Pregnancy affects women’s bodies physically, and the skin is no exception.

Hormonal changes, increased blood volume and changes in metabolic processes in the body can lead to numerous skin changes during pregnancy. These changes can be both temporary and permanent, affecting the appearance, texture and overall
health of the skin.

One of the most common skin changes during pregnancy is the pregnancy glow. This is often attributed to increased blood flow and hormonal changes, especially elevated progesterone and estrogen levels. The hormonal changes can make your skin glow. However, the increased blood flow can also lead to the appearance of visible veins, especially on the legs, and lead to spider veins or varicose veins, which are visible under the skin.

Another significant change is hyperpigmentation, which appears as
dark spots on the skin due to increased melanin production. Linea nigra is a common form of hyperpigmentation - a dark line that runs vertically from the navel to the pubic area. In addition, some women may notice darkened areas on the face, commonly called melasma or ‘the mask of pregnancy.’ These skin pigmentations usually appear on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip.

Stretch marks are another common skin change during pregnancy. As the body grows to accommodate the developing baby, the skin stretches and the underlying connective tissue can tear, resulting in red, purple or light streak-like lines. These marks usually appear on the stomach, chest, hips, and thighs. Although stretch marks are harmless, they can be a frustrating cosmetic issue for many women. And though they do go away over time, they rarely disappear completely.

The sebaceous secretion tends to increase due to hormonal changes, which can also lead to changes in skin texture. In some women, this leads to acne, especially during the first trimester. Pregnant women may find that their skin becomes very oily or acne-prone. On the other hand, some women experience a decrease in sebaceous secretion, which leads to dry patches and skin irritation.

Moreover, pregnant women may experience pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), a skin condition characterized by red, itchy papules, usually starting on the abdomen in the area of ​​stretch marks. Although harmless to the baby, PUPPP can be quite uncomfortable.

Also, during pregnancy, women develop new moles, existing ones
grow, and quite often a large number of new fibromas and seborrheic keratoses appear on the skin in women who have a tendency to develop these changes.

Although these skin changes are common, it is important to note that
every pregnancy is unique and not all women will experience the same skin problems. Most changes are temporary and tend to improve or disappear after delivery. However, if any skin condition becomes alarming or uncomfortable, it is always wise to consult a physician for additional guidance.