Awe, the glow that comes from being pregnant! Some say that people can tell you are pregnant just by looking at you. But, along with a pregnancy glow comes red streaks, darker skin on your face, changing moles, and skin tags? What gives?! In this article, we’ll talk more about what skin changes you may have during your pregnancy and how to prevent these changes.

Skin Darkening

Skin darkening during pregnancy is very common around your chest, navel, armpits and inner thighs. This symptom even affects more than 90 percent of moms-to-be! What will help reduce skin darkening while pregnant is to use SPF when you will be outdoors and cover up. Some say that a deficiency in folic acid can also play a role in the changes in skin coloration.

Chloasma

Chloasma, also referred to as “the mask of pregnancy,” is another symptom pregnant women deal with. Many women notice darkening of the skin around the cheeks, eyes, and nose while pregnant. Unfortunately, for some, this darkening will not totally go away even after pregnancy. For others, the coloring will go away around 3 months after pregnancy. Again, the best way to try and prevent chloasma is to be diligent in using sunscreen when outdoors and cover up with a hat and wearing longer sleeves.

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-colored growths. This excess in skin growth usually appears on skin surfaces that are moist or frequently rubbed: including, the folds in your neck, torso, armpits, beneath your breasts or even in the genital area. However, don’t worry if you get them, because although annoying, these growths are completely benign. And, because of excess hormone growth, these growths cannot be prevented, unfortunately. Though once you have delivered your baby, a dermatologist can do a quick procedure to remove them.

Mole Changes

During pregnancy, moles on your body can get darker and larger- especially on your belly and breasts. Any size, shape or color changes of a mole should be looked at by a dermatologist. However, after pregnancy these changes should resolve. But, if they don’t, be sure to have them looked at.

Breakouts

Some women may feel like they have re-hit puberty during pregnancy when breakouts such as pimples and acne appear on their skin. This is due to extra hormones in your body that will cause oil glands to secrete more oil, which can cause breakouts. So, be sure you are extra diligent in washing your face morning and night.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are thick, bluish veins that can appear on legs during pregnancy. This happens because your body is compensating for extra blood flow that is going through your body for your baby. You are most likely to get them if you have a family history of varicose veins, but any pregnant women is a candidate to get them as well. However, you can avoid getting varicose veins by not standing for long periods of time. Be sure to walk as much as you can to keep your blood flowing through your body. And, consuming Vitamin C can also help your veins stay healthy and flexible.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are probably one of the more popular symptoms during pregnancy that you may have heard about. Skin that grows increasingly fast is prone to stretch marks. That is why women tend to find stretch marks on their bellies and breasts during pregnancy. These marks often start out reddish or purple, but after pregnancy will gradually fade to white or gray. Most women will do whatever it takes to prevent these- from coconut oil, oil treatments, gelatin, there are a handful of ways that you can attempt to prevent stretch marks. For a great list of ways to prevent stretch marks, this is a thorough article with ten suggestions.