The best skincare routine when pregnant

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life, filled with anticipation and excitement. Along with the many changes happening within your body, you may notice changes in your skin as well. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to various skin concerns, such as acne, dryness, or increased sensitivity. To ensure the health and radiance of your skin during this crucial period  - the pregnancy glow is NOT a given - it's essential to adapt your skincare routine to the unique needs of pregnancy. We’ll guide you through the best skincare routine for pregnant women, providing you with the information you need to maintain healthy skin while safeguarding your baby's well-being. So, it's crucial to be well-informed about the safety of skincare products when you're expecting.

Pippa Harman, Co-Founder of Renude, acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the safety of skincare during pregnancy. She notes that limited medical research has been conducted in this area due to ethical concerns, as running studies on pregnant women can pose risks. As a result, many healthcare professionals recommend erring on the side of caution and opting for healthier, non-toxic products.

Pregnancy-Related Skin Changes

While "pregnancy glow" is a real phenomenon for some, many expectant mothers experience skin issues related to pregnancy. Amelia, a Renude aesthetician, notes that not everyone gets the much-talked-about glow. Pregnancy can bring about skin problems like melasma and hormonal acne, but the good news is that these issues are typically temporary.

Melasma, characterised by brown or tan patches on the face, is often linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Justine Kluk, Consultant Dermatologist and Renude's Scientific Advisor mentions that there are topical options to treat melasma safely during pregnancy, including ingredients like glycolic or lactic acid. If you’re not sure what might be right for your skin, it’s worth speaking to a skin expert. 

Stretch marks, another common skin concern for pregnant women, occur as the skin rapidly stretches. Hormonal changes can also lead to increased dryness in the skin, which may persist even after pregnancy.

Ingredients to Avoid during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it's worth avoiding certain ingredients in your skincare routine. Ingredients include salicylic acid, Retin-A, retinol, retinyl palmitate, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, and some prescription acne medications. Professional treatments like chemical peels with salicylic acid, Botox, and laser procedures should also be avoided. More information on what ingredients to eliminate during pregnancy can be found here.

Creating a Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine

The keyword for your pregnancy skincare routine is "gentle." Amelia, a Renude aesthetician advises using gentle products without any harsh ingredients. 

It's important to remember that the ideal pregnancy skincare routine can vary from person to person and even from one pregnancy to another. Each pregnancy may bring different skin challenges, such as acne, extreme dryness, or irritation so it may be worth speaking to a skin expert such as Renude to recommend you a personalised routine.  To maintain healthy, radiant skin during pregnancy, gentle exfoliation two to three times a week can help prevent surface debris buildup and breakouts while combating dryness. Consider using a gentle acid to remove dead skin cells and apply a hyaluronic acid serum to combat dryness.

Here are some suggestions of products we’d recommend in a skincare routine when pregnant. 

1. Cleanse: Pippa, Co-Founder and Cosmetic Scientist, believes the COSRX Low pH Cleanser is a great choice for expectant mums. This gentle cleanser maintains the skin's natural pH balance, ensuring that your skin remains healthy and hydrated throughout your pregnancy. It's free from harsh ingredients making it a safe and reliable option for expecting mothers.
   
   
2.  Treat: During pregnancy, your skin may undergo various changes, such as melasma and hormonal acne. Q+A Azelaic Acid is the perfect solution to address these concerns. Azelaic acid is a gentle yet effective ingredient that can help reduce pigmentation issues while being suitable for use during pregnancy. It's free from harsh chemicals and offers a gentle yet powerful boost to your skincare routine
   
   
3. Moisturise: Proper hydration is essential during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can lead to skin dryness and discomfort. The CeraVe Moisturising Lotion is a fantastic choice, containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and niacinamide to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Hyaluronic acid is known for its exceptional ability to lock in moisture, preventing dryness and discomfort. Niacinamide, on the other hand, provides additional benefits such as minimising redness and improving the overall texture of your skin. This moisturiser is pregnancy-safe and will leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.
4. Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial, especially when you're pregnant. Hormonal changes can make your skin more susceptible to pigmentation issues, so a reliable sunscreen is a must. The Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen is a fantastic choice for expectant mothers. It offers the protection you need without clogging your pores or causing skin problems. This sunscreen will help prevent sun-induced skin concerns and maintain your skin's overall health and radiance.

By choosing gentle, non-toxic products and following expert recommendations, you can maintain your skin's health and radiance while ensuring the safety of your little one. Pregnancy is a unique journey, and your skincare routine should be tailored to your specific needs and concerns during this exciting time. If you’re unsure, take our skin quiz and speak to one of our expert aestheticians for independent skin care advice.