Protecting Your Skin During Pregnancy: Common Concerns and Solutions.

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can come with a few unexpected skincare challenges. From hormonal shifts that can lead to breakouts to stretch marks and sensitive skin, navigating skincare during pregnancy can feel overwhelming. The good news? With the right pregnancy-safe skincare, you can tackle these changes confidently and be on your way to achieving that pregnancy glow everyone’s always talking about.

In this guide, we address five common skin concerns during pregnancy and provide some gentle solutions. Let’s dive into how you can care for your skin throughout your pregnancy. 

Pregnancy Skin Concern #1: Melasma (aka Pregnancy Mask) 

Melasma, often called the “pregnancy mask”, is a common concern marked by dark patches that can appear on the face. These patches, typically on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip, occur due to hormonal changes that stimulate melanin production. 

What can you do to support your skin?

• Sun Protection is Key: Sun exposure can darken melasma spots, so using a high-quality pregnancy-safe sunscreen is essential. Look for mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide effective protection without irritating sensitive skin.
• Gentle Brighteners: Harsh brightening agents, like prescription retinol, aren’t suitable for pregnancy, but gentle alternative can help. Products with niacinamide or vitamin C are safe and effective from gradually reducing pigmentation. We love Tribe Skincare Brightening Vitamin C Serum to give your skin a healthy glow while also helping even your skin tone and protect against sun damage.
• Avoid Over-Exfoliating: Stick to mild exfoliants like lactic acid, which can brighten skin without increasing sensitivity or causing inflammation.

The Pregnancy Edit Tip: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and stay in the shade to help prevent melasma from worsening - especially in Australia’s summer months. 

Pregnancy Skin Concern #2: Acne and Breakouts:

Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can increase sebum production, leading to acne and breakouts. This can be especially frustrating if you’ve never delt with acne before (or maybe you thought those teenage breakouts were well behind you).  

What can you do to support your skin?

• Double Cleansing with Gentle Cleansers: Double cleansing can be especially helpful for managing pregnancy acne and keeping skin clear. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil without stripping your skin. Follow up with a gentle, water-based cleanser to remove any impurities, leaving your skin feeling fresh and balanced. We love using Sun JUJU Universal Oil followed by Tribe Skincare Gentle Balm Cleanser. This two-step approach not only helps prevent clogged pores but also ensures your skin is clean, soft, and prepped for the next steps in your skincare routine.
• Use Low-Dose Salicylic Acid: You might be wondering, “Is salicylic acid safe?” Generally, low concentrations (under 2%) are safe for pregnancy and can help keep breakouts under control.
• Try Natural Retinol Alternatives: Retinol is a popular ingredient for fighting acne and breakouts because it promotes cell turnover, unclogs pores, and helps reduce inflammation. However, during pregnancy, prescription retinol is not safe due to potential risks to baby, and you may find over the counter retinol products can be too harsh for newly sensitive skin. Thankfully, there are natural alternatives that offer similar benefits without the risks. Bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient, has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which can help with active blemishes. This form of Vitamin A also helps the skin renew itself fast and improve the elasticity of the skin. We recommend trying The Gracious Minds Photosynthesis Retinol Alternative Oil.

The Pregnancy Edit Tip: Keep your routine minimal and use fragrance-free products to avoid irritation. Remember, patience is key – consistent, gentle care is the best approach for managing pregnancy acne. 

Pregnancy Skin Concern #3: Stretch Marks

Did you know stretch marks during pregnancy can be genetic? As your body changes to accommodate your growing baby, the skin around areas like the belly, hips, and thighs can stretch rapidly, which can result in stretch marks for many women. While you might not be able to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, you can support your skin while your bump is growing.   

What can you do to support your skin?

• Hydrate and Nourish: Keeping skin moisturised us essential for maintaining elasticity and resilience. Look for hydrating rich creams or oils with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E, which help deeply nourish the skin. We love Mere Botanicals Stretch Mark Cream, which is packed with active botanicals and oils that deliver intense hydration to support your skin’s natural elasticity as it stretches.
• Massage Regularly: The key to minimizing the appearance of stretch marks is regular, gentle massage to promote circulation and encourage absorption. Applying a stretch mark cream or oil twice a day – especially on areas prone to stretching – can help reduce the likelihood of developing pronounced stretch marks.
• Start Early: The earlier you start hydrating and caring for your skin, the better. Consistent, daily application from the early stages of pregnancy an make a significant difference in preventing and minimizing stretch marks.

The Pregnancy Edit Tip: Embrace this new ritual as a moment of self-care, focusing on nourishing both your skin and your well-being as you prepare for the arrival of your baby. 

Pregnancy Skin Concern #4: Dry, Itchy Skin

What can you do to support your skin?

• Use a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser: Start with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to help you clean without stripping your skin’s natural oils and compromising your skin barrier.
• Layer Hydration with Serums and Moisturisers: Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum to draw moisture into the skin, followed by a hydrating moisturiser to lock in hydration. This combination will help keep your skin feeling plump and soothed. Tip: always apply hydrating products to damp skin for an extra boost of hydration.
• Choose a Nourishing Face Oil: Adding a few drops of a pregnancy-safe face oil – like rosehip or jojoba – at night can provide an extra boost of moisture. These oils are rich in essential fatty acids, which help support the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. Our favourite Tribe Skincare Repairing Facial Oil will hydrate and strengthen your skin in just 2 weeks.

The Pregnancy Edit Tip: To further prevent drying, avoid overly hot showers and exfoliating too frequently, as both can worsen dehydration. For additional comfort, apply a hydrating sheet mask once or twice a week to give your skin a hydrating, soothing treat. 

Pregnancy Skin Concern #5: Pregnancy Rosacea

If you’ve noticed redness, flushing, or tiny bumps on your face, you might be dealing with pregnancy-induced rosacea. Increased blood volume and heightened skin sensitivity make some women prone to this condition. I was one of them during both of my pregnancies, so can speak from experience.

What can you do to support your skin?

• Use a Calming, Gentle Cleanser: Avoid harsh soaps or foaming cleansers, which can strip the skin and aggravate redness. Instead, opt for a soothing, fragrance-free cleanser that will clean without irritating sensitive skin.
• Incorporate Anti-Redness Ingredients: Look for pregnancy-safe serums with calming ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera, or chamomile. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.
• Avoid Common Triggers: Hot water, spicy foods, and caffeine can worsen rosacea. Stick to lukewarm water when cleansing and be mindful of dietary triggers that may exacerbate redness.

The Pregnancy Edit Tip: If your skin feels particularly warm or flushed, spritz a hydrating mist with soothing ingredients like aloe or rosewater for instant cooling and comfort. 

Nurturing Your Skin During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings incredible changes to your body, and your skin is no exception. From unexpected breakouts to newfound sensitivity, each stage may present new challenges. Knowing how to manage skin changes can help you feel more comfortable and at ease in your during this transformative time.

Embrace a simple routine focused on hydration, nourishment, and calming ingredients that support your skin’s needs during this unique time. Each change and shift is part of your experience, and treating yourself with care helps you feel balanced and at ease. Here’s to honouring your body and the incredible work it’s doing, so you can feel radiant and supported every step of the way. 

*Information in this article should not replace personalised advice from your health care professional.