What skin changes occur during pregnancy?

Due to hormonal changes, a pregnant person may have:

stretch marks
hyperpigmentation
acne
linea nigra, a dark line that runs from the naval to the pubic area
spider veins
varicose veins

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends speaking with a healthcare professional before applying any products to stretch marks. This is because some creams, lotions, and gels that claim to treat stretch marks contain retinol, which can harm a fetus.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends using a heavy moisturizer during pregnancy to help keep the skin soft.

Some ingredients to avoid during pregnancy

Certain skin care chemicals can cause complications. Pregnant people should avoid products that contain any of these ingredients:

Retinoids

Retinoids are a synthetic form of vitamin A that can treat skin conditions such as cystic acne.

Pregnant people should not takeoral medications that contain retinoids during pregnancy, as these can lead to congenital disabilities, such as fetal retinoid syndrome.

Some topical products, such as creams and ointments, also contain retinoids. According to 2020 researchTrusted Source, negative effects of these products during pregnancy are unlikely, but it is still advisable to avoid topical retinoids until after pregnancy.

Some over-the-counter products contain retinoids. Checking labels carefully is key.

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Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is in prescription products that people use to lighten their skin.

Research from 2021 reports that the skin absorbs approximately 35–45%Trusted Source of the hydroquinone in these products. While this is unlikely to cause adverse effects, healthcare professionals recommend avoiding this ingredient during pregnancy and lactation.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is no longer a common ingredient in cosmetics because it is known to increase the riskTrusted Source of cancer and pregnancy loss.

However, some cosmetics contain chemicals called “formaldehyde releasers,” which decompose over time, turning into molecules of formaldehyde.

Such chemicals include:

5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
bronopol, also called 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
diazolidinyl urea
DMDM hydantoin
hydroxymethylglycinate
imidazolidinyl urea
quaternium-15

It remains crucial to check ingredients lists before making a purchase.

Phthalates

Phthalates interfereTrusted Source with the body’s hormones. They are harmful to fetuses, and when possible, children and adults should avoid these chemicals.

Research from 2020 reports that prenatal exposure to phthalates disrupts levels of:

thyroid hormones
sex hormones
25-hydroxyvitamin D

This can lead to:

preterm birth
preeclampsia
maternal glucose disorders
infant cryptorchidism, which is when the testicles are not in the correct position
infant hypospadias, which is when the urethra is not in the correct position in the penis
a shortened distance between the anus and genitals in newborns
growth restrictions