Pregnancy skin: common changes and safe ways to care for your skin

Pregnancy brings plenty of changes, and your skin often comes along for the ride. Some people get the famous glow. Others notice new pigmentation, breakouts they haven’t had since their teens or skin that suddenly feels dry and sensitive. Many experience a mix of all of these.

These changes are very common and are usually linked to shifting hormones. Here’s what you might notice, how to care for your skin gently and how we can help you feel your best while you’re expecting.

One important note before we start: always check with your doctor or midwife about any skincare ingredients and treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This guide is general information, not medical advice.

Common skin changes in pregnancy

• Pigmentation and melasma. Hormonal changes can trigger darker patches, often on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. This is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy”. Sun exposure can make it more noticeable.
• Breakouts. Hormones can increase oil production, which may lead to breakouts, especially around the jaw and chin.
• Dryness. Some people find their skin feels tighter, flakier or less comfortable than usual.
• Sensitivity. Skin can become more reactive, so products and treatments you’ve always loved may suddenly sting or cause redness.

Everyone’s experience is different, and changes can come and go through each trimester. If anything concerns you, such as a sudden rash or intense itching, speak to your doctor or midwife.

Gentle skincare for pregnancy

Pregnancy is a good time to simplify. A gentle, consistent routine is usually kinder than lots of active products.

• Wear SPF 50+ every day. This is one of the most helpful things you can do if you’re prone to pigmentation. Add a hat and sunglasses when you’re outdoors.
• Cleanse gently. Avoid scrubbing, hot water and harsh products, especially if you’re breaking out or feeling sensitive.
• Focus on hydration. Hydrating serums and a good moisturiser can help skin feel comfortable. Our Barrier Hydration Complex and All Day Hydration day cream are popular choices. As with all skincare, take the ingredient list to your doctor or midwife before you start.
• Avoid vitamin A and retinoids. Vitamin A products, including retinol and prescription retinoids, are not recommended during pregnancy. Pause them and check with your doctor before using any other active ingredients.

Not sure whether your skin is dry or dehydrated? Our guide to dry vs dehydrated skin explains the difference.

Tips for breakouts and sensitive skin

Pregnancy breakouts can be frustrating, especially when many of the actives you’d usually reach for are off the table until you’ve spoken to your doctor. A few gentle habits can help:

• Cleanse morning and night, and after exercise, without over-washing.
• Change your pillowcase often and keep your phone screen clean.
• Resist picking or squeezing, which can lead to marks that linger, particularly if you’re prone to pigmentation.
• Patch test any new product on a small area first, as your skin may react differently now.

For more on what drives breakouts, read our guide to breakouts and acne, and talk to your doctor before trying any treatment products.

Skin treatments during pregnancy

Please tell us you’re pregnant when you book and let your therapist know at the start of your appointment. Some peels and active ingredients are not suitable during pregnancy, and your therapist will tailor your treatment to keep it gentle.

Depending on your skin and your doctor’s advice, your therapist may suggest options such as:

• LED. Painless and with no downtime. Learn more about LED light therapy.
• Hydro Jelly. Algae-based masks for hydration, redness and dullness.
• Micro. Gentle mechanical exfoliation, if your skin isn’t feeling too sensitive.

Every pregnancy is different, so we can’t promise that any particular treatment will be right for you. Your therapist will assess your skin on the day and may suggest saving some treatments for later.

Our Radiance Skin Treatment ($180, 40 minutes) is a lovely fit for many mums-to-be. It’s restorative and hydrating, and your therapist chooses one modality to suit your skin on the day.

If pigmentation lingers after your baby arrives, book a consultation to talk through your options. Our guide to pigmentation and melasma treatments is a good place to start, and your therapist will let you know when the timing is right.

Waxing, tanning, tattooing and massage

• Waxing is usually fine during pregnancy, with a little extra care. Your skin can be more sensitive than usual, so let your therapist know you’re pregnant. See our waxing menu.
• Spray tanning: please ask your therapist before booking, and check with your doctor or midwife if you have any questions.
• Cosmetic tattooing, including brows and lip blush, is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s best to wait until afterwards.
• Relaxation massage: let us know you’re pregnant when you book so we can make sure your appointment suits you.

Make time for yourself with the Radiance Club

Pregnancy is a busy time, and a regular hour that’s just for you can feel like a real gift. With your therapist’s approval, the Radiance Club gives you one Radiance Skin Treatment every month for $135 (regular value $180, so you save 25%). Your therapist tailors your plan as your skin changes, and you get 20% off Australian Skin Institute and Tugun Compounding Pharmacy retail. You’ll also receive a Welcome Pack and a Bring-a-Friend voucher when you join.

The Radiance Club has a 6-month minimum term, then continues month to month. If you’d prefer no commitment, the Radiance Package is $460 for 3 Radiance Skin Treatments (value $540), to use within 6 months. Compare them in our guide to Skin Club, Beauty Pass or a package.

New to Believe in Beautiful? A Skin Discovery Treatment is $99 for new clients and includes an in-depth skin assessment and a homecare plan.

Ready to book? Let us know you’re expecting, and we’ll take great care of you. Book online or visit one of our six Brisbane clinics.