the development of these conditions.

Additionally, unrealistic expectations created by advertising these products create expectations that are far more than what is possible to be delivered, which also adds to the frustration. Moreover, the limited awareness and knowledge of what constitutes a normal change and what does not, and the potential risks associated with some treatments used based on non-professional advisors such as social media influencers and others.

Findings show that many have reliance on non-medical-based advice, which highlights critical gaps detected among healthcare providers. Consequently, many women do not receive optimal recommendations for skin care routines during or after the pregnancy period, which hinders safe and efficient treatments and practices to be applied.

Thyroid dysfunctions are common among female patients during pregnancy, which could be associated with skin complications. It is well known that thyroid dysfunctions, especially hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, often lead to worsening skin appearance.

Antihypertensive medications, commonly used to manage pregnancy-induced hypertension or chronic hypertension, can also affect the skin, leading to side effects like redness and dryness in the skin, or exacerbation of conditions such as psoriasis due to their impact on vasodilation and immune modulation, in addition to their known effect as a photosensitizing agent.

It is well known that during pregnancy, the body undergoes a significant hormonal changing, particularly in Estrogen, Progesterone, and other pregnancy-specific hormones which play a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy and preparing the body for childbirth. Yet, they also have a profound impact on skin physiology leading to skin changes that include hyperpigmentation, and other changes. Hyperpigmentation is well known as one of the most noticeable changes that occurs during pregnancy, often manifesting as Linea Nigra, darkened areolas, and melasma, commonly referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”.

There is, therefore, a need for healthcare providers and the skin care industry to set realistic expectations and prioritize the safety and efficacy of products tailored for pregnant and postpartum women.

In conclusion, there are significant gaps in knowledge, behaviour, and perceptions related to pregnancy-related skin changes. Addressing these gaps through education, evidence-based product recommendations, and culturally sensitive interventions is critical.

If you have concerns with regard to your skin condition during pregnancy, therefore, do visit your chosen healthcare or skincare professional and do NOT rely on social media!

This is not my own work. Any italics, are mine. For the full article, please read this at:

Aladwan, S., Issa, R., Al. Safadi, W., Alnsour, L. and Al-Halaseh, L.K. (2025), Perceptions and Management of Pregnancy-Related Skin Changes: A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Practices, and Use of Skincare Product. J Cosmet Dermatol, 24: e70132. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70132