Skin & Acne
Melanin
During pregnancy, your body produces more melanin — the pigment that gives color to skin. This increase in melanin can cause the following temporary and harmless changes:
- Your nipples and areola may become darker.
- You may develop chloasma. This “mask of pregnancy” gives some women brownish marks around their eyes and on their noses and cheeks. Spending time in the sun can make chloasma worse, so protect yourself by wearing sun block and a hat and reducing the time you spend outside. These marks may fade after the baby’s born, when hormone levels return to normal.
- The faint line running from the belly button to the pubic hair may darken. This line, called the linea nigra, has always been there, but before pregnancy it was the same color as the skin around it. It, too, usually fades after delivery.
Acne
If your skin is breaking out more now that you’re pregnant, try washing it a few times each day with mild cleanser. If your breakouts are severe, your health care provider may prescribe a treatment. However, the acne products isotretinoin and tetracycline are not safe to use during pregnancy because they have been linked to certain birth defects.
Itchy Skin
Some women find that their skin is very itchy during pregnancy, especially the skin over the expanding abdomen and breasts. If you’re bothered by itchy skin, drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Applying a moisturizer to your skin in the morning and at night also can help. Adding cornstarch to your bath water may help, too. If your itching is severe or you have a rash, let your health care provider know. Some pregnancy-related skin conditions should be treated.
