GO FOR GLOW

SWITCH TO GENTLE, NOURISHING SKINCARE WHEN BABY’S ONBOARD

Waiting for that famous pregnancy glow to kick in? While hormonal changes can deliver a rosier more luminous skin tone, the bad news is that dehydration and other skin freak-outs can also come with the territory.

If your skin has undergone significant changes since becoming pregnant, Skinstitut expert Zoe Devine recommends a consultation with a skin therapist before you rush out for a quick fix.

“It’s not advisable to start on an all new, highly active regimen when you are pregnant as your skin will likely be more responsive at the time,” she says.

“Make small and gradual changes instead and opt for nutrient rich, calming and nourishing skin care products and ingredients. If you do notice unexpected changes, try to stay calm and know that in most cases these skin fluctuations will alleviate after you have given birth.”

Check the ingredient list of your products and avoid high-intensity vitamin A throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

“There is insufficient evidence to prove that it is safe to use at this time, so to be cautious you are better off switching to a gentler, low-intensity form of vitamin A, such as botanically derived vitamin A,” Zoe says.

AHAs get the expert’s OK, as long as you don’t go overboard.

“While you are pregnant your skin will be much more responsive than before, with an increased tendency for sensitivity or irritation,” Zoe says.

“Overuse of AHAs (such as lactic acid or glycolic acid) could cause redness, irritation or dryness.”

A nourishing oil — Zoe recommends Skinstitut’s Multi-Active Oil — should be your go-to when baby’s onboard.

“On the body, daily application will nourish the tissue that is experiencing physical trauma and lessen the likelihood or severity of stretch marks,” she says.

“Used on the face, it can help to promote luminosity, even out a blotchy appearance and reduce sensitivity or irritation.

“Simply apply a few drops daily, under your moisturiser or mixed directly into your moisturiser. A tiny drop can also be warmed in the palms and smoothed through your hair if you are finding that your hair is looking dry or dull.”