Congratulations. This is the beginning of a new chapter; your journey into motherhood starts now. If you aren’t already glowing, then once second trimester kicks in your skin will be blooming. But with increased hormones come some less than rosy skin side effects. Here’s our expert advice on how to achieve your best pregnancy skin. 

Pregnancy mask 

Increased hormones through pregnancy can trigger excess melanin production in the skin, which can mean increased pigmentation (sigh). You may notice these pesky brown patches showing up even if you’ve never suffered from pigmentation before.  Fear not, we have a few tips that can help to minimise the pregnancy mask! Firstly, SPF every single day! Secondly, stay out of the sun where possible, as UV amplifies pigment. Thirdly, add Vitamin C serum to your skincare regime immediately. Bursting with clarity enhancing and skin-brightening antioxidants, Vitamin C inhibits the enzymes responsible for the formation of pigmentation. More than just glow getting, topical use of Vitamin C has also been proven to boost collagen production. This all-rounder is your new skincare BFF. 

Pregnancy blemishes 

You may notice your skin is more oily than usual, and has become prone to spots or breakouts. Thank goodness Glycolic Acid is perfectly safe to use during pregnancy. The golden child of the AHA family, Glycolic Acid exfoliates the skin, removing dead cell buildup and excess oil which contribute to blocked pores and breakouts. It also helps to even surface texture and pigment associated with post blemish marking. Try our Liquid Gold, as it can help to improve skin texture and decrease the appearance of wrinkles after just one application! Even though your skin is oilier, it’s still important to moisturise; keep the skin clear and hydrated. Loaded with nature’s antibacterials like Eucalyptus and Tea Tree, it also contains calming Aloe Vera and soothing Vitamin E to reduce inflammation and redness. Cleanse morning and evening with a non-foaming cleanser to keep the skin’s pH balanced. Triple Action Cleanser cleanses and cools the skin while also minimising excess oil and breakouts with Cucumber, Thyme and Aloe Vera. 

Sensitive skin 

This can strike at any time during pregnancy. The lotions and potions you’ve been using forever may suddenly begin to irritate your skin, or your skin may become dry, flaky, or overheated. If your skin is angry and playing up like a naughty toddler (that comes later!) then allow it some chill time with Balancing Cleanser, Essential Hydration Cream and Vitamin E Serum. These peace-loving pacifiers bring immediate relief and comfort to parched and irritated skins with lush ingredients like Evening Primrose Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Macadamia Oil, Red Algae Extract and Ginseng Root Extract. Essential Hydration Cream’s non-glycolic formula makes it ideal for broken capillaries, diffused redness and sensitivities with a botanical complex of Solomon’s Seal, Cypress Berries and Arnica that can help to tone and strengthen weak capillaries appearing as redness on the skin. 

What to avoid 

There are a couple of ingredients that are off the skincare menu during pregnancy and breastfeeding—Vitamin A (Retinol) and Salicylic Acid. We have only a handful of products within the Alpha-H range that contain these ingredients, and you can find full ingredient lists on each of the product pages.

Post-pregnancy 

Sleep deprivation, heightened stress levels, breastfeeding and general exhaustion can sap the skin of essential nutrients and vitality, contributing to dark circles and puffy eyes! Unpack the bags with Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream, uniquely formulated with Diamond Powder and natural Lime Pearl to combat dark circles, shadows and discolouration, puffiness, fine lines and milia. Put the bounce back in your skin with Vitamin B serum, the ‘Berocca’ of serums that helps to energise, hydrate and reduce the appearance of premature ageing. Look like you’ve had your eight hours (even when you’ve only had three) with After Hours AHA Moisturiser, a hard-working multi-tasking cream that tackles dull, tired, dry, pigmented and prematurely ageing skin. Handpicked ingredients include Glycolic Acid, Argan Stem Cells, powerful natural antioxidants Green Tea and Chia and advanced anti-aging peptide Matrixryl 6.