The ESK blog

Now I’m pregnant, what changes do I make to my skincare routine?

22 July 2024

Dr Anne Thomson

Congratulations! Being pregnant is such an exciting time as you look forward to welcoming a new bundle of joy to your family. Big changes are taking place – you’re growing a new life, you’ll need a bunch of new stuff (SO much stuff) and your body is changing too. But it’s not just your body that’s changing, there is a lot happening in your skin. Just over 91% of women notice pregnancy skin changes, and not all of them are defined as “that pregnancy glow”!

Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on in your skin, what changes you might need to make to your routine (including the ingredients to avoid) and what you can do about two of the most common pregnancy skin challenges, acne and melasma (excess pigment).

Why is my skin going haywire?

It’s safe to say that most of the hormones we associate with pregnancy go up. Like wa-ay up. You’ve got a ton of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and B-HCG floating around in your system right now. You’ve even got higher levels of androgens, or “male-type” hormones, than you usually do. And your skin is pretty sensitive to these hormone changes.

But it’s not just the hormones affecting your skin – your body is growing new blood vessels and changing how your immune system functions – all of which supports your growing bub but can have visible effects on your skin.

What are the common skin challenges of pregnancy?

Pigmentation

This is definitely the most common, experienced by 90% of pregnant women and is most likely due to all that extra estrogen. Some pigmentation is defined as “normal” – such as darker nipples. Melasma is a condition where the extra pigment can appear on the face, and is experienced by about 70% of women. Most of this extra pigment gradually fades in the first year post-pregnancy, but it can be troublesome.

Acne

If you’re experiencing breakouts, you’re not alone. Nearly half of pregnant women get acne, and most of them (90%) have had it in the past. We’re not sure why this happens, but it’s probably a combination of lots of estrogen and higher than usual levels of androgens (which ramp up the skin’s sebum production), changes in the skin’s microbiome and altered immunity. Treating it in pregnancy can be tricky, as many of our most effective therapies, such as vitamin A-containing products, can’t be used. But there are alternatives.

So what changes should I make to my skincare routine?

Even if (lucky you!) you’ve just got that pregnancy glow, it’s worth doing a quick check of the ingredients in your skincare routine to make sure they’re safe to use in pregnancy. Let’s start with the ones you need to avoid:

No-Go Zone:

Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids, including topical retinol, retinal and prescription-strength versions like tretinoin, are a definite no during pregnancy. There are concerns that they can cause serious birth defects, so it’s best to steer clear until after your baby arrives. They’re fine in breastfeeding mums.

Hydroquinone: This is a common anti-pigmentation ingredient, but it’s a no-go during pregnancy too. Studies show that a significant amount of hydroquinone can be absorbed through the skin, and we just don’t have enough info on how it might affect a developing baby. So, we play it safe and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Certain chemical peels: Glycolic and lactic acid peels are considered safe in pregnancy but peels done with salicylic acid or trichloracetic acid (TCA) are not.

So what can you use?

Good Cleanser: Start with a gentle, soap-free, non-comedogenic cleanser to wash away dirt and excess oil. Look for something mild with a pH of between 4.0-5.5 that won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture.

Calming Cleanse

Our Calming Cleanser is a non-foaming, coconut sugar-based formula with a gentle pH of 4.5-5, making it ideal for sensitive skin types, including those with eczema and rosacea.

This creamy cleanser effectively removes impurities while preserving the skin’s natural hydration and pH balance. Its non-soap formula minimises irritation and dryness, providing a soothing cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier.

Designed for sensitive skin, Calming Cleanser avoids harsh ingredients like astringents, camphor, and menthol, which can trigger irritation. Gentle yet thorough, it supports a healthy microbiome and barrier, leaving skin calm, soft, and ready for the next step in your routine.

Featuring;

A coconut sugar base with soothing botanical
A thorough yet gentle cleanse
Suitable for daily use and even as a make-up remover

A creamy soap-free cleanser for skin that needs a gentle, silky wash.

Coconut based with soothing botanicals
Leaves skin clear & hydrated
May be used as a make-up remover

4-N-Butylresorcinol: A great alternative to hydroquinone for treating pigmentation. It’s effective at lightening those dark patches and has very little absorption into the body through the skin, making it safe to use in pregnancy.

Enlighten

Enlighten is specifically designed to help reduce the appearance of pigmentation. This lightweight cream helps to gently create a more even skin tone and hydrate and improve the barrier function of the skin.

While rarely used, 4-n-butylresorcinol (4nB) has some of the best evidence in this arena. Enlighten combines 4nB and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to create a rare combination of gentle yet effective ingredients. Enlighten helps tackle a mottled or uneven skin tone and is suitable for long term daily use

Featuring:

Formulated to help skin look brighter and more even
Gentle, nourishing ingredients suitable for daily use
Supports the appearance of an even skin texture and tone

L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): This powerhouse antioxidant helps brighten the skin and can fade those dark spots. Also safe during pregnancy.

