Pregnancy can bring a wide range of skin changes, from acne and dryness to dark patches, rashes, and spider veins. Many expectant moms experience at least a few of these, while others are hit with nearly every skin issue in the book. Most are caused by hormonal shifts and increased blood flow, and while they can be frustrating, they're usually temporary.

Here's what to know about the skin changes you may experience — and how gentle skin care and the right treatments can help you manage symptoms until they fade after delivery.

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Key Takeaways
  • Skin changes are common during pregnancy. Hormonal shifts can cause acne, dry or oily skin, rashes, skin discoloration, spider veins, skin tags, and other changes that may appear at any point during pregnancy.
  • Gentle skin care can help manage symptoms. Staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, using mild, noncomedogenic skin-care products, and avoiding pregnancy-unsafe acne medications can help keep skin as healthy as possible.
  • Most pregnancy skin changes are temporary. Many skin issues improve within weeks after giving birth, though a few changes, such as some skin tags, may persist and can be treated by a dermatologist if needed.

When do skin changes during pregnancy start?

They can appear at any time. Many women experience the wide range of skin peculiarities that crop up during pregnancy — including rashes, redness, acne, discoloration, and other unwelcome breakouts — as early as the first trimester, while others don't notice changes until the second trimester or third trimester. But they're so common that it would be unusual not to experience any during your pregnancy.

"I had bad acne during the second trimester, but it all went away in the third trimester," says What to Expect Community momjjs1430.

And yes, your skin may look worse for wear as your pregnancy progresses. Fortunately, whether it's a flashback to babyhood (with heat rash) or adolescence (with pimples and oily skin), most skin symptoms will be a thing of the past within weeks of delivery. So try to be patient!

"I used to break out for a week and then it would all disappear until my next cycle, but during pregnancy there is no sign of it disappearing anytime soon for me," says Community mom hbarks12.

What causes skin changes during pregnancy?

It's largely pregnancy hormones at work, causing your pores to produce excess oil and making you vulnerable to heat rash and discoloration on your face, legs, palms and soles.[1] Add to that your suppressed immunity (to protect your baby) and increased blood flow, and you have a recipe for surface-level inflammation.

Some skin changes you might notice during pregnancy include:

"I had awful breakouts, dry patches, just the worst skin during the first three months of pregnancy," says Community mom SunnyJems.

Track your symptoms in the What to Expect app — and see what your body is telling you.

What can I do about skin changes when I'm pregnant?

Though your suddenly baby- or teen-like skin may leave you feeling powerless against pregnancy hormones, there are things you can do to help manage skin changes during pregnancy:

  • Eat healthfully. A well-balanced pregnancy diet provides the nutrients your skin needs to look as healthy as possible under the circumstances.
  • Drink enough water and other fluids every day. Drinking lots of water will keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
  • If pimples are your problem, wash your face two to three times a day with a thorough but gentle cleanser. Harsh products can increase irritation. Exfoliate very gently, too, about once a week, and finish off with an oil-free moisturizer. Overly stripped skin is more prone to breakouts.
  • Look for the words "noncomedogenic" and "fragrance-free" when choosing makeup and skincare products. "Oil-free" formulas are less likely to clog pores, which can help oily skin. If your skin is dry, you'll want to choose moisturizing products. And look for fragrance-free products; products labeled "unscented" may have added fragrances to cover up strange-smelling ingredients.
  • If you see a dermatologist, always tell them that you're pregnant. Some acne medications, like isotretinoin and Retin-A, should not be used during pregnancy, and certain skin care ingredients are also off-limits.[2]
  • Stick to short showers — which is good training for motherhood — in warm (not hot) water, and use a mild cleanser. Long baths and hot water can strip the skin of moisture. For very dry skin, use a moisturizer or a warm-mist humidifier in your room.
  • For eczema, low-dose cortisone creams are usually safe, but check with your practitioner for recommendations.
  • For redness on the palms of your hands, try to be patient. This condition typically disappears after you give birth. But check in with your practitioner just to make sure it's normal.
  • Skin tags often appear during pregnancy and may disappear after delivery. If they persist, a dermatologist can remove them in a flash.
  • For heat rash, stay cool. Sprinkle on a bit of cornstarch after a shower and avoid tight or overly warm clothing. Dress in layers so you can peel down if you get too warm.
  • For PUPPP, show any marks or rashes to your practitioner. These usually go away after delivery, though your practitioner may prescribe medication to help relieve your symptoms.

Can I prevent skin changes during pregnancy?

Not really, but you can learn about pregnancy-safe skin care and stock up on gentle creams — and a good concealer — so you feel more confident.

When can I expect my skin to go back to normal?

Many of your skin changes will improve at some point during pregnancy or within weeks after delivery.

"I got the most random looking mole-like things all over my back when I was pregnant," says Community mom CorgiMum. "They all disappeared after I gave birth, luckily. I was amazed how much my skin was affected by pregnancy."

If you have changes that haven't gone away and they're bothering you (like skin tags), talk with a dermatologist.