What's Happening With My Skin, Hair and Body?!

The beauty transformations no one warned me about

So, here's the thing you don't learn about in the pregnancy books: your body becomes unrecognizable in the strangest ways — and I'm not only talking about the bump. One morning you wake up with baby-smooth skin; the next you're googling "Is it normal to grow a beard during pregnancy?" (Spoiler: kinda, yes.) Your belly begins to expand, your skin tone begins to change, your hairline develops a mind of its own — and all the while, your self-esteem is quietly packing a suitcase and hitting the road.

It's disorienting, even if the whole thing feels "normal." You're growing life — but also perhaps cultivating a new mole on your cheek?? These physical changes can create a feeling that your body is no longer your own, and that disconnect can be jarring. So let's break it down. Here's a no-bullshit summary of the most common (but also totally under-discussed) beauty changes that occur during pregnancy — as well as the products, mindset shifts and personal boundary-setting hacks that helped keep me more on the ground than a full meltdown in the Target mirror aisle.

The Skin Chronicles: From Glowy to Greasy to... Why Is My Neck Two-Toned?

Let's begin with skin, because this one is layered (both literally and emotionally). Some mothers have that wellknown "pregnancy glow" from blood flow and oil production. But for many of us? That glow also comes with hormonal acne, inconvenient dryness and hyperpigmentation that gives you the appearance of tanning while wearing a ski mask.

What's Normal:

• Melasma: Hormone fluctuations boost melanin production, which leads to those dark spots on your cheeks, forehead and upper lip.
• Linea Nigra: That dark vertical line that extends from your belly button down? Perfectly normal and often resolves after pregnancy.
• Hormonal acne: Most commonly on your chin and jawline, often worse during the first and second trimesters.
• Dry patches or eczema flares: Thanks, estrogen.

What Helped Me:

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: Nonstripping, fragrance-free, and mild enough for your hormonal rollercoaster.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50: If you do nothing else, protect that skin. Add melasma to sun, and inevitable stubborn dark spots.
• Azelaic acid serum (like The Ordinary's): Works on discoloration and inflammation with fewer risks than retinol.

Hair: On the Head, Chin, Belly … and Also the Back

Ah, pregnancy hair. A major hormonal gamble. You shed less hair than usual, so your mane might feel fuller, shinier, and straight-up majestic in the process, in other words. But guess what? That same hormonal change can also lead to unwanted hair growth in totally random areas (looking at you, belly button lint and chin fuzz).

Common Hair Surprises:

• Thicker scalp hair (yay!)
• Stray hairs on your stomach, face, back or even toes (not yay!)
• Umbilical cords tangled around the neck—what's with the blurry 12-week ultrasound? Eyebrows doing their own thing—mine went rogue for the entire second trimester
• Postpartum shedding: Not an "now" thing, but coming—goal expectations

What Actually Helped:

• And all it took was this Flawless Finishing Touch Facial Hair Remover, which is compact, painless, and can help me feel like myself in 60 seconds flat.
• Silk pillowcase: Sounds bougie, but less friction = less hair breakage and less skin irritation.
• Wet Brush + Argan Oil A light oil keeps hair smooth and shiny without weighing it down.

The Bump: Stretching, Itching and Not Always as "Cute" as the Internet Makes It Look

Instagram bumps are curated. Real-life bumps? They also come with growing pains — in the literal sense. Your skin stretches more than it's accustomed to as your uterus expands, which can sometimes mean itching, sensitivity, and changes to the texture of your skin. Some days, it's adorable. Some days, it's as if there's a mini watermelon festival going on in your abdomen… on fire.

What's Normal:

• Stretch marks: Genetics are the main driver, not how much lotion you apply.
• Dry, itchy skin on the belly: Particularly in the third trimester.
• Odd shapes: Baby's position may render your bump lopsided or pokey (completely normal).

Things That Gave a Hug-Like Feeling:

• Bio-Oil — Lightweight and absorbs quickly, reduced my itchiness without staining my shirts.
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Tummy Butter: A classic for a reason. Thicker, therefore more effective at nighttime or after shower.
• Belly Bandit Support Band: Really gave me relief on long walking days or when I just felt like my belly was weighing me down.