Managing skin changes during pregnancy and postpartum

Pregnancy and postpartum bring many changes, and your skin is no exception. Hormonal fluctuations can affect hydration, sensitivity, oil production, pigmentation and the appearance of firmness.

A simple, targeted skincare routine can help support the skin barrier, maintain hydration and keep your complexion looking healthy throughout every stage of motherhood.*

How does pregnancy affect the skin?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence how your skin produces oil, retains moisture and responds to skincare. You may notice dryness, sensitivity, congestion, breakouts, pigmentation or a change in your skin’s overall radiance.

After giving birth, further hormonal shifts can continue to affect your skin. Keeping your routine simple and focusing on hydration and barrier support can help your skin adapt.

How do I manage pregnancy and postpartum skin changes?

Every pregnancy and breastfeeding journey is different. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether a particular skincare ingredient is appropriate for you.

Read on to explore common skin concerns and how to manage them with targeted skincare.

1. Dryness and dehydration

Hormonal changes can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leaving it feeling tight, dry or uncomfortable. Supporting the skin barrier with hydrating ingredients can help maintain soft, healthy-looking skin.

Products for dryness: Start with Heartfelt, our gentle cream cleanser, followed by Glam Squad for hydration.

Finish with Power Broker, an advanced moisturiser formulated with Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Glycoprotein, Squalane, Watermelon Seed Oil and an Anti-Redness Complex. It provides deep hydration while helping soothe redness, minimise moisture loss and support the skin barrier. Its matte finish makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, oily and combination skin.

2. Breakouts and congestion

Hormonal fluctuations can increase oil production, leaving skin more prone to clogged pores, congestion and breakouts. Avoid over-cleansing or using harsh products, which can compromise the skin barrier.

Products for congestion: Game Changer helps reduce excess oil, clarify and refine pores, and target congestion and breakouts.

Quiet Achiever is a leave-on AHA exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells, smooth texture and improve the appearance of congestion and breakouts.

3. Sensitivity and redness

Pregnancy and postpartum can leave skin feeling more sensitive than usual. If your complexion is irritated, simplify your routine and prioritise gentle, barrier-supportive products.

Products for sensitive skin: Heartfelt provides a gentle cleanse, while Glam Squad replenishes hydration. Follow with Power Broker to help soothe the skin, reduce the appearance of redness and support the skin barrier with Panthenol, Glycoprotein and Squalane.

Patch test new products and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

4. Pigmentation and uneven skin tone

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can contribute to pigmentation, including melasma. A gentle routine can help support a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

Products for pigmentation: Advanced Next Level contains stabilised Vitamin C to help protect against environmental stressors and minimise the appearance of pigmentation and premature signs of skin ageing.

Superhuman, a multi-peptide serum with Niacinamide, can also help brighten the complexion and support a more even-looking skin tone.

5. Dullness and changes in firmness

Hormonal changes, disrupted sleep and the demands of early motherhood can leave skin looking dull and tired. You may also notice changes in the appearance of firmness.

Products for radiance and firmness: Superhuman combines multi-peptides and Niacinamide to support the appearance of firmness and promote a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

For smoother, more radiant-looking skin, Quiet Achiever can help gently exfoliate the surface of the skin and refine its appearance.

Should I avoid retinol during pregnancy?

Retinoids, including retinol, are commonly avoided during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your healthcare professional before using retinoid-containing skincare products.

If you are looking for an alternative to retinol, Quiet Achiever provides a different approach to skin renewal using AHA exfoliation. It can help improve the appearance of dullness, uneven texture and congestion without retinol.

Remember that AHAs and retinoids work differently, so Quiet Achiever is an alternative approach rather than a direct replacement for retinol. Always seek professional advice when introducing active skincare during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

A gentle pregnancy and postpartum skincare routine

Keep your routine simple and focus on what your skin needs most:

Cleanse: Heartfelt for a gentle, skin-supportive cleanse.

Hydrate & support: Glam Squad followed by Power Broker to replenish hydration, soothe the skin and support the skin barrier.

Restore radiance & firmness: Superhuman to brighten the complexion and support the appearance of firmness.

Exfoliate & target congestion: Quiet Achiever to gently exfoliate, smooth texture and target congestion.

Manage excess oil: Game Changer to reduce excess oil, refine the appearance of pores and target breakouts.

Healthy skin through every stage of motherhood

Pregnancy and postpartum are times of significant change, and your skincare routine may need to change with you. Focus on keeping your skin hydrated, supported and comfortable rather than overwhelming it with too many active products.

Our friendly dermal clinicians can help you understand your skin’s changing needs and create a tailored routine for your individual concerns. Book a Virtual Skin Consultation for FREE with our expert Dermal Clinicians.

Individual circumstances vary. Healthcare professional advice should always take precedence.