The Radiance of Pregnancy: Unveiling the Mystery of Pregnancy Glow

This blog is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for more individualized guidance.

Time and again, pregnant people breaking the news of their pregnancy to friends, family, and strangers are received with a gushing, “I can tell…you’re glowing!”

But is there any science behind the “pregnancy glow” myth? Some theories say the radiance is simply the result of joy: you’re excited for this next chapter, and it shows in your complexion. While certain pregnancy-specific biological factors could play a role as well, not all expecting parents notice a major glow-up while they’re pregnant.

Whether or not you or loved ones can see a difference in your skin, taking care of it can be a wonderful way to show yourself some love on your pregnancy journey. Below, we explore possible causes of that “pregnancy glow,” plus pregnancy tips for first time moms for helping your joy shine through from the inside out.

What is pregnancy glow?

That phenomenon known as “pregnancy glow” alludes to the skin’s appearance of radiance and overall health that many individuals experience when they’re expecting. It’s the look most skincare enthusiasts chase with products:

• A lit-from-within flush
• A dewy texture
• A youthful bounce and buoyancy

What causes pregnancy glow?

Several factors unique to pregnancy may contribute to the envy-worthy skin changes some expecting parents enjoy:

• Improved circulation – When you’re pregnant, your body produces around 45% more blood to support your growing baby. With increased blood flow, your body is better able to deliver nutrients and oxygenate both your body and your baby’s. For some, this amounts to a fresh, healthier-looking complexion and a more even skin tone.
• Increased oil production – Many expecting parents notice their skin makes more oil during pregnancy, as increased blood volume and circulation can cause an uptick in sebaceous gland activity. With added oil, the skin can assume a dewier, even sheeny look.
• Pregnancy hormones – Estrogen and progesterone are two dominant hormones involved in those nine months of gestation. It’s thought that, for some individuals, these hormonal changes in the form of surges can lead to a flushed, more radiant appearance.

Finally, if you’ve been boosting your fluid intake to support your pregnancy, doing so may well have improved the appearance of your skin. It’s suggested that pregnant people drink between 64 and 96 oz. daily—so if you’re not noticing a glow just yet, bumping up the size of your water bottle may be the key to helping you achieve that radiance!

No “Glow”? Why Your Complexion Isn’t Thriving During Pregnancy

If your pregnancy glow is a no-show, you’re in good company.

For every expecting parent who sees a boost in their complexion, there are plenty who don’t. In fact, for many, pregnancy can be a time when the skin takes a hit with a laundry list of less-than-radiant skin ailments that can be difficult to adjust to.

On the whole, pregnancy skin concerns are largely the result of the major hormonal fluctuations patent to pregnancy. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons to pay a visit to the dermatologist while you’re pregnant.

Melasma

Also known as “pregnancy mask,” melasma is a dermatological condition that interferes with the skin’s melanin production. It appears as dark patches on the face, often tinged a brown, grey, or even bluish color.

If you’re dealing with melasma during pregnancy, it’s best to visit your dermatologist before trying to use skincare products to level out uneven skin tone. Some products designed to combat hyperpigmentation contain ingredients that pose a danger to fetal health, like hydroquinone.

Keep in mind that melasma may be difficult to treat. Doing so will require your derm to determine one of several root causes. For instance, if your dermatologist suspects your melasma is caused by unprotected exposure to sunlight, treating it may be a simple matter of applying SPF daily. Fortunately, melasma often resolves on its own post-pregnancy.

Acne

As mentioned, the hormone fluctuations that accompanies pregnancy can cause an increase in oil production. For some people, more oil means more pregnancy “glowiness”—and for others, this change is a recipe for pimples.

At times, picking up several skin hygiene habits can assist with putting breakouts at bay, like:

• Using a gentle cleanser twice a day – Gentle cleansers lower your risk of irritation, which can further aggravate acne breakouts.
• Cleaning your hair more regularly – If you go several days without shampoo, consider washing your hair daily. Oils from the scalp tend to collect at the hairline, leading to oily skin and eventually zits around the forehead and temples.
• Detoxing your cosmetics cabinet – Makeup, hair products, sunscreen, and even acne products themselves can be irritating to the skin (especially if pregnancy has made it extra sensitive!). You might try taking a tour of your cosmetics stash to see if you’re still using harsh products.
• Avoiding touching your face – Whether you’re holding your phone to your ear or kneading your forehead during a pregnancy headache, our hands do an excellent job of spreading bacteria to our faces. If you can, try to become more conscious of when you’re touching your skin, and wash your hands before you do. (Psst: ”face touching” includes squeezing your blemishes—another tell-tale contributor to acne!).

