Your Guide to Pregnancy Skincare

It's safe to say just about everything changes during pregnancy (and it really is only the beginning!)

Take it from us, you’ll notice shifts in everything from your body to your mindset.

Something that’s not often spoken about often, though, is the impact it can have on your skin.

As your hormone levels begin to fluctuate over the course of the trimesters to come and beyond into postpartum life once the baby is born, your skin will go on quite the journey, too.

Whether this is your first pregnancy, or you have a friend or family member who’s about to welcome a little one, we've got the answers to the questions we’re asked the most. Plus, the need-to-know-info on skincare for pregnancy and how to use it safely.

So, let’s get into what to expect when you’re expecting…

How does pregnancy affect your skin?

Everyone’s experience is unique, of course, but you could see some surprising skin changes from your very first trimester. For others, it’s more noticeable in the second or third.

Some skin changes during pregnancy can include:

• Acne
• Puffiness
• Dry skin and itchiness
• Dark spots
• Redness
• Sensitivity
• Enhanced radiance or ‘pregnancy glow’

Acne

Acne during pregnancy is one of the skin conditions many people develop. So, if you’re going through it right now, you’re definitely not alone and rest assured it won’t last forever.

It’s caused by a rise of hormones known as androgens that lead to increased sebum production (AKA oiliness), leading to blocked pores which create breakouts.

Our go-to product when blemishes do pop up is our Daily Skin Detox™ SOS Booster. It’s made with a detoxifying blend of concentrated 10% Witch Hazel, Thyme and Zinc, to help mattify oily skin and blemishes whilst being gentle on your skin.

 

Dullness and dark spots

Even before you welcome your new arrival to the world, your sleep can get disrupted. Turns out, trying to get some rest with a baby bump isn’t that easy – especially towards your final trimester. This can cause your skin to look duller than you’d like it to. 

SPF protection is especially important when you’re pregnant because your skin becomes more sensitive and exposure to the sun’s rays can cause dark spots to appear – especially if you already have a common skin condition called melasma or are generally prone to them.

Our Protect ‘N Glow™ Radiance Booster SPF 30 is amazing at helping it to shine bright, no matter what.

Dryness and itching

You might notice dry skin during pregnancy, especially during the winter months. This can cause your skin to feel itchy and tight. You might also notice dry, flaky patches appearing.

How can you soothe dry, itchy skin? Firstly, you can switch to a gentle cleanser to wash your face like our NEW Active Skin Barrier Care Replenishing Cream Cleanser, which cleanses without stripping your skin

We love to pair this with our Repairing Rich Cream, which contains 22% Ceramide Boosters and Cica.

Ceramide Boosters reach deeper into the skin and stimulate your skin’s natural Ceramide creating process, supporting its ability to repair itself from within.

Lip dryness during pregnancy is also something that many people experience, so remember to carry a nourishing lip balm with you to top up during the day.

Swelling

Water retention is a part of pregnancy that some people go through, which can lead to swollen ankles and more. It can also sometimes affect the face, leading to a ‘puffy’ appearance.

Very gently massaging the skin can help with this, as can sleeping with an extra pillow. This helps fluid drain away while you sleep.

Top tip: You can also keep skincare products like toners and moisturisers in the fridge for a cooling boost and to help reduce redness – also ideal if you’re pregnant during the summer months.

Sensitivity

Pregnancy can cause skin to feel more reactive, especially if you already have a sensitive skin type.

If you notice that you’re experiencing redness and other forms of irritation, it could be a sign to give your usual products a break and switch to fragrance-free formulas and products that don't contain harsh chemicals.

All Simple® skincare is created with sensitive skin in mind, so it’s the perfect pregnancy face care range.

And the good news is...

It’s not all stretch marks and swelling. That famous pregnancy glow is absolutely something you can look forward to - all thanks to the increased blood flow that you'll experience during the next nine months.

 

What skincare is safe during pregnancy?

Aside from a few ingredients that we’ll get into later in this article, most skincare is safe for you to use during your pregnancy and during your post-partum life.

The best skincare for pregnancy, especially if you do have sensitive skin, is free from harsh chemicals.

Our entire skincare collection is free from colour, perfume and other ingredients you might be looking to avoid. They contain everything your skin needs and nothing it doesn’t.

Plus, each one is dermatologically tested. So, you can relax and enjoy using our range over the next few months and finding the best products to work with your changing skin.

What’s the best pregnancy skincare routine?

The best pregnancy safe skincare regime is quick and easy, so you can do it even when you’re low on energy. It’s all about gently cleansing, caring for and protecting skin.

You can use whichever skincare products you love; just ensure they don’t contain any harmful ingredients.

Here’s our recommended routine of skincare for pregnant women and other people who are currently expecting a little one:

1. Wash your face using a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
2. Use a refreshing toner to prep the skin
3. Apply your favourite serum – check that it’s OK to use during your pregnancy first
4. During the day, use a replenishing moisturiser with SPF. For the evening, switch this out for a non-SPF moisturiser to avoid blocked pores and intensely nourish your skin.

In addition to these daily steps, a few times a week, use a mild exfoliant as part of your evening routine to help buff away dead skin cells and reveal that pregnancy glow.

Can I use Hyaluronic Acid while pregnant?

Yes, Hyaluronic Acid is safe to use. In fact, we recommend that you start using it (if you haven’t already started) because it helps lock in moisture. That means it’s ideal if dry skin during pregnancy is something you’re going through right now.

You can mix our Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum with our Niacinamide Serum for even more skin benefits - which is also pregnancy skin-friendly.

Is Vitamin C serum safe during pregnancy?

Luckily, Vitamin C serum is safe to use during pregnancy. One of its many benefits is that it’s an ingredient that helps to brighten, so if dark spots are something you want to address then this is something you’ll definitely want to include in your daily routine.

What skincare to avoid during pregnancy

It’s very important for the health of you and your baby to make sure your skincare is safe to use during pregnancy.

There are a few things to avoid:

• High concentrations of acids like Salicylic Acid
• Some essential oils like basil, sage or aniseed
• Chemical sunscreens that work by sinking into the skin (look out for ingredients like octinoxate,  oxybenzone or avobenzone)
• Parabens

Remember, if you’re not sure about what pregnancy safe skincare you can use, always check with a medical professional like a doctor – just to be sure.

Can I use retinol while pregnant?

Retinoids are thought to potentially have side effects for pregnant people, so it’s best to avoid them until you’re no longer carrying your baby or breastfeeding.

How does your skin change after you give birth?

You’d be surprised how much your skin, body and more can change in the months after you have a baby.

The major drop in hormones in your post-partum life, sudden lack of sleep and impact of breastfeeding (if you’re able to do so), can cause everything from altered skin texture to thinner hair.

Looking after yourself may feel like less of a priority, but it’s still so important. Try switching up your routine with speedy self-care fixes. One of our favourite things to do is to pop on our Water Boost™ Reviving Under Eye Mask during their feeds.

Every second counts, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly these clever little patches get to work. They can reduce puffiness in just five minutes. We’re always very thankful to have a pair when we end up awake for most of the night...

Again, to cool and refresh your under eyes even more, try popping them in the fridge.

Similarly, try to use a sheet mask when you get a chance to intensely hydrate skin in minutes.

Looking for more skin care advice?

So, there you have it. That’s everything you need to know about your skin during pregnancy and beyond. We hope it helped you feel more prepared (and excited) for the months to come and your all-important new arrival.

Remember if you have any questions to always check in with your doctor or midwife.

Want to get even more clued up on skincare, the best products for your changing skin and how to care for it during your post-partum journey? We’ve got lots more articles for you to check out right here on our blog.