Discover our top tips for pregnancy friendly skincare, plus how to deal with those annoying pregnancy skin niggles
Pregnancy is a wonderful adventure, but along with that famous glow, you might notice your skin goes through a few unexpected changes, too – blame those helter-skelter hormones! Most will resolve themselves on their own after baby is born, but there’s a lot you can do to help in the meantime.
You might also have some questions around what products and ingredients are best for you to use whilst you’re pregnant.
We talk you through the changes you might want to consider making to your skincare routine whilst you’re pregnant (plus what can stay the same!) and the best way to tackle some of the most common skin issues you might experience whilst pregnant.
What ingredients can I use while I’m pregnant?
Before we dive into tips for the best pregnancy skincare routine, the first question you might have is ‘what products should I avoid to keep my baby safe?’.
The good news is that generally there aren’t any ingredients in skincare products that you can’t use. However, one thing to bear in mind is that pregnancy is not the best time to start a brand-new skincare regime with active ingredients you’re not used to.
Your body is already dealing with lots of new things when you’re pregnant, so if you react to an ingredient, you won’t know if the reaction was caused by the product or by your pregnancy hormones. You might also find that your skin is more sensitive than usual, too.
So, for example, if you’re used to using vitamin C (which is safe in pregnancy), then there’s no problem carrying on with that – but if you’ve never used it before it’s better to wait until after you’ve had your baby to try it.
You might also hear people talking about avoiding retinol products during pregnancy. Retinol is derived from vitamin A, and whilst you’re pregnant, consuming large amounts of vitamin A can harm your unborn baby, so it’s recommended that you don’t take vitamin A supplements in pregnancy. Because retinol is derived from vitamin A, you might choose to avoid retinol products whilst you’re pregnant.
What skincare routine should I follow while I’m pregnant?
While you’re pregnant, if you’ve not noticed any changes to your skin, the best bet is to stick with your current routine.
However, you might find that during your pregnancy, your skin becomes either drier or more oily than normal. If that’s you, don’t worry. If you find your skin’s got drier, try switching to a product designed for dry skin. If it’s got oiler, opt for a product designed for oily skin.
Remember, it’s best not to switch any other products at the same time, so that if you experience a reaction, you can identify what’s caused it. If you’re experiencing any kind of skin reaction during your pregnancy, even if you think you know what’s caused it, speak to your Boots pharmacist or your GP to check.
The importance of sun protection
When you’re pregnant, you might find that your skin is more sensitive than usual, which also means your skin might be more sensitive to the sun. So, while we all know that sun protection is really important all year round for everyone, while you’re pregnant it’s even more vital.
Make sure you use a broad-spectrum sun block (that protects against both UVA and UVB rays), with SPF50 and practice good sun safety (like staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm between March and October in the UK and covering up with suitable clothing and sunglasses), whatever your skin tone.
You can also be more prone to skin pigmentation which can be caused by the sun when you’re pregnant – read on to find out more about how to deal with it.
How to manage pregnancy skin problems
There are some skin issues that are really common in pregnancy, so if you’re experiencing any of them, you’re not alone. We talk you through some of the common skin problems you might experience, and how to deal with them.
How to deal with…stretchmarks
Your skin performs a miraculous feat as your bump goes from walnut to watermelon – so it’s no surprise stretchmarks can be the result! Genetics can play a big part in causing stretchmarks, but there are a few things you can do, too.
Here are our top three anti-stretch strategies:
• Eat sensibly. Around 10-12kg is an average, healthy weight gain, most of which you’ll put on after week 20
• Apply skincare treatments after showering. The warm water opens the pores, so products work more effectively
• Don’t stop at your bump. Moisturise all over: your legs, hips, upper arms, back, bottom and breasts are all prone to stretchmarks, too
If you’re fretting about stretchmarks, there are lots of creams and oils to help reduce their appearance. Remember to keep on applying after baby arrives: your skin will have lost some of its elasticity, but keeping it well-nourished will help it recover more quickly as your bump shrinks.
How to deal with…a dark bump line
Your bump may develop a dark vertical line during the second or third trimester, but there’s no need to worry. Known as the ‘linea nigra’, it’s a totally normal pigmentation caused by pregnancy hormones. As your tummy muscles stretch to make room for your growing baby, the pigment can appear as a dark line. Around three-quarters of mums-to-be get this.
Exposure to sunlight can make the linea nigra darker. However, soon after baby arrives, the line will start to go paler, and it usually disappears within 12 months.
How to deal with…pregnancy acne
If you’re battling breakouts rather than enjoying that famous pregnancy glow, you’re not alone. Acne during pregnancy affects one in two women and is most common in the first trimester, thanks to hormonal surges.
Skin becomes oilier, causing temporary breakouts. Although there’s no way to prevent the problem, these tips and remedies can help clear up those pesky pimples:
• Wash gently with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day
• Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it
• Try to use oil-free skincare and noncomedogenic make-up that won't clog your pores
• Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any medicines including for acne
How to deal with…visible veins
From around week 10 of your pregnancy, you may notice that your veins are more pronounced than before. It’s no wonder you can see them – your blood volume is up by a whopping 50 percent during pregnancy – and your veins are keeping up with the flow.
If you don’t like the way they look, just remember that your veins are performing a starring role, carrying vital nutrients to your growing baby. And the increased blood flow has a welcome effect – that gorgeous pregnancy glow.
If you’ve also developed thread veins (tiny blood vessels in a spider-like pattern), you may want to try a high-coverage concealer. The good news is that both visible veins and thread veins usually improve once your baby is born.
How to deal with…dark, patchy skin
Your hormones are to blame yet again when it comes to the ‘mask of pregnancy’ – also known as melasma or chloasma.
This is when darker pigmentation develops on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. "Skin is more prone to discolouration, dark patches and sunburn during pregnancy," says Boots suncare expert Clare O’Connor. "So don’t forget to slather on a high-factor, five-star sunscreen – especially if you’re planning a babymoon somewhere sunny." Like the linea nigra, melasma usually fades by your baby’s first birthday.
Pregnancy skincare products
Try: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks 250ml
• Size: 250ml
With cocoa butter, shea butter, collage, elastin and lutein, Palmer’s classic Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion helps keep skin moisturised and supple for up to 48 hours, which lets skin stretch more comfortably. Apply liberally, twice a day, for best results.
Try: Soltan Hydrating Sensitive Protect Facial Suncare Cream with Niacinamide SPF50 50ml
• Size: 50ml
• One application allows for up to eight hours sun exposure and 40 minutes water exposure. Reapply if you spend more time in water.
With broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection, Soltan’s Hydrating Sensitive Protect Facial Suncare Cream provides SPF50 protection, plus niacinamide to support skin’s hydration. Designed for sensitive skin, get your sun protection sorted whilst minimising the risk of irritation.
Try: My Expert Midwife Mum To Be Collection
• Contains five full size My Expert Midwife products
Featuring five of My Expert Midwife’s top products, this collection’s designed for your skin during pregnancy, birth and into motherhood. With Fantastic Skin Elastic Stretch Mark Moisturising Serum, treat your growing bump whilst knowing you’ve got the right products to hand for the next stage, too!