If added oil has made you more prone to clogged pores, pregnancy-safe acne-fighting ingredients could be able to help. Some effective ones include:

• Azelaic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide

It’s always best to run acne-fighting products you’re considering by your dermatologist before using them. Certain ingredients, like vitamin-A derivatives (retinol and retinoids among them), are absorbed into the bloodstream and can be toxic to infants in utero.

Suggestions for Expecting Parents Looking to Boost Their Glow

Whether that “pregnancy” glow results from physiology, psychology, or both, there’s no question that cultivating inner positivity can pay dividends when it comes to your complexion.

These suggestions can help you care for the skin you’re in so that self-love shows up on the surface.

Give Your Skincare Routine a Glow-Up

Whether your skin has never looked better or you’re battling all three common prenatal skin issues, pregnancy is a prime opportunity to revamp your skin care routine. New pregnancy safe skin care products are also great unique pregnancy gift ideas for first time moms.

Most baby-safe skin care routines include:

• A gentle cleanser, to thoroughly cleanse without causing irritation to ultra-sensitive skin (another common side effect of pregnancy)
• A hydrating serum, to help your skin absorb added moisturizer and retain hydration internally
• A nourishing moisturizer, especially one containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E. As a bonus, vitamin E may have the added benefit of counteracting damage from UV rays.
• A mineral sunscreen, to combat issues like melasma and protect against sun damage. Just be sure to opt for a mineral rather than chemical formula to protect your baby’s health.

Curate a Pregnancy-Glow Diet

Glowing skin is often an inside job: a healthy diet is key for a nourished, thriving complexion. Healthy fats, in particular, are excellent for supporting both pregnant skin and pregnancy itself.

To that end, aim to load up on:

• Omega-3-rich foods, like salmon, Pacific mackerel, herring
• Omega-6-rich foods, like walnuts
• Avocados

Get Regular Exercise

Keeping it moving while you’re pregnant supports physical health, elevated mood, less stress, and one major factor behind fresh, radiant skin: circulation.

As an added bonus, exercise during pregnancy assists with:

• Alleviating lower back pain
• Aiding digestion
• Promoting healthy weight gain
• Supporting cardiovascular health

Ideally, pregnant people are advised to get 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Low-impact workouts in particular—think yoga, speed-walking, or swimming—can ensure you get a workout in without overtaxing your body.

Enhance Your Sleep Hygiene

Sleep is your body’s daily opportunity to rest and replenish cells, including those that make up your skin. In fact, better sleep is associated with a variety of skin benefits, including:

• Retaining skin hydration
• Promoting skin elasticity
• Enhancing skin barrier function
• Healing skin conditions (e.g. rosacea)

Many people struggle to attain satisfactory sleep during pregnancy, whether due to midnight trips to the bathroom or finding a comfortable position to sleep. If you’re running into hurdles like these, treating yourself to naps during the afternoon may help you feel better rested.

Elevate Your Mood Naturally

No matter what your skin is going through, caring for your emotional self during pregnancy will inevitably manifest in your appearance—even if it’s the simple gesture of a smile.

Supporting mental well-being during pregnancy means different things for different expecting parents. You might try focusing on one area that supports emotional wellness at a time, such as:

• Relaxing and unwinding – Implement regular self-care routines that tend to your physical being, like Friday home spa nights or monthly prenatal massages.
• Reducing stress – Switch up your work schedule, delegate household chores, or start a meditation or mindfulness practice.
• Enjoying positive pastimes – Try adopting a new creative hobby to reconnect with your sense of play and prepare for a little one in your life.
• Feeling connected – Consider spending time with loved ones or getting involved in a community or support group with other expecting parents.
• Connect with your baby – It can be reassuring to connect with your little one before they make their entrance into the world. Consider using a fetal doppler to listen to their heartbeat and movements.

No matter what new routines you choose, investing in yourself and what makes you feel positive will help you embrace the beauty—skin-deep and otherwise—of one of life’s most precious experiences.

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At SneakPeek, our commitment is to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information to empower our readers. Our content is thoroughly researched, reviewed by medical experts, and fact-checked to ensure its credibility. We prioritize the well-being and education of our readers, and our editorial policy adheres to the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in all our articles.

This post has been reviewed for accuracy by:

Sarah Cacia

Sarah Cacia, currently leading as the Director of Business Development at Gateway Genomics, parent company of SneakPeek, brings an impressive blend of bioengineering expertise and clinical business acumen. Her extensive experience, marked by roles at renowned institutions like Genentech and UC San Diego's Cardiac Mechanics Research Group, underpins her deep understanding of biotechnology and clinical research. A UC San Diego alumna with a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering: BioSystems, Sarah's rich professional background empowers her to provide authoritative insights into the cutting-edge developments in the field.

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