The Regimen

Pregnancy Skincare: What to Expect from Your Skin When You’re Expecting

It’s no surprise that pregnancy brings profound changes to your body, but the stresses pregnancy can put on your skin may be less expected. The hormonal and vascular shifts experienced during pregnancy can trigger issues even in skin that’s normally problem-free. Here’s what to expect from your skin when you’re expecting, and derm-approved solutions to nurture your most radiant glow.

Common Pregnancy Skin Stresses and Solutions

1. Acne During Pregnancy

Acne is the most common issue affecting the skin during pregnancy. A spike in androgen and cortisol hormones stimulates sebum and increases dead cells, leading to breakouts.

To make matters worse, some of the most tried and true acne-fighters—retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide—are not recommended during pregnancy. That may limit your choices, but it doesn’t have to limit your results.

Mandelic acid is the ideal acne-fighter during pregnancy. Its larger molecule slows its absorption into the skin, making it extra gentle. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties stop acne bacteria and calm angry lesions.

Recommended:

Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

Gentle antibacterial, physical scrub to decongest pores and prevent acne from forming.

2. Rosacea and Redness During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, blood flow increases by as much as 50% to carry nutrients and oxygen to the placenta. Blood vessels widen to handle the increase, making veins more visible and skin appear rosier. If your skin is prone to rosacea, the increased vascularity trigger flare-ups.

One of our favorite ingredients to combat the appearance of redness is green tea. Anti-inflammatory and polyphenol-rich green tea’s primary constituent, ECGC Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, has a vascular-protective effect that can help reduce the appearance of capillaries close to the surface of the skin. Plus, it’s a gentle resilience and radiance booster.

Recommended:

Green Tea Cleanser

Calming, anti-inflammatory formula to gently cleanse and repair the skin barrier.

Skin Nourishing Toner

Gentle formula containing mandelic acid, green tea extract, and rosehip oil to calm and clarify.

3. Melasma and Pigmentation Issues During Pregnancy

Melasma, patchy pigmentation that appears mainly on the cheeks, forehead, and chin , is so common during pregnancy that it’s often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.”

Estrogen stimulates melanin production, so with estrogen surging, melanin production ramps up, resulting in an uneven tone.

Once again, mandelic acid is our hero ingredient. Mandelic acid is a natural melanin inhibitor and brightener that is safe for mom-to-be and baby. It interrupts the melanin production cycle to prevent excess pigment and works on the surface to gently exfoliate and lift dark spots.

Recommended:

8% Mandelic Acid Serum

Gentle resurfacing and pigment correcting formula to brighten skin and promote even tone.

4. Dry Skin During Pregnancy

While many women experience an increase in sebum, for others, hormonal changes can rob skin of oil, moisture, and elasticity. The resulting dryness can lead to flaking, increased sensitivity, and irritation.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the best options to replenish and nourish dry skin during pregnancy. This natural humectant acts like a sponge drawing in moisture while providing essential nutrients to help keep your skin healthy and resilient. Other soothing and nourishing ingredients to look for include algae, oat protein, grape seed oil, and aloe, all of which can be found in our intensely hydrating Marine Skin Nourishment Cream.

Recommended:

FF3 Hydra Intensive HA

A hyaluronic acid-rich quenching and plumping serum to renew buoyancy, radiance, and lift.

Marine Skin Nourishment Cream

Deeply nourishing and intensely hydrating formula perfect for face and belly.