Pregnancy and Summer Skin: What Moms-to-Be Need to Know About Sun Exposure

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it also brings big changes—not only to your body but also to your skin. As if hormonal fluctuations weren’t enough to navigate, add in the Southern California summer sun, and your skin may face a unique set of challenges. At Beverly Hills Aesthetics, we want expectant mothers to feel confident and protected during their pregnancy, especially when it comes to caring for their skin.

From increased sun sensitivity to a higher risk of developing certain conditions, pregnancy combined with summer weather can have a noticeable impact on your skin health. Let’s break down the common skin issues expectant moms may experience and how extra sun exposure can make them worse.

Why Pregnancy Makes Your Skin More Vulnerable in Summer

Pregnancy affects nearly every system in the body—including your skin. Hormonal changes, particularly increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, can trigger various skin conditions. These hormonal shifts can also make your skin more sensitive to UV radiation, increasing your risk of pigmentation issues, irritation, and even skin cancer.

Here in Beverly Hills, where sunshine is abundant year-round, it’s especially important for pregnant women to be aware of how sun exposure can worsen pregnancy-related skin concerns.

Common Pregnancy Skin Issues and How Sun Exposure Impacts Them

1. Melasma (The Mask of Pregnancy)

One of the most common skin concerns during pregnancy is melasma, sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma causes dark, blotchy patches to appear on the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 70 percent of pregnant women develop some form of melasma.

While hormonal changes are the primary cause, sun exposure is one of the biggest triggers that can worsen these dark patches. UV rays stimulate pigment-producing cells in the skin, making melasma more pronounced and stubborn to treat.

How to protect yourself:

• Use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outside.
• Avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

2. Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a natural part of pregnancy for many women. These pink, red, or purple streaks typically appear on the belly, breasts, thighs, and hips as the skin stretches rapidly to accommodate your growing baby.

While sun exposure doesn’t directly cause stretch marks, it can make them look worse. UV rays can darken the pigment in stretch marks, making them more noticeable. Additionally, sun exposure can weaken the skin’s elasticity, potentially increasing the likelihood of new stretch marks forming.

How to protect yourself:

• Keep skin moisturized with pregnancy-safe lotions or oils.
• Apply sunscreen to areas with stretch marks to prevent darkening.
• Stay hydrated to support skin elasticity.

3. Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

Pregnancy does not cause skin cancer, but it can increase your susceptibility to UV damage. Some studies suggest that hormonal changes may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn and long-term UV damage.

In particular, pregnant women should be vigilant about melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and melanoma rates are rising. Early detection and sun protection are key.

Signs of melanoma to watch for include:

• A new mole or spot on the skin
• Changes in size, shape, or color of an existing mole
• Irregular borders or asymmetry in a mole
• A mole that itches, bleeds, or doesn’t heal

If you notice any suspicious changes, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist right away.

4. Heat Rash and Increased Sweating

Pregnant women are more prone to heat rash due to increased body temperature and heightened sweat gland activity. Add Beverly Hills’ summer heat to the mix, and skin irritation can flare up quickly. Excessive sweating can clog pores, leading to red, itchy bumps, especially under the breasts, on the stomach, or between skin folds.

How to protect yourself:

• Wear loose, breathable clothing.
• Stay in cool, shaded areas when possible.
• Keep skin dry and clean to prevent irritation.

5. Sensitive, Itchy Skin

During pregnancy, your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight, skincare products, and environmental factors. Sun exposure can trigger flare-ups of itchy skin, hives, or conditions like eczema, which can be uncomfortable and distracting during pregnancy.

How to protect yourself:

• Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers.
• Avoid harsh soaps and hot showers.
• Always apply sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin.

Safe Skin Treatments During Pregnancy

At Beverly Hills Aesthetics, we understand that many moms-to-be still want to maintain their skin health and glow during pregnancy, but safely. While certain procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments may need to wait until after delivery, there are still plenty of pregnancy-safe skincare options, including:

• Hydrating facials designed for sensitive skin
• Gentle exfoliation treatments
• Medical-grade skincare products that are pregnancy-approved
• Sun protection recommendations and pigment control strategies

Our team is happy to create a customized skin care plan that supports your skin health throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Protect Your Glow: Pregnancy and Summer Skin Care in Beverly Hills

Pregnancy and summer sunshine don’t have to be a recipe for skin trouble. With the right knowledge, precautions, and professional support, you can minimize the effects of melasma, stretch marks, and other skin concerns while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.

At Beverly Hills Aesthetics, we’re committed to helping you look and feel your best at every stage of life, including pregnancy. Our team can guide you on how to care for your skin safely while you’re expecting and offer advanced cosmetic solutions after childbirth to address lingering skin concerns.

If you’re expecting and want to learn more about pregnancy-safe skin care or post-pregnancy cosmetic options, contact Beverly Hills Aesthetics today. Our team is here to support your beauty and well-being every step of the way.