Your Pregnancy Beauty Guide

Your Pregnancy Beauty Guide
With pregnancy comes a whole new world of daunting do’s and don’ts and that even stretches as far as what you can put on your skin. Read on as we outline the skincare that’s safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing, and what’s best to avoid, as well as some alternatives for keeping hormonal issues at bay.

What To Avoid

We recommend stripping back your skincare routine during pregnancy, especially the first 12 weeks, and steering clear of anything that contains highly concentrated active ingredients or essential oils. Stock to more inert skincare that will help to keep your skin cleansed, nourished and hydrated throughout your pregnancy.

As ever with pregnancy, if you’re worried or unsure it’s worth consulting your GP or midwife to discuss any specific concerns or queries you may have.

Switch To Retinol Alternatives

Avoid skincare that contains retinol or vitamin A, which work to speed up cell division and prevent the breakdown of collagen. Retinoids are most commonly found in serums and moisturisers and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin tone and texture. Products that contain a high percentage (around 1%) are best avoided during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when the baby is forming, as the impact on the growing foetus is so far unknown.

If you’re looking to plump and firm skin during pregnancy, opt for products containing hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, both of which are safe to use throughout your pregnancy. Bakuchiol is another good alternative to retinol during pregnancy. It offers similar skin-boosting benefits without the irritation and, crucially, is safe to use for expectant mums. Our favourites include and .

The Rules Around Salicylic Acid

Often found in cleansers, toners and moisturisers, salicylic acid is used to target blemish-prone skin as it works to dry out excess oil and slough away dead skin cells clogging up pores on the surface. When used in high concentrations (greater than 2%) salicylic is considered a risk during pregnancy and nursing, however less than 2% is considered safe and is an effective ingredient when it comes to fighting hormonal breakouts.

If you would prefer to avoid using salicylic altogether you could consider using AHAs such as glycolic or lactic acid, which work to dissolve the bonds that hold dead cells onto the surface of skin.

The Best SPFs

You may notice that your skin becomes sensitised during pregnancy and is more susceptible to pigmentation, giving you even more reason to protect your skin from UV rays. If you are suffering from sensitivity, we recommend opting for sunscreens with gentle mineral actives such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. This goes for both your face and body. We love for our face and Lancaster Sun Sensitive Oil-Free Milk SPF50, $36.50 for the neck down.

How To Look After Your Bump

During pregnancy your skin stretches as your bump and breasts grow, so maintaining skin’s elasticity is more important than ever. Both and Kora Organics Noni Glow Body Oil, $65.00 help to boost elasticity, ease stretch marks and generally support skin as it swells and decreases. If you prefer creams over oil, then we recommend . Consistency is key. Make sure you’re moisturising your bump regularly to ensure your skin has as much stretch as possible.

The Art Of Keeping Calm

Pregnancy can be a very nervous, anxious and stressful time, but it’s important for both your own health and that of your baby to remain as relaxed as possible. A soak in the tub after a busy day is a great way to relieve and soothe aching joints and muscles. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot, we recommend keeping the water below 100 degrees, especially during your first trimester, as temperatures above body temperature might reduce blood flow to the baby and cause stress.

Another way to ensure you don’t over heat is to only half fill the bath half full so your bump isn’t completely submerged. We love adding a sprinkling of and lighting Boy Smells Italian Kush Candle, $57.00 to help us to relax and unwind.

Book A Pregnancy Massage

Pre-natal massages are a great way to relieve muscle tension and stress as you become heavier and begin to suffer from weight-induced aches and pains. We recommend Elemis Pregnancy Massage, which is available across the UK. However, most professional spas and salons will offer a pregnancy specific treatment, which will include pregnancy safe oils and a comfy pillow or bean bag for you to sink into on your side while they work around your bump. Just speak to your therapist first to ensure you get the right treatment for you.

Posted: Monday, 28 June 2021