C Forte

C Forte Morning Serum is packed with 16% L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of Vitamin C, combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid for maximum results. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is an anti-oxidant helping neutralise free radicals (associated with exposure to the sun). The result? A brighter, firmer, plumper looking skin with fewer fine lines apparent and a more even skin tone. Formulated at the ideal pH (2.5-3.5) and housed in airless, opaque packaging, C Forte ensures stability and effectiveness, delivering radiant skin with every use.

Featuring;

- Evidence based ingredients and formulations for superior efficacy.

- Potent skin brightening ingredients

- A plumper, more hydrated and even toned skin.

Note: C Forte can exacerbate acne and may be too strong for irritable skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Another safe and effective ingredient for pregnancy. It helps lighten melasma and works on acne too by regulating excess oil production and soothing inflammation.

B Calm

B Calm is formulated to support irritable and blemish prone skin while maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Ceramides strengthen resilience, Salicylic Acid exfoliates and calms the skin, and Niacinamide helps regulate oil and reduce the appearance of blemished skin.

Featuring:

- Ingredients to support an improved skin barrier

- Helps manage excess oil production

- Supports a clearer-looking skin

Hydroxy Acids (like glycolic acid and lactic acid): These are great for gently exfoliating your skin and can help with melasma and keeping those pores clear to combat acne. While not specifically studied in pregnancy, they’re thought to be safe for use in lower concentrations.

Smooth Serum

Smooth Serum is a night treatment formulated with 3% Glycolic acid, 1% Lactic acid, and 1% Gluconolactone. This gentle AHA blend supports the appearance of skin texture and surface renewal, helping maintain the look of even skin tone.

Key features:

Combination of alpha hydroxy acids to support skin texture
Supports the appearance of smoother, more even skin
Can be used alongside products containing Retinal to maintain overall skin texture

Caution: Not recommended for very sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea.

Azelaic Acid: Great for treating acne during pregnancy. It’s effective at reducing inflammation and can help unclog pores. Plus, it’s safe for you and your baby.

Salicylic Acid: Another good option for acne, but in moderation. Using it on a limited area of the body like the face is considered safe for spot treatment. Avoid high-strength peels and treatments.

Hydroxy Overnight Mask

Our Hydroxy Overnight Mask is your go-to for clearer, glowing skin! With 5% salicylic acid and 10% urea, it’s a powerful yet gentle way to take on blemishes and keep skin hydrated. In oiler skin, Salicylic acid gently exfoliates for a smooth finish, while urea deeply moisturises. Use it as a spot treatment, or apply it once a week for an all-over refresh. Just cleanse, apply, and let this overnight mask work its magic while you sleep—wake up to softer, clearer, and radiant skin ready to take on the day!

Featuring;

- Gentle exfoliators for a weekly skin refresh

- Convenient size means you can keep it on hand to tackle blemishes when and wherever they happen

Sun Protection: This is HUGE. Pigmentation and acne can get worse with sun exposure, so make sure you’re using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day. A non-comedogenic physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide is a safe, effective and non-irritating choice.

Zinc Shade

Zinc Shade is a lightweight matte day cream and primer. Its non-greasy, matte finish allows for smooth application and works well under makeup.

We spent countless iterations perfecting this lightweight, non-greasy formula to avoid the typical white cast and thick feel of zinc products. The results? A matte finish that works beautifully under makeup. With well tolerated matte finish, it's also well suited to irritable and blemish and bump prone skin. With SPF 15 it also provides broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Key features:

Lightweight, matte formula suitable for daily use
Smooth application with minimal white cast
Broad-spectrum UV protection
Tested SPF 15 with enhanced UVA coverage

Usage: Apply evenly to all exposed areas of skin before sun exposure. Reapply as needed throughout the day.

At ESK Skincare, we’ve taken the guesswork out of your skincare routine with our Pregnancy Kit, packed full of all the safe and effective ingredients you need to restore and maintain that glow. You can also check-out our free Pregnancy eBook and reach out to our friendly customer service team anytime. All the best for your pregnancy and beyond!

Pregnancy Kit

Congratulations on your pregnancy! While you’re busy preparing for your little one, let us help you take care of your skin. Pregnancy brings many joys, but it also brings changes to your skin. From hormonal shifts to increased sensitivity, you might notice new concerns like dryness, pigmentation, or breakouts.

Our Pregnancy Skincare Kit is designed with evidence-based, pregnancy-safe ingredients to keep your skin healthy and radiant. This bundle takes care of your skin so you can focus on what matters most, celebrating this special time!

Featuring;

Ingredients and formulations shown to be safe for pregnancy
Gentle yet powerful ingredients
Formulations to tackle common skin concerns associated with pregnancy

*While 4-n-Butylresorcinol has been found in studies to have very low systemic absorption, so is usually presumed to be pregnancy-safe, it has not been specifically trialled in pregnant women.

** Please check with your clinician before using any skincare products in pregnancy.