Pregnancy often brings a healthy glow, but it can also lead to various skin issues such as hormonal acne and stretch marks. Learning about pregnancy skincare—what products to use or avoid, and which foods support skin health—can be really helpful. Over time and with each child, I’ve discovered what works best to tackle the skincare challenges that come with this miraculous journey.
Is it essential to pay attention to your skin during pregnancy? Absolutely, yes and no. It’s critical to treat your skin well, particularly during pregnancy when the body undergoes many changes. Look for safe and nourishing ingredients that benefit both mom and baby.
There are certain ingredients I steer clear of, whether I’m pregnant or not, preferring simple and natural options. Even experts suggest avoiding some ingredients during pregnancy. For instance, synthetic vitamin A, commonly used to reduce wrinkles, has been linked to birth defects, so it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy. Retinol, another form of vitamin A, is rated highly toxic by the Environmental Working Group, making it something to be cautious about as it’s often found even in natural skincare products.
Pregnancy hormones can lead to adult acne. While salicylic acid is typically used for acne, it poses risks like miscarriages if ingested, meaning it should be avoided topically as well during pregnancy. Apart from pregnancy, conventional skincare products often contain problematic ingredients, which is why I prefer making my own. The Environmental Working Group lists several ingredients to avoid.
Managing skin during pregnancy comes with unique challenges. In the following sections, I’ll cover some common pregnancy skin concerns and natural solutions.
After having six kids, I’ve earned my “tiger stripes,” or stretch marks. While they’re often genetic, a healthy diet and proper skincare can reduce or even remove them. Here are some natural tips for preventing or fading stretch marks:
Many women experience blemishes and acne due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Balancing hormones, ideally before conception, can help tackle pregnancy acne. Ironically for me, pregnancy hormones helped clear the severe acne I had since high school. Here are additional skincare tips for preventing breakouts:
Hormonal changes can also lead to skin darkening or discoloration, such as light brown spots on the face or the linea nigra on the stomach. Instead of using harsh chemicals, balancing hormones with a nutritious diet rich in healthy fats, grass-fed meats, dairy (if tolerated), and plenty of vegetables is safer. It’s also wise to avoid sugary foods, opting for natural sweeteners like raw honey instead.
The increase in blood volume during pregnancy causes some skin coloration. While it may give a rosy glow, unwanted redness might persist until after delivery. Until then, makeup can help tone it down—though I prefer making my own for simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Itchy skin is common as it stretches over a growing belly. Adding bone broth, vitamin C, and grass-fed collagen to your diet can help ease this discomfort.
Varicose veins are another common post-pregnancy issue and a key part of pregnancy skincare. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the growing uterus increases pressure, causing veins to bulge. Progesterone and increased blood volume further strain veins, worsened by long standing, crossing legs, or excess weight. Here are some measures to alleviate this:
Making time for self-care can be tough, but pampering your skin a bit should be a priority when it’s undergoing such changes. Try these skincare tips during pregnancy and see what works best for you.
Do you do anything special for your skin when you’re pregnant? I’d love to hear about it!
