They tell you about the glow, the cravings, the kicks. But no one really tells you about the other stuff—like how your armpits start to darken, or how the dark spots you already had on your face suddenly look more pronounced. Add in the itchy scalp that won’t quit or the clumps of hair shedding in the shower, and it’s easy to wonder if you’re the only one feeling like these symptoms are so extreme.
The truth is, these skin and hair changes are actually very common during pregnancy and postpartum—but when you’re in it, it can feel overwhelming. And that’s okay.
The good news? With the right care, you can ease the discomfort, feel more confident, and remind yourself that you’re not alone in this. Here’s what’s really happening—and what helped.
1. Skin Darkening & Hyperpigmentation
❓What happens & why
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Pregnancy hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)—boost pigment production, which makes areas like the face, armpits, scars, and freckles look darker.
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This can lead to melasma (the “mask of pregnancy”) or a dark line on the belly (linea nigra).
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Up to 70% of pregnant women experience some form of hyperpigmentation.
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While common, it can feel extreme if everyday areas—like your armpits or face—look several shades darker than before.
Source: NCBI StatPearls – Melasma
💡 How to care for it
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Daily sun protection is crucial—UV exposure worsens pigmentation.
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Stick to gentle cleansers and nourishing moisturizers.
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Safe brightening ingredients like Vitamin C, azelaic acid, and kojic acid may help fade spots, especially postpartum.
💎 Solution: Kojic Acid Soap
Kojic acid is known for its ability to inhibit melanin production, which is why it’s often used to help with hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. In soap form, it works on the skin’s surface, gently cleansing while gradually targeting dark spots.
This particular formulation also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. Together, these ingredients not only brighten but also support hydration and skin barrier repair—important because skin that feels dry or irritated can look even more uneven. Using a soap with kojic acid may help darkened areas appear less prominent over time, especially when paired with daily sun protection.
2. Postpartum Hair Shedding
❓What happens & why
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Normally, hair cycles through growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and shedding (telogen).
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During pregnancy, high estrogen keeps more hairs in the growth phase, which is why hair looks thicker and fuller. Cleveland Clinic
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After birth, estrogen drops sharply, pushing many hairs into the shedding phase. This is called telogen effluvium and affects over 90% of new moms. Study: J Cosmet Dermatol (2023)
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Shedding usually begins 2–4 months postpartum, peaks around month 4, and improves by 6–12 months. Cleveland Clinic
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It’s common—but when your shower drain clogs daily, it feels extreme and scary.
💡 How to care for it
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Be gentle: avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals, and frequent heat styling.
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Focus on scalp nourishment and circulation.
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Eat a balanced diet with protein, iron, and vitamins to support regrowth.
💎 Solution: Biotin Hair Booster Oil
Postpartum shedding happens when hair shifts suddenly into the telogen (shedding) phase. Supporting scalp and strand health during this time can make the process less stressful. Biotin, a B vitamin, plays a role in keratin production, which is the main protein in hair.
A lightweight oil infused with biotin and nourishing plant oils helps by coating and fortifying fragile strands, making them less prone to breakage. At the same time, massaging the oil into the scalp can encourage circulation, supporting the environment for healthier regrowth. While it won’t stop shedding completely (since it’s hormonally driven), it can help hair feel stronger and look fuller as it grows back in.
💡 Extra Care: Try scalp massage with the oil—even a few minutes daily boosts circulation and makes the ritual grounding and calming.
3. Dry, Itchy Scalp
❓What happens & why
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Hormonal changes reduce natural oil (sebum) production, leaving your scalp dry. DermNet NZ
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Postpartum estrogen dips make dryness and flakiness worse.
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Stress, overwashing, and harsh shampoos strip away protective oils, leading to irritation.
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It’s common—but when your scalp feels itchy all day, it can feel extreme and distracting.
💡 How to care for it
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Use gentle, sulfate-free cleansers.
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Wash less often (2–3 times per week is usually enough).
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Apply nourishing oils to hydrate and restore scalp balance.
💎 Solution: Perfecx Black Rice Ayurvedic Hair Oil (Anti-Itchy Scalp)
Dryness and itchiness often come from a weakened scalp barrier and reduced natural oils. Black rice is naturally rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and trace minerals, which can help restore balance. When infused into oil, these nutrients gently nourish the scalp, easing irritation and reducing flakiness.
The Ayurvedic-inspired formula combines black rice with other herbal ingredients traditionally used to calm and hydrate. Regular use can improve scalp comfort while also supporting stronger strands and minimizing breakage. Because the oil has a lightweight, non-greasy texture, it absorbs easily without buildup, making it suitable across different hair types—from straight to coily.
In addition to the physical benefits, the simple act of warming the oil in your hands and massaging it into the scalp can be a grounding ritual, offering both care and calm at the same time.
4. Dull or Tired-Looking Skin
❓What happens & why
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The “pregnancy glow” doesn’t happen for everyone.
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Stress, sleepless nights, and slower skin turnover leave skin looking tired.
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Blood flow changes can also affect radiance.
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It’s common—but when people expect you to be glowing and you just look drained, it can feel extreme.
💡 How to care for it
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Stay hydrated and rest when you can.
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Add antioxidant-rich skincare like Vitamin C.
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Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to refresh and protect your skin barrier.
💎 Solution: Perfecx Vitamin C Serum
Pregnancy is often described as a time of “glowing skin,” but not everyone experiences it. In fact, fatigue, hormonal fluctuations, and sleep disruption can leave skin looking dull and uneven. According to Healthgrades, while some people notice increased brightness, others struggle with dryness or tired-looking skin due to these same changes.
Vitamin C is a well-studied antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and supports collagen production, which can improve firmness and texture. A serum formulation allows Vitamin C to penetrate more effectively than cleansers or moisturizers, targeting dullness directly.
When combined with calming and hydrating ingredients like Portulaca extract and panthenol, a Vitamin C serum not only brightens but also soothes and reinforces the skin barrier. With consistent use, it can help restore radiance and resilience, even when pregnancy makes your skin feel more tired than glowing.
🌸 Final Thoughts
If you’ve noticed darkening armpits, more visible spots, shedding hair, or an itchy scalp and thought, “Am I the only one?”—you’re not. These are common, normal, and temporary changes that come with pregnancy and postpartum.
But common doesn’t mean they don’t feel extreme. And you deserve care through them all.
With gentle, nourishing support—like Kojic Acid Soap, Biotin Hair Booster Oil, Black Rice Ayurvedic Hair Oil, and Vitamin C Serum—you can feel more comfortable, more confident, and more yourself through every stage of the journey.
💛 Because yes, you’ll love your baby endlessly—but you deserve to love and care for yourself, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is skin darkening during pregnancy normal?
A: Yes—hyperpigmentation affects up to 70% of pregnant women. It usually fades after birth, but sunscreen and gentle brightening skincare help. NCBI – Melasma
Q: When does postpartum hair shedding stop?
A: It typically peaks around 4 months postpartum and improves by 6–12 months. Cleveland Clinic
Q: Will my hair grow back?
A: Yes—postpartum shedding is temporary. Supporting your scalp with nourishing oils can reduce breakage and support healthier regrowth.
Q: How can I manage an itchy scalp?
A: Use sulfate-free cleansers, avoid overwashing, and try nourishing oils like Perfecx Black Rice Ayurvedic Hair Oil. DermNet NZ
Q: Is Vitamin C safe during pregnancy?
A: Vitamin C in skincare is generally considered well-tolerated, but always consult your healthcare provider before adding or changing products during pregnancy. Healthgrades
