How to Treat Dry Skin During Pregnancy Safely

Key Takeaways:

Hormones and stretching skin cause pregnancy dryness.
Use gentle skincare and moisture-safe habits to soothe it.
A silk pillowcase helps lock in overnight hydration.
Hydration, diet, and air quality support skin from within.

Dry skin during pregnancy is common — but you don’t have to suffer through it. Hormonal shifts, increased blood flow, and changes in your body’s core temperature can leave skin dry, tight, or prone to dry patches, especially in the third trimester.

The good news? You can restore your skin’s natural oils safely with gentle treatments, overnight support, and the right products. Here's how to give your skin the intense moisture it needs without risking your baby’s health.

Understanding Dry Skin in Pregnant Women

Pregnancy can trigger fluctuating hormone levels that reduce your skin's natural oils, making it harder to keep skin hydrated (Healthline). As your body grows to support your baby, you might also notice more dry skin symptoms, especially across the stomach area.

Stretching skin, exposure to cold air, and shifting hormone levels can all lead to dryness and irritation. Knowing these causes can help you choose safer ways to treat dry, sensitive skin during pregnancy.

Top Triggers of Dryness and Skin Disorders in Pregnancy

what to do if you develop dry skin in pregnancy

During early pregnancy, shifting hormones and extra blood volume can disrupt your skin’s balance, making it harder to stay hydrated (Eucerin). You might start experiencing dry skin on your face, stomach, arms, and thighs, especially in the first trimester.

Exposure to dry air and the natural stretch of your body can worsen dryness, leading to flakes, tightness, and irritation — especially if you have sensitive skin.

Boosting hydration and learning how to safely treat dryness can help restore your pregnancy glow.

Recognizing Symptoms of Pregnancy Dry Skin

During pregnancy, you might notice several signs that your skin needs more care. Common dryness symptoms include:

Itchy skin caused by hormonal changes and stretching
Dry, dull, and flaky skin on the face, stomach, chest, thighs, and arms
Sensitive skin that reacts more strongly to products and environment
Stretch marks that feel tight, dry, or itchy
A general sense of skin dryness as your body grows

Recognizing these symptoms early, especially during first trimester and early pregnancy, can help you treat dryness before it worsens.

Sleeping on a Blissy Silk Pillowcase can help keep your face hydrated and prevent dry skin on face early pregnancy. Switching to this type of pillowcase helps make your skin soft throughout your pregnancy.

Blissy Silk Pillowcases have moisture-retaining features that help you get the extra hydration you need when you're pregnant.

Simple Ways to Relieve Dry Skin During Pregnancy

Managing dry skin during pregnancy involves a combination of self-care techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and the use of gentle skincare products. Here are some tips to help you manage dry skin effectively:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Choose gentle skincare products: Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.
Switch to hypoallergenic bedding: Fabrics like silk or linen are gentler on sensitive skin and less likely to trigger irritation or moisture loss while you sleep.
Avoid hot water: Use lukewarm water when washing your face or taking a shower to prevent further drying out your skin.
Moisturize regularly: Apply a good moisturizer immediately after washing to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple.
Wear daily sun protection to prevent dryness and protect sensitive pregnancy skin. Choose a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen.
Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home can help prevent your skin from drying out.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can help manage dry skin during pregnancy and maintain healthy, hydrated skin.

Tips for Managing Dry Skin on the Face During Early Pregnancy

Wash Your Face With Lukewarm Water to Protect Natural Oils

Use mild cleansers to wash your face and gently remove dead skin cells without stripping your natural oils. Always choose lukewarm water or cool water over hot water, which can cause dryness and oil loss. For extra care, opt for products with natural ingredients like coconut oil or vitamin E to add moisture.

Apply Moisturizers and Lotions to Relieve Itchy Skin

After cleansing or showering, apply moisturizer immediately to help seal in hydration. Removing dead skin cells first allows moisturizers to work more effectively.
For extra relief:

Use calamine lotion on itchy spots.
Moisturize at least twice daily to prevent dryness and flaking.
Look for creams with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration without irritation.

Keep Showers Short and Avoid Hot or Cold Water

Long, hot showers or steamy bath water can strip away your skin's natural oils, increasing dryness. To protect your skin during pregnancy, aim for:

Short, lukewarm showers
Gentle soaps (avoid harsh detergents)
Patting your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing

Keeping your showers warm and brief helps maintain hydration and adds moisture naturally.

Eat Skin-Healthy Foods During Pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy diet supports both you and your growing baby. Focus on foods that nourish your skin:

Nutrient	Sources	Skin Benefits
Healthy fats	Nuts, olive oil, avocado	Preserve skin hydration and elasticity
Antioxidants	Berries, spinach, tomatoes	Protect against environmental stress
Omega-3 fatty acids	Salmon, chia seeds, walnuts	Strengthen the skin barrier

A nutrient-rich diet helps add moisture from within, keeping dryness at bay during early pregnancy and beyond.

woman with healthy pregnancy glow

Drink Plenty of Water to Maintain Hydration

Drinking water throughout the day helps combat skin dryness caused by pregnancy hormones. Staying hydrated also helps flush out toxins and prevents your body from harboring extra sodium, which can worsen swelling and dehydration during pregnancy.

Use a Humidifier for Extra Moisture

Running a humidifier in your bedroom adds moisture to dry indoor air, making it easier to treat dry skin during early pregnancy. A humidifier can also create soothing white noise for a more restful night's sleep — a win for your skin and your peace of mind.

When to See Your Doctor About Pregnancy Dry Skin

While dryness is normal during pregnancy for most women, you should see your doctor for extreme skin changes or other skin problems, such as, pruritic urticarial papules (PUPPP), rashes or eczema (WebMD).

Keep in mind that itchy red bumps on your stomach, especially during your third trimester, are often considered normal. Pregnant women can develop skin conditions associated with underlying problems, such as liver problems, blood volume problems, or other issues.

what to do if experiencing skin dryness in pregnancy

Peer reviewed studies show that one to two pregnancies out of 1,000 experience a liver disorder known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Your doctor can recommend a safe form of treatment to use while you're pregnant, whether you have eczema or another condition.

You can also ask about other factors that might affect your skin, such as chlorinated water.

How a Blissy Silk Pillowcase Helps Prevent Dry Skin

Keeping your skin hydrated during pregnancy is key to preventing dryness and irritation. As your skin stretches to support your growing baby, it loses natural oils, making it harder to lock in moisture.

Maintaining hydration not only protects your skin's natural oils but also supports elasticity — helping you stay more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses.

How Blissy Silk Pillowcases Help Add Moisture

Sleeping on a Blissy Silk Pillowcase offers a natural way to add moisture to your skin overnight. Unlike cotton, which strips away hydration, silk retains your skin’s moisture barrier, keeping your face soft and supple — even during early pregnancy when hormonal changes are strongest.

Blissy’s ultra-soft weave helps minimize friction, reducing the risk of irritation and flaking from dead cells. This gentle support helps your skin stay nourished while you sleep.

Why Cotton Pillowcases Can Worsen Dryness

Cotton fibers are highly absorbent, pulling essential hydration from your skin and hair. This can leave you waking up to more noticeable dryness, irritation, and even a loss of your pregnancy glow. By switching to silk, you preserve hydration where you need it most.

Bonus: Extend Hydration with a Blissy Silk Robe

For an extra boost of softness and luxury, slip into a Blissy Silk Robe after waking up. Its lightweight, breathable material helps your skin retain moisture longer — a simple, soothing step to keep dryness at bay throughout your pregnancy.