We come baring good news… pregnancy glow is a thing. But sometimes it needs a little push to come out and shine. Navigating the next nine months can be daunting, but yourpregnancy skin caredoesn’t have to be. That’s why we spoke to our Cult Concierge experts Sarah and Connor, to answer your most asked questions and reveal the best pregnancy skin care products on our virtual shelves right now.
HOW DOES PREGNANCY AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
Pregnancy causes a complex of hormonal changes that influence your skin to alter in several ways. While some people may develop discolouration on their face, legs, palms and soles, others begin to produce more oil than normal, making them prone to heat rashes, acne and blemishes. But don’t worry here at Cult, we’ve done some of the work for you. Read on to discover the most common skin care side effects that can occur over the next three trimesters…
MELASMA:Otherwise known as the “mask of pregnancy”, melasma is a skin condition typically characterised by brown or blue-grey patches and freckle-like spots. During the next nine months your hormones will temporarily increase the production of melanin, which can lead to hyperpigmentation typically found on your face and limbs. Not all people will develop these dark patches, but those who do will see them begin to fade postpartum once your hormones normalise.
ACNE:As with any hormonal shift, the risk of breakouts are inevitable – and pregnancy comes as no exception. Responsible for the increase of acne, androgens cause your skin glands to grow and produce even more sebum than before. The excess oil then clogs the skin’s pores, resulting in bacteria and inflammation.
STRETCH MARKS: With up to 90% of people experiencing stretch marks during their pregnancy, they’re without a doubt one of the most common skin care symptoms. A sign of the skin being pulled in all directions to accommodate the growing foetus, they are in essence micro-tears in the dermis and a sign of loss of elasticity as your bump begins to grow. While stretch marks typically occur around six or seven months, they can begin to develop at any stage.
DRY & ITCHY SKIN: All this stretching can also lead to dry and itchiness. As your skin expands it requires extra hydration, so moisturising is key! With your hormone levels fluctuating (not to mention the growing baby taking up a large dose of your daily nutrients), your skin is likely to become irritable, specifically around your bump.
LINEA NIGRA: A dark vertical line running down from the belly button, the linea nigra naturally appears nearer the end of some people’s pregnancy. But why does this happen? You guessed it, it’s yet another result of hormonal change. With the increase of oestrogen in the body speeding up pigment production, the cells go into melanin overdrive – so much so that your nipples will darken too.
WHAT SHOULD YOUR PREGNANCY SKIN CARE ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?
The best pregnancy skin care routine is unique for each individual. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Even if you’ve been pregnant before, your skin can react completely different the next time around, meaning you may need to find a new regime to suit this pregnancy. Having said that, the one thing that stays same for everyone is the need for plenty of skin TLC, so follow the steps below to help you put together your personal pregnancy skin care routine.
1) KEEP IT PURE AND SIMPLE
We know by now, that our hormones have a lot to answer for when it comes to pregnancy. As a result, our skin can feel more sensitive and irritated. With that in mind, gentleness is key when it comes to your pregnancy skin care routine. Use gentle products and treatments, and look out for plant-powered formulas that are safe for both you and the baby.
SHOP ALL SKIN CARE >>>2) MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE AND MOISTURISE
With your skin constantly stretching, dryness within pregnancy is inevitable – making moisturising more essential than ever. Quench your skin’s thirst with lipid-based, rich moisturisers. These formulas work hard to retain moisture and overcome itchiness while boosting some additional SPF protection. Our top tip? Nourish your body from head to toe, leaving no area untouched – we’re talking face, body, hands, feet – and the list goes on…
SHOP ALL MOISTURISES >>>3) OPT FOR PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is a must in all skin care routines, but it’s especially important when you’re pregnant. Why? Because your skin is even more sensitive to harmful UV rays. It’s best to steer clear of oxybenzone – a ingredient typically found in chemical sunscreens – as it’s an endocrine-disrupting and can cause permanent damage to you and the baby. Instead opt for a physical or mineral sunscreen that’s powered by zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to shield you against the environmental aggressors.
