Find Your Pregnancy Skincare Routine

What causes changes in your skin?

Pregnancy triggers an increased production in the hormones progesterone and oestrogen, to support the developing foetus. This increase in hormone production leads to a number of changes to the body, including changes in the skin.

Changes to skin during pregnancy 

So what can you expect to happen to your skin during pregnancy? There are 4 main changes to look for.

1: The pregnancy “mask”: Many pregnant women notice the face skin darkening during pregnancy. This pigmentation is known as the “mask” of pregnancy.

2: Skin may appear oilier and may be more prone to breakouts due to dramatic hormonal shifts.

3: Skin may be drier due to the skin losing elasticity and moisture as it stretches. 

4: Skin may stretch because of rapid weight gain. This can cause stretch marks around the stomach, chest and thighs. 

Because of these changes you might want to modify your existing skincare routine. Some of the skin concerns caused by pregnancy can be alleviated with a skincare regimen. But it’s also important to note that your body is undergoing changes to accommodate your growing baby so be kind with yourself!

Skincare priorities during pregnancy

The key factors of a pregnancy skincare routine are similar to a general skincare routine; hydrating, protecting, cleansing and brightening. 

Hydrating

It’s more important than ever to maintain proper hydration during pregnancy. This means, of course, plenty of water, but also skincare products with hydrating and moisture-locking ingredients. Look for moisturisers with hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and glycerin. We recommend the Ceramides Facial Moisturising Lotion for morning and night use. 

Brightening

With the extra physical strain on your body your skin is more likely to appear dull and tired. Vitamin C is an excellent ingredient to incorporate into your skin care to refresh and brighten up your skin. We recommend the Skin Renewing Pure Vitamin C Serum for both morning and night use.

Cleansing

Cleansing morning and night is important to clearing away dead skin cells and supporting the skin renewal cycle. Opt for a gentle cleanser, like the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, to clear away any impurities while also hydrating your skin. 

Protecting

Protect your skin by keeping it hydrated and by maintaining the skin moisture barrier. When it comes to sun protection, look for mineral based sunscreens that use zinc oxide. 

Protecting the skin also means protecting it from environmental aggressors and irritants, which you can do by balancing out the skin pH and incorporating ingredients that strengthen the skin moisture barrier. CeraVe Moisturising Cream nourishes and hydrates while protecting the moisture barrier to alleviate dry and very dry skin. 

The importance of ceramides in your skincare routine

The pressure on mothers’ bodies and the excess weight means that dehydration is more common. Ceramides play a major role in keeping the body hydrated and protected. Ceramides protect the skin moisture barrier and minimise the visible signs of dryness and damage. With all this in mind, ceramides are essential in protecting your skin when pregnant, and using products with ceramides can help keep the skin hydrated to minimise chances of skin tearing and stretching. 

Ingredients to avoid and embrace during pregnancy

Skincare ingredients to embrace: 

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid locks moisture into the skin, which is especially important during pregnancy when the skin is more prone to dryness. Look for moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid or opt for a serum, like the Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum to nourish and hydrate the skin. 

Glycolic Acid

This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a gentle exfoliating solution that helps to remove dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin, without drying it out. Look for cleansers containing glycolic acid, like the

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid helps to smooth dry, scaly skin. It’s usually recommended for dry and sensitive skin types and is a great ingredient for both exfoliating and hydrating the skin. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a great ingredient to help combat dull, tired skin. It’s also an antioxidant that neutralises free radicals that can damage skin cells. 

Skincare ingredients to avoid

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid commonly used to help with breakouts and blemishes. Studies have shown that salicylic acid in oral form can lead to serious birth defects, which is why it’s recommended to avoid using it both orally and topically as a serum. 

Retinols and retinoids

Similar to salicylic acid, animal and human studies have shown the use of retinoids or retinol can lead to serious birth defects. It’s recommended to avoid any retinoids and vitamin A derivatives during pregnancy. 

Oxybenzone and avobenzone

Often found in chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone and avobenzone should be avoided. Instead, look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide. 

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. 

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Some essential oils

Some essential oils can potentially harm the foetus. There are some oils that are recognised as suitable for use during pregnancy, but for peace of mind it’s best to speak to a dermatologist or healthcare provider to discuss what oils are suitable for use. 

Essential oils for topical application to avoid during pregnancy are:

• Aniseed

• Basil

• Birch

• Camphor

• Clary sage

• Hyssop

• Mugwort

• Oak moss

• Parsley 

• Pennyroyal

• Peppermint

• Rosemary

• Rue

• Sage

• Tansy

• Tarragon

• Thuja

• Thyme

• Wintergreen

Phthalates

Found in some cosmetics, nail polishes, shampoos and cleansers, phthalates can be potentially harmful to the foetus. 

Once you've got your pregnancy skincare routine down pat, why not take a look at skin care options for baby? CeraVe's baby skin range has been developed with paediatric dermatologists, and are paraben, sulphate and fragrance free, perfect for both mum and bub! Next read our guide on how to bathe your new born.

CTA: Shop baby care products