Pregnancy Skincare: Expert Tips for a Radiant Glow

19 March, 2024

Whether you favor "no-makeup makeup" or a full face of glam, your beauty routine does not have to alter just because you're pregnant. Consider swapping out products and experimenting with different application techniques to enhance your pregnant glow. Are you ready to get your beauty on? Makeup artists and dermatologists give tried-and-true suggestions to keep you looking and feeling great, as well as a few handy methods to aid with some common beauty issues during pregnancy.

1. Apply the sunscreen.

Sunscreen is essential for daily protection. (UV rays can permeate windows, so it doesn't matter whether it's raining or shining.) Pregnancy hormone changes make it more likely to develop dark patches and melasma, thus it's crucial to use SPF every day. Stick to mineral or physical blockers, such as zinc oxide, which are less irritating—and opt for a product with SPF 30 or higher.

According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, sunscreen not only protects the skin from UV damage, which can cause sunburn, photodamage, and skin cancer, but also helps prevent hyperpigmentation during pregnancy. Wearing sunscreen may help avoid hyperpigmentation or, at the very least, slow the progression of the condition. Tinted formulae may be especially beneficial for those with melasma since they conceal the appearance of dark areas. 

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2. Completely avoid foundation.

"Due to all of your body's hormonal fluctuations, your skin is more sensitive than normal. Markphong, a makeup artist located in New York City, recommends allowing your skin to breathe instead of using thick foundation that may block pores and create acne. He recommends just using concealer to level out your skin tone. Monika Blunder, a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist and CEO of Monika Blunder Beauty, recommends layering makeup to get desired coverage. "I also don't bother about hiding every ounce of redness or blackness all the time; often simply toning them down with a flexible concealer will enough. "Letting your natural skin shine through is lovely."

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3. Target Dark Under-Eye Circles.

Under-eye circles are normal throughout pregnancy. Experiencing exhaustion, heartburn, and leg cramps throughout the night might make it difficult to sleep well. To lighten the resultant darkness or under-eye circles, Blunder recommends applying a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone. "Avoid placing it in a triangle under your eye, and focus the brighter shade around the inner corner of your eye where it tends to be darkest," she explains.

4. Avoid harsh ingredients.

Avoid some components in skin care and cosmetics, such as retinols, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. However, Garshick advises continuing to use mild cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen on a regular basis as part of your overall skincare regimen. Consult your ob-gyn about any products you're using to ensure they're safe during pregnancy.

5. Apply Blush to Add Dimension.

Contouring may have been your go-to method before pregnancy, but it might be too harsh on your newly delicate skin, according to Markphong. "Instead, use blush to lift your face and create a healthy dimension," he said. "It'll create a light and bright glow, making you look more rested and fresh."

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6. Bust Breakouts

Seeing any spots? Pimples that occur during pregnancy might be attributed to hormonal fluctuations. "Acne can be treated with ingredients like azelaic acid, though it's best to see a board-certified dermatologist to determine if any other treatments may be helpful," explains Garshick. "It can also help to stay consistent with your skin care routine by regularly washing your face at bedtime and applying moisturizer that's oil-free and noncomedogenic." Remember that acne medicines with high levels of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are not suggested during pregnancy.

7. Look for Hydration Helpers to Improve Your Glow.

Looking to get that pregnant glow? It does not always occur naturally. "The skin can become more dry during pregnancy related to hormonal changes and stretching skin," according to Garshick. Regular usage of moisturizer will be beneficial. Apply it as soon as you get out of the shower to help retain moisture and keep your skin from drying out more.

When your skin feels like the Sahara, it's better to avoid powder cosmetics. "Sticking to dewy and glowy products will help a lot," Blunder said. "I like creams for practically everything, including foundation, concealer, blush, contouring, and more. Creams tend to mix together well and will typically leave you with a dewy skin-like finish,” she adds.

8. Make room for multitaskers

"Personally, when I was pregnant, I didn't want to wear a ton of makeup or spend a lot of time getting ready every day," Blunder said. "Finding easy-to use, versatile, multi-use products can be a huge time saver!" Garshick feels that multitasking makeup is essential. That's why a tinted moisturizer is one of her go-to products, since it serves two purposes while offering lightweight coverage.

9. Curl Your Eyelashes.

Because certain mascaras include diazolidinyl urea, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, Markphong recommends using an eyelash curler instead. "Use a blowdryer on low heat to blow directly to the lashes, staying away from the eyeball," adds the expert. "This will add volume to your lashes without the risk of using mascara with potentially harmful ingredients."

10. Give yourself facial massages.

"I really can't tell you how much of a difference massage makes," Blunder said. "It drains and flushes our stagnant lymph, it tightens and tones your skin, making you feel and look more awake and fresh and it feels amazing." Simply use your hands, or try a gua sha face massager.

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