Glowing, Growing, and Blemish-Free: 5 Pregnancy-Safe Skin Tips

Pregnancy’s hormonal shifts can manifest in a spectrum of unwelcomed skin changes, ranging from increased sebum production and pimples to a compromised skin barrier with heightened sensitivity, dryness and patchy pigmentations on the face.

Pregnancy skincare shouldn’t be complicated. FOREST MD offers a pregnancy & breastfeeding-safe skincare set, a curated collection of clean formulations, designed to address common concerns while prioritising safety for mother and baby.

In addition to clean and effective skincare, incorporate these 5 tips for your blemish-free skin.

1. Gentle Cleansing: The Foundation of Healthy Skin

The role of a gentle and effective cleanser is often underestimated, especially during pregnancy when hormonal changes increase skin sensitivity.

• Why it Matters: Harsh cleansers or over-cleansing strip the skin’s natural oils, prompting a compensatory surge in sebum and inflammation, which can trigger pimple breakouts. Conversely, it can also induce dryness and sensitivity, leading to skin irritation. Gentle cleansing is paramount for maintaining equilibrium.
• Application: Cleanse your face twice daily, morning and night, using lukewarm water and gentle circular motions. Pat the skin dry with a soft, clean towel, avoiding harsh rubbing. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, incorporate a gentle makeup remover as a first step in a double-cleansing routine.

Experience the difference with our Deep Pore Cleansing Foam. This award-winning formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid, silk crystal, niacinamide, and licorice, not only effectively cleanses but also hydrates, soothes, and supports skin repair, ensuring a balanced and healthy complexion even during cleansing. Safe for baby, great for mummy.

2. Hydration: Essential for Radiance

Dehydration dulls the complexion and worsens existing blemishes. When skin lacks moisture, it overproduces oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

• Internal Hydration: Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily. Incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers and leafy greens into your diet. To minimise reflux, which can occur as the pregnancy progresses, sip water throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once.
• External Hydration: The FOREST MD Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Set includes the Asta Collagen Jelly Serum and the Muru Muru Age-Defy Cream, both formulated with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and botanical emollients. These ingredients attract and retain moisture, maintaining skin plumpness and suppleness.
• Why it Matters: Well-hydrated skin strengthens the skin barrier, increasing resilience against developing hyperpigmentation conditions such as melasma and promoting faster healing of blemishes.

3. Target Blemishes with Pregnancy-Safe Actives

While retinoids and salicylic acid are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, effective and safe alternatives do exist:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Excellent for hydration without any known risks.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps with pimples, pigmentation, and redness.
• Vitamin C: Safe for brightening and improving skin tone.
• Natural Oils and Butters: Ideal for hydration and preventing stretch marks. FOREST MD products, formulated with these ingredients, are suitable options.
• AHAs like Lactic or Glycolic Acid: Considered safe in pregnancy due to minimal absorption. As an alternative, enzyme exfoliators like Oryza Sativa (rice bran) offer anti-inflammatory and healing properties

Bonus Tip:

When applying multiple products to your face, use in order of consistency — from the most watery to the most creamy texture –essence, serum, moisturiser, sunscreen. Wait one minute between each step, gently patting the product into your skin or giving yourself a face massage. Doing this helps with the absorption of the product and energises the skin. Spending just five minutes twice daily applying skincare with mindful concentration is a quick self-care ritual we all deserve.

Interested to find out what skincare ingredients that you should absolutely avoid during pregnancy and breast-feeding? Read A Guide to Pregnancy-Safe Skincare to find out more.

4. Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable

Pregnancy-related hormonal fluctuations can increase melanin production, heightening the risk of hyperpigmentation and melasma (“mask of pregnancy”). Sun exposure and blue light from electronic devices exacerbate these skin conditions, making daily broad-spectrum sunscreen application, even indoors, non-negotiable.

• Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 50+): Select sunscreens with pregnancy-safe mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Avoid benzophenone.
• Frequent Reapplication: Sunscreen efficacy diminishes after 4 to 6 hours. Apply sunscreen in the morning and reapply at mid-day for optimal protection.
• Sun Avoidance: Limit sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and wear protective clothing, such as broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

5. Prioritise Stress Management and Rest

Stress and lack of sleep will significantly impact your skin’s health. During pregnancy, prioritise self-care and find healthy ways to manage stress.  

• Practice Stress-Reducing Techniques: Incorporate pregnancy-suited activities like yoga, pilates, meditation, deep breathing and stretching exercises, or gentle walks into your daily routine.
• Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep following our natural circadian rhythm each night. Reduce bedtime procrastination and aim to be asleep before midnight. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and comfortable sleep environment.  
• Nourish your Body with a Balanced Diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and fatty acids provides essential nutrients for growing babies and skin health. 

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and your skin should reflect that radiant glow. By following these tips and incorporating the FOREST MD Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Set into your routine, you can confidently embrace your changing body and achieve a clearer complexion. Remember, consistency is key, and patience is a virtue. With gentle care and the right products, you can navigate pregnancy with confidence and a healthy glow.

Have specific concerns such as dryness, acne or pigmentations? Read How to Safely Fix Common Skin Concerns If You’re Pregnant for more tips.  For pimples, you may also want to check out FOREST MD Blemish Clarifying Lotion, and for brightening dull skin, add on FOREST MD’s award-winning Stem Cell Sleeping Mask, all pregnancy-safe too.

Still unsure?

Connect now with FOREST MD to start your personalised pregnancy-safe skincare journey. and glowing in the long run.