Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey—a time of profound transformation as your body nurtures new life. Alongside the joy and anticipation, this phase can also bring physical challenges such as fatigue, morning sickness, and notable skin changes.
Caring for your skin during this time is a gentle act of self-love, ensuring you feel radiant and comfortable while embracing the natural changes of motherhood.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster
Understanding Pregnancy and Skin Changes
Pregnancy brings a surge of hormones, especially oestrogen and progesterone, which can significantly impact your skin. Each person’s skin responds differently, leading to a wide array of changes.
In early pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations often increase oil production, which can contribute to the much-loved “pregnancy glow.” The boost in blood circulation and volume amplifies this effect, giving your complexion a natural radiance. However, not everyone experiences this glow, as some encounter breakouts, pigmentation, or sensitivity instead.
Managing Hormonal Breakouts
With pregnancy hormones at play, many experience increased oiliness, clogged pores, and breakouts. If you’ve struggled with hormonal acne in the past, you maybe more prone to flare-ups during pregnancy.
The key to managing breakouts lies in a gentle yet effective skincare routine:
- Double cleanse daily: Morning and evening cleansing removes impurities and prevents pore congestion.
- Address inflammation: Hormonal breakouts often involve redness and swelling. A product like Deep Breakout Liquid Patch can target deep blemishes, reduce inflammation, and clear breakouts safely during pregnancy.
Melasma: Addressing Pregnancy-Related Pigmentation
Melasma, or hyperpigmentation, is a common skin concern during pregnancy, affecting up to 70% of expectant mothers. Hormones can overstimulate pigment-producing cells, resulting in uneven skin tone or patches of discoloration.
To manage melasma:
- Exfoliate gently: opt for a very gentle and natural exfoliant.
- Hydrate and nourish: Support your skin’s barrier to enhance its resilience. You can read more about this here: Your Skin is More Than Just a Surface, It’s a Storyteller and Is Sugar Sabotaging your Skin?
Calming Sensitivity
Pregnancy can also make skin more sensitive to products, environmental factors, and stress. Simplify your routine to avoid overloading your skin and exacerbating sensitivity.
- Look for calming, balancing and totally pure formulations like Nourishing Organic Cleansing Balm which is Pro Elastin, Pro Collagen Organic Luxury Cleansing Skin Care Balm without Essential Oils. Perfect for sensitive skin, perfect for pregnancy.
- Incorporate self-care practices such as meditation or prenatal yoga to manage stress, which also benefits your skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
Certain skincare ingredients are best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Retinoids (e.g., retinol, isotretinoin) are not recommended.
- Its a good idea (pregnant or not) to choose a skincare range that is free from sulphates, parabens, lanolin, mineral oil, artificial colours, fragrances, SLS, and petrochemicals.
Always consult product labels for warnings and seek advice from a medical professional if unsure.
Enjoy the journey, nurture and listen to your body
This journey may bring challenges, but it also offers the opportunity to connect with your body in a new, empowering way. With mindful care, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion while celebrating the incredible changes that come with motherhood.