People love to talk about the “glow”. That dewy, glowy skin that’s meant to magically appear as soon as you get pregnant. For some women, the glow is real: pregnancy can actually make your skin look brighter and more radiant; but for many others, it’s a completely different story.
Breakouts, pigmentation, dryness, irritation and suddenly your skin doesn’t feel like your own. If that’s you, know that you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Your skin is simply responding to an incredible, life-changing hormonal shift. The good news is that you don’t have to just wait until it gets better, because there are things you can do that are safe, gentle, and effective for pregnant women.
So, what exactly happens to skin during pregnancy, and more importantly, what can you actually do about it?
During pregnancy, your body produces more oestrogen and progesterone, which affect everything from oil production to pigmentation.
Melasma is one of the more common skin changes you might notice (those darker, usually symmetrical patches on the face, also called the “mask of pregnancy”). This skin condition is caused by hormonal changes ramping up melanin production, and while it’s harmless, it can be frustrating when it appears.
Some women also battle stubborn breakouts during pregnancy, flare up with sensitivity, or react to products that they’ve used for years without issue. Some people even find they flush bright red out of nowhere, or develop dry, itchy patches.
Even if you’ve always had calm, low-maintenance skin, pregnancy can suddenly change your reality.
What’s really frustrating is that the ingredients you might usually rely on, for example retinoids and acids, are often not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s easy to feel stuck.
Here’s where professional support comes in!
Your skin is changing in real time, and that means your skincare routine should change too. Some women will need to dial things back and keep it extra simple. Others will benefit from a bit more targeted support, especially if their confidence is taking a hit because of their skin.
A skin consultation with an experienced practitioner is a great place to start. You don’t need to wait until things get “really bad” - in fact, the earlier you get a plan in place, the better you can stay ahead of some of the most common pregnancy skin changes.
At The Hampton Clinic, we often support clients through this stage of life, helping them manage their skin gently but effectively.
So, what can you do? More than you might think.
Our Bespoke Spa Facial is a perfect go-to for pregnant clients looking to relax and refresh their skin. It’s a gentle, customised facial that focuses on deep hydration and soothing, with no harsh ingredients, making it ideal for hormonal skin.
Dermaplaning is another safe option. This treatment uses a fine blade to exfoliate the skin mechanically, removing dead skin cells and peach fuzz, leaving you with smoother, brighter skin. It’s perfect for a gentle exfoliation without using any acids.
If you’re looking for a mild resurfacing treatment, the Ormedic Lift Peel is a great choice. This aloe-based peel uses natural enzymes to rejuvenate the skin without any harsh chemicals, making it safe and effective for pregnancy. It’s ideal for treating dull, congested skin and restoring a natural glow.
And if pigmentation is an issue, don’t worry. While stronger lightening agents are off-limits during pregnancy, there are still safe and effective ways to manage pigmentation with pregnancy-safe skincare products until you can address it more actively after your little one arrives. If you don’t know what to buy, a skin consultation is where you start.
It’s easy to put yourself last when you’re growing a human. But looking after your skin isn’t about vanity, it’s about feeling good at a time when your body is changing in ways you never expected.
Taking the time for a facial or even a personalised skincare routine can make a real difference to how you feel - physically, emotionally, mentally. When you feel more like yourself, everything else feels that little bit more manageable.
Pregnancy skin can be unpredictable, and trying to fix it with a handful of TikTok hacks can leave you more confused. If you’re not sure what’s safe, what’s worth doing, or what your skin even needs anymore, come and see us in Bristol.
We’ll talk it through, properly. No rush, no pressure. Just a clear, safe plan that helps you look and feel good!