Pregnancy: the effects of hormones on the skin

During pregnancy, a woman's metabolism undergoes significant changes, largely influenced by hormonal variations that affect the skin. 

Amélie Guyon , a naturopath specializing in hormonal balance and digestive disorders, helps you better understand these changes and adopt the right reflexes to support your skin in a natural and sustainable way.

During pregnancy, it's common to experience an increase in progesterone levels. This hormone plays a crucial role in stimulating the sebaceous glands, leading to increased sebum production. While sebum is necessary to maintain skin moisture, excess sebum can cause problems. Excess sebum can promote the growth of bacteria, which feed on this substance, leading to blemishes such as pimples, blackheads, or cysts.

However, every woman reacts differently. For example, for women with dry skin, pregnancy can improve the quality of their skin.

Estrogen, another key hormone that increases during pregnancy, has a positive effect on the skin. It stimulates fibroblasts, which are responsible for the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, keeping the skin nourished, hydrated, supple, and toned.

The impact of hormones on the skin can lead to various problems, including acne and dryness.

However, some women may also experience other skin disorders. Estrogen affects the production of melanin, the skin's natural pigment. Excessive unprotected sun exposure can cause dark spots, known as melasma.

Stretch marks, although mainly resulting from the natural stretching of the skin and the breakdown of collagen fibers, are also influenced by hormones.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is produced in high amounts during pregnancy and decreases collagen production, which can worsen the formation of stretch marks.

The increase in estrogen during pregnancy also affects the gut microbiota. "Estrobolomes" are bacteria capable of metabolizing estrogen.

Stressors, particularly increased cortisol, can also disrupt this balance, leading to gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria). Other microbiota, such as those in the placenta and vagina, also play an important role during this time.

A balanced diet and effective stress management will be major assets in maintaining hormonal balance and an optimal microbiota.

Fresh pollen, acting as a pre- and probiotic, can strengthen the bacterial flora and provide the necessary nutrients for mother and baby.

Propolis, on the other hand, offers numerous immune-boosting benefits. It can also be useful in preventing urinary tract infections and treating skin blemishes, should they appear.