A Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Routine

Everyone talks about that ‘pregnancy glow’ and yes, it can be a real thing, but for many women it never appears. Big hormone changes happening in the body during this time can mean breakouts, irritation and redness. Skin can also become seriously dry and itchy, particularly the bump area that is getting stretched beyond anything you could have imagined! The body really is amazing. There’s also a lot of confusing info out there around which actives and ingredients you should avoid. Let us clear things up below for you. Plus, our skin lab has recommended this easy routine that takes all the guesswork out of finding the right products.

What you need: A regime that’s nourishing and super-hydrating.

What you need to avoid: Retinol (aka Vitamin A). It can be absorbed through the skin and impact foetal development. We also recommend that you avoid intense actives as well, such as Salicylic Acid, as your skin might become more sensitive during this time.

The Routine

01 CLEANSER

Anti Ageing Gentle Milk Cleanser

This milk-style cleanser features natural, plant-based ingredients such as Squalane and Jojoba Oil, plus nourishing Vitamin E to effectively cleanse without disrupting the skin's protective barrier. Perfect for dry skin. It will leave your complexion feeling hydrated and soft.

02 SERUM

Essentials Hydrating and Healing Serum

Dialing up your hydration levels with this serum is one of the quickest ways to bring about a dewy complexion. This formula calls on the hydrating powers of seven Hyaluronic Acids (2.1%) — which are completely safe to use during pregnancy — plus Ceramides to nourish the skin’s barrier. This is such a treat, particularly for those with irritated, angry or flaky skin concerns.

03 Face Oil

Essentials Re-Activation Nourishing Facial Oil

If puffiness and water retention start to appear, then layer on this luxe oil and pamper yourself with a facial massage to help with lymphatic drainage. It’s ultra-lightweight, absorbs in a flash, and feels like bliss. This formula is brimming with natural (and pregnancy-friendly) ingredients such as Rosehip, Grapeseed, Jojoba and Argan oils – it promotes skin rejuvenation, and helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture. The result: healthy and radiant-looking skin.

04 Day Moisture Cream

Anti Ageing Day Cream with Tripeptides

This lush cream has recently been reformulated by our skin lab to include Bakuchiol - a vegan and pregnancy-safe alternative to Retinol. Plus, it’s packed with a long list of skin-loving botanical ingredients to boost your glow factor at the start of every day.

05 SPF

Sunscreen Lotion SPF50

Pigmentation is one of the biggest concerns during pregnancy and our recommendation is to wait before treating it. The best thing you can do – in the daytime – is to wear a high protection SPF. Your skin is more sensitive to UV rays during pregnancy, plus hormone changes may cause an increase in pigmentation production. This lotion is ideal for daily use and can be worn from head to toe. It’s lightweight and sinks in quickly for a beautiful matte finish.

06 Night Moisture Cream 

Essentials Deep Hydration Moisture Cream

At night, switch out the routine to include this clever cream to help your complexion recover and repair while the skin is in restorative sleep mode. Rich in Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and other antioxidants, as well as botanical ingredients to help deeply hydrate and restore the natural barrier function. You’ll wake to healthy, glowing skin.

07 Body Oil

Belly Rub Oil

This 100% natural oil is TLC for your bod all bottled up. It’s designed to help skin as it grows (and grows). Just generally, your body is working overtime during pregnancy and is in need of this step in the routine. Not just reserved for the belly area, it can be applied all over, and both day and night. It’s been formulated with Inca Inchi Oil to help prevent stretch marks and also features healing Chamomile oil and Calendula oil to maintain soft, supple skin. A big win is that these oils also help reduce the discomfort caused by the fast, and intense stretching of skin.

Once a week skin treats:

Micro Dermabrasion Facial Scrub

Hyaluronic Acid Skin Recovery Sheet Mask

Keep reading: Introducing the Pregnancy Skin Care Kit