The problem: The mask of pregnancy
Coupled with increased photosensitivity, you can experience a surge in pigment-stimulating hormones while pregnant and these can contribute to melasma – large patches of discolouration appearing on the face. It is usually genetic and often fades post-pregnancy.
The problem: Hormonal acne
With racing hormones, an increase in oil secretion and anxiety added into the mix, many woman breakout during pregnancy, especially around the chin, jawline and cheeks.
The problem: Heightened sensitivity
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can also increase any skin sensitivities and you might find yourself more sensitive to the sun and certain products that you previously tolerated. A-list facialist and author of beauty bible Love Your Skin, Abigail James, says "it's thought that this is our body's way of protecting itself and the foetus from infection and disease". As with acne, above, skin conditions like eczema may also get worse.
The problem: Increased redness
When pregnant, the volume of blood can almost double in your body, which can often mean that the 'healthy glow' tips over into redness. Claire Barret, skincare expert at mummy and baby range Bloom and Blossom says that "this really affects the tiny blood vessels in the face, so many women will experience hot flushes and increased redness in their skin". The heat plus heightened sensitivity can also exasperate rosacea if you're already a sufferer.
The problem: Drier skin
While some women's skin becomes oilier, for others dryness can occur. Barret explains, "all the hydration goes to the baby first, so many women experience dry skin."
Ingredients to avoid
There are various ingredients – both natural and synthetic – that are advised against in pregnancy:
-Vitamin A/retinol. Some studies have linked retinol-based products to birth and child defects and therefore they are best avoided in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. James says another reason to avoid vitamin A-based products is because as they speed up cell turnover, they "also make the skin much more prone to sun damage and developing pigmentation".
-Phthalates/formaldehyde/toluene. Look out for these chemicals in perfume and nail polishes. "Research is being carried out to assess a possible link with birth defects," James says. Look to nail polish brands such as Nailberry which are formulated to be "12 chemical free".
-Ammonia. Found in some hair dyes, James points out that "it has carcinogenic properties, so steer clear". Your colourist will be able to advise you on ammonia-free options and whether it's safe to colour your hair once you've passed the first trimester of pregnancy.
-Dihydroxyacetone. This is the (non-toxic) active ingredient in self-tanning products which doesn't travel beyond the outer layer of the skin and therefore isn't absorbed into the body, so you don't have to avoid it completely. However, the effects of inhalation are not known, so you may want to avoid spray tanning whilst pregnant.
-Certain essential oils. James lists basil, rosemary, juniper berry, jasmine, cypress and chamomile blue as essential oils to avoid given their potential to over-stimulate and encourage menstruation.
