Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Many skin changes from pregnancy fade slowly after birth, and the routine that helps is short: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser that suits your skin, and daily sunscreen. Dark patches, stretch marks and breakouts are the changes new mothers ask about most. Here is what each one usually does, what genuinely helps, and when to see a doctor.
Dark patches on the face (melasma)
Darker patches on the face that appear during pregnancy are known as melasma, sometimes called the mask of pregnancy. The American Academy of Dermatology's page on melasma treatment says that when pregnancy is the trigger, melasma can fade after you deliver. Sunlight darkens existing patches and causes new ones, so sun protection matters more than any cream. That is worth knowing in India, where the sun is strong for much of the year.
The AAD's self care advice for melasma suggests:
- a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, ideally a tinted one containing iron oxide, applied 15 minutes before going out and reapplied at least every two hours outdoors
- a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and shade when you are outside
- fragrance free products, and stopping anything that burns or stings, because irritation can darken the patches
Avoid bleaching creams bought over the counter. The AAD notes that hydroquinone, the usual prescription treatment, is no longer sold without a prescription. If the patches have not faded after a few months, see a dermatologist, and tell them you are breastfeeding so they can choose a treatment that suits you.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks start out darker and lighten with time. The NHS page on stretch marks says they usually fade but may not disappear completely, and that there is very little evidence that the many creams and lotions sold to prevent or remove them actually work. Massaging in an oil or moisturiser is fine if you enjoy it, but it is unlikely to change the marks. Laser and light treatments can improve how they look without removing them, and they are costly.
Spots and breakouts
Some women get breakouts in the months after birth. The NHS advice on acne is to wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser, use non comedogenic products that will not clog pores, remove makeup at night, and avoid picking spots because it can leave scars. A pharmacist can suggest a product such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Tell the pharmacist or doctor you are breastfeeding before you use any acne treatment, especially prescription ones.
Dry or sensitive skin
If your skin feels drier or reacts more easily than before, a simple, fragrance free moisturiser after washing, lukewarm rather than hot baths, and patch testing any new product on a small area first are easy, low risk habits. There is no need for an elaborate routine or expensive products.
Hair
Heavy hair shedding a few months after birth is a separate, very common change. We cover it in Postpartum Hair Loss: What to Expect and What Can Help.
When to see a doctor
- dark patches that have not faded a few months after birth, or that bother you (a dermatologist can advise)
- spots that are not improving with self care, are deep or painful, are leaving scars or are affecting how you feel, as the NHS suggests
- hot, swollen, red skin, which the NHS lists as a sign of infection
- any rash, itching or skin change that worries you, especially around a caesarean or tear wound
If worry about how your body and skin look is affecting your mood most days, talk to your doctor about that too.
This article replaces an earlier post on the same topic by Meenu Chaudhary.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
