How will pregnancy affect my skin?

Your skin might look a bit different when you are pregnant. This is because during pregnancy you have higher levels of hormones and extra blood flowing in your body.

Some people find that their skin looks healthier and 'glows'. Others find that their skin becomes dry or blotchy and they develop acne or other skin problems. Your skin might also become more sensitive.

Certain areas of your skin may get darker, such as your nipples, armpits, inner thighs, genital area and under your eyes.

What are common skin conditions in pregnancy?

During pregnancy, you can develop common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, linea nigra, melanocytic naevi, prurigo, melasma, stretch marks and varicose veins.

These skin conditions are not dangerous for you or your baby. Some of them go away after you give birth. They may cause emotional distress, especially if your face is affected.

There are many treatments available. Some skin treatments are not safe during pregnancy and can even harm your baby. You can seek advice from your doctor or dermatologist to help manage and treat your conditions.

If you do develop itchy skin, even without a rash, you should seek medical advice. Itchy skin can be a sign of a more serious health condition that can harm your baby.

Read more about itching during pregnancy.

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that most often starts during adolescence. If you have had acne, it is likely to flare up during the first trimester of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy acne usually improves or disappears during your third trimester.

After you give birth, breastfeeding can help you keep acne away.

Read more about acne during pregnancy.

Eczema

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eruption of pregnancy.

Eczema is the most common skin condition of pregnancy. It causes dry, scaly, itchy and red skin. It usually affects the face, neck, creases of your elbows and the back of the knees.

You are more likely to get eczema symptoms during your first 2 trimesters of pregnancy.

Read more about eczema.

Linea nigra

Linea nigra (the 'pregnancy line') is a dark line of skin down the middle of the abdomen.

After you give birth, it will go away.

Read more about linea nigra.

Melanocytic naevi (moles)

Melanocytic naevi (also known as moles) are normal growths of melanocytes (the cells on your skin that give it colour).

Most people have some moles. During pregnancy your moles can sometimes change in appearance or size.

Moles have the potential to develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer. If you notice any of your moles change during your pregnancy, show them to your doctor.

Read more about melanocytic naevi.

Prurigo of pregnancy

Prurigo of pregnancy is an itchy rash that you may develop during pregnancy.

The rash can feel dry and bumpy. It may cover large areas of your abdomen, arms or legs. It usually appears during the first or second trimester.

If you have family members who have eczema, asthma or hay fever, you have a higher chance of getting prurigo.

Read more about prurigo of pregnancy.

Melasma

Melasma (also known as chloasma or 'the mask of pregnancy') appears as brown patches on your skin, usually on your face.

Melasma is very common in pregnancy and usually starts during your second or third trimester.

Read more about melasma.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks (also known as striae) are red, pink or purple lines that almost everyone develops on their skin during pregnancy.

Stretch marks are most common on the abdomen (tummy) but they can also appear on your thighs, breasts, hips and upper arms.

At first, they may feel itchy. After you give birth, they fade and may become pale silvery streaks.

No skin products have been scientifically proven to prevent stretch marks. If they bother you, there are some treatments you can try. Check with your pharmacist if the product is safe for use in pregnancy.

Read more about stretch marks.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are blood vessels that have collected too much blood, they may look blue and swollen. They mainly develop in the legs and are common in pregnancy. Varicose veins may cause aches and pains in your legs.

If you had varicose veins before pregnancy, they may become larger or cause problems during your pregnancy.

Varicose veins usually improve 3 to 4 months after you give birth.

Read more about varicose veins.

How can I look after my skin during pregnancy?

As your skin changes while you are pregnant, you may look for new skin care products. Your skin may be more sensitive and react to the chemicals in some products.

Most moisturisers and cosmetics are safe to use during pregnancy. Chemicals in creams and ointments can be absorbed into your blood, but usually only in small amounts.

It is a good idea to check the ingredients in the products you use. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure if a product is safe.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Are there products I shouldn't use on my skin during pregnancy?

It is best to avoid using products containing vitamin A, also called retinol. If you are using a product containing vitamin A, stop using the product and check with your doctor.

Do not use a product if you cannot check the ingredients. Keep this in mind, especially if you buy products online.

Other products to avoid include:

• bleaching products containing hydroquinone
• hair loss lotions containing minoxidil
• acne treatments containing tretinoin

Can I sunbathe during pregnancy?

It's never safe to sunbathe, whether you are pregnant or not. It exposes you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause skin cancer.

A tan is a sign of UV damage to your skin. When you are pregnant, you might find that you get a tan with less sun exposure than usual. It's important to cover up and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

You can use fake tan lotions. Do not get a spray tan. It is not known if the spray is safe to inhale (breathe in) when you are pregnant.

How do I treat sunburn in pregnancy?

If you develop sunburn, you can use cold packs, moisturiser and pain-relieving medicine such as paracetamol. See your doctor if it doesn't improve.

Can I use hair removal products during pregnancy?

Waxing and hair removal creams are safe in pregnancy. Your skin might be more sensitive to these methods than usual.

Hair removal creams can cause an allergic reaction, even if you've used them before. If this happens, stop using the cream and try it on a small area of skin after your baby is born.

Will my skin go back to normal after I've had my baby?

Most skin changes that occur during pregnancy will slowly improve or go away after your baby is born. If you have a skin condition that got better or worse during pregnancy, it will probably go back to how it was before.

Resources and support

Visit the Royal Women's Hospital website for answers to common concerns in early pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and would like to find out more about your medicines, call Medicines Line on 1300 633 424.

Learn more about striae (stretch marks) you may develop during pregnancy at The Australasian College of Dermatologists website.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health has health resources in more than 70 community languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

You can find out more about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pregnancy health on Stronger Bubba Born or watch the How to Have a Safer Pregnancy video.

Looking for information for sexually and gender-diverse families?

PANDA has inclusive and appropriate support for LGBTIQA+ expecting and new parents.