Skincare for pregnancy

During pregnancy, the expecting mother’s hormone levels start to change. Hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) can cause changes in the skin. Depending on the individual, this can cause different skin changes during pregnancy, such as:

• Hyperpigmentation (melasma or chloasma) in different areas of the body, including on the face
• The stress on the skin can cause stretch marks on the tummy and other areas
• The skin can become drier
• The skin can become oilier and susceptible to impurities and acne

Not only your skin but also your hair can change during pregnancy, for instance, by becoming thicker and shinier. Excess hair growth in some places at the start of pregnancy, as well as increased hair loss in the months following the birth (which can last around 6–12 months), can also occur. Many of these go away again by themselves after the birth. Only stretch marks can often remain for a longer period as fine, white scars.

Melasma (pregnancy mask) causes pigment changes in your face. The dark spots are often symmetrically distributed and commonly affect areas of the face such as the forehead, temples, cheeks and upper lip. You can partly prevent the formation of these pigment changes by using a good sun cream. Care products with retinol help to lighten the hyperpigmentation. However, you should ideally wait until after the pregnancy to use them to rule out any possible intolerance. Melasma often gets better on its own after the pregnancy anyway.

Dry skin is best treated with a moisturiser that strengthens the skin barrier. In the case of dry skin on the body, a nourishing body oil can help. You should also use a pregnancy moisturiser if you have oily skin or signs of impure skin and acne, but make sure to use non-comedogenic formulations. Mild, dermatologically tested products are advisable for skin care during pregnancy. They should also be free from harmful chemicals.

Due to the hormone changes during pregnancy and the associated increase in sebum production by the sebaceous glands, some women can suffer from impure skin or acne. Even though these issues often go away by themselves after the birth, you should still give your skin extra-special care in the event of pregnancy acne. Doing so prevents the formation of dark spots or acne scars. These tips can help:

• Cleanse your face gently and thoroughly every day, avoiding facial cleansers that contain alcohol as these can dry out and irritate the skin
• After cleansing, carefully dab your face dry using a clean towel (make sure to replace the towel several times a week so that no bacteria or other germs can spread)
• Refresh the skin on your face with an alcohol-free toner or micellar water
• Use a mild, moisturising day cream
• If you are staying at home, you can leave the make-up off to give your skin a break
• If you are applying make-up, opt for caring products that also hydrate the skin and are non-comedogenic

With skin care for pregnancy, it is best to use products that are made of natural ingredients that are strictly regulated. Good ingredients include:

• Plant oils such as almond oil, avocado oil, squalene and olive oil
• Shea butter
• Aloe Vera
• Plant extracts (including from roses, witch hazel, linseeds and algae)
• Clay and healing clay

If you are looking for a face cream for pregnancy, you are sure to find what you are looking for with products for sensitive skin. Some expecting mothers also simply use cosmetic products that are intended for babies and toddlers. Their composition is tailored to sensitive, delicate baby skin and is completely harmless when used during pregnancy.

Many highly effective cosmetics can be used without risk under normal circumstances. However, when it comes to pregnancy-safe skincare, it is important to completely rule out possible sources of complications for the mother and child. As such, during pregnancy, you should avoid the following ingredients in your face care routine:

• Retinol (vitamin A) is contained in some creams and serums; pregnant women should avoid cosmetic products with this ingredient and should not take it as a dietary supplement.
• Fruit acid peels have established themselves in the world of skincare and as an anti-ageing solution. However, during pregnancy, your skin can react sensitively to an AHA peel. Fruit acid peels contain ingredients such as malic acid (AHA, alpha hydroxy acid), hydroxyacetic acid (AHA, alpha hydroxy acid), lactic acid, amino acids and phytic acid.
• BHA peels (peeling salicylic acid) – this type of peel can also cause a reaction during pregnancy.

Do you want to continue using your usual care products and are unsure whether it is safe to do so during pregnancy? It is best to consult your doctor. Just take a list of ingredients or the packaging insert of the cosmetic product with you to your next doctor’s appointment.

During pregnancy, your body undergoes some big changes. Your growing baby bump is only one aspect. Changes to your breasts and the skin on your body are also possible.

Stretch marks in pregnancy occur when the connective tissue cannot compensate for the extensive changes to the body. They can be reduced through gentle massages, and you can achieve even better results with the targeted use of care products.