4) EXFOLIATE TWO TO THREE TIMES A WEEK
Although your skin will typically let you know what's right for you – if you notice irritation then reduce exfoliate to two or three times a week. This avoids surface debris from building up on your skin and causing blemish. What’s more, it will also help hydrate by unclogging cells, allowing products to soak into your skin properly.
SHOP ALL EXFOLIATORS >>>
8BEST PREGNANCY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
Devoted to delivering a gentle and trustworthy formula, Mama Mio’s Keep Calm Nipple Balmoffers relief for dry and sensitive nipples while soothing your skin throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys. Powered by a fusion of essential oils, the balms boost a 100% natural blend. What’s more, it’s housed in a recyclable tube, so it looks out for Mother Nature too.
SHOP ALL MAMA MIO >>>We’ve all heard of face masks, but what about a sheet mask for your bump? Enticing, we know. Built on the principle that there’s no such thing as being *too* safe when it comes to caring for your skin, Evereden’s Soothing Belly Mask boosts six organic superfood oils as well as collagen to hydrate and strengthen. Helping to reduce scaring that may occur over the next nine months, the one-size-fits-all treatment is perfect for your next pregnancy pamper day.
SHOP ALL EVERDEN >>>Treating intimate skin that may need some extra relief as a result of hormonal or changes, NAYDAYA’s Vagina Victory Oil is the pregnancy pick me up you never knew you needed, until now. Powered by pomegranate to protect dry, thinning skin and restore elasticity to vaginal tissue, the oil fuses mango butter and coconut oil to rebuild your naturally protective moisture barrier while boosting hydration.
SHOP ALL NAYDAYA >>>Charged with a calming combination of rare oils, de Mamiel's Pregnancy Facial Oil restores balance in hormonally charged, sensitive skin. Laced with deeply nourishing, light ingredients (we’re talking argan, sunflower seed and rosehip), the serum soothes and renews your complexion, courtesy of its high content of fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties.
SHOP ALL DE MAMIEL >>>Soothing stressed out skin, Susanne Kaufmann’s Stretch Mark Oil is rich in in reparative plant oils to alleviate dryness and irritation. Supercharged with a blend strengthening sweet almond, nourishing jojoba and antioxidant wheat germ oils, the non-greasy treatment enhances your skin’s elasticity, helping to minimise stretch marks while seamlessly sinking into your body.
SHOP ALL SUSANNE KAUFMANN >>>When your bump is crying out for more hydration, SUMMER FRIDAYS’ Babymoon Belly Balm is the way to go. The vegan formula is overfilled with nourishing sunflower, avocado and olive oils that lock in your skin’s moisture while lending a little TLC to your pregnancy-proud stretch marks.
SHOP ALL SUMMER FRIDAYS >>>Formulated to feed your body with a wealth of nutrients and vitamins, Solgar’s Prenatal Nutrients were designed with the delicate needs of pregnant and lactating people in mind. Bursting with not one, but 20, pregnancy-supportive nutrients, each capsule includes calcium, iron, vitamin B and 400mcg of folic acid to ensure you and the baby have everything you need for optimal health and growth. What’s more, they’re vegan, kosher and halal too.
SHOP ALL SOLGAR >>>Enjoying some much-needed shut eye doesn’t come easy with pregnancy, that was until now. Cue: Dodow’s Sleep Aid Device. Giving you the restyou need when pregnant, this sleeping sidekick emits a calming blue light onto the celling while combining meditation, yoga and behavioural cognitive therapy techniques that will help you drift off easily.
SHOP ALL DODOW >>>Now you have all the information you need to carry out your pregnancy skin care with confidence, it’s time for you and your bump to sit back, relax and enjoy some well-earned beauty TLC.
SHOP ALL PREGNANCY SKIN CARE >>>This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have.
