YOUR GUIDE TO PREGNANCY SKIN CARE
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…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
8 BEST PREGNANCY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
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£8.00
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£11.00
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.
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£28.00
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.
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£85.00
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.
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£28.00
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.
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£29.00
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.
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£9.76
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
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£49.99
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.
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.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
