Hey baby! Your ultimate guide to pregnancy skin

At 31 weeks pregnant, my beauty routine is rather different to what it was before my little plus one came on the scene.

Instead of maintaining great skin with the latest products and ingredients, I seem to be firefighting a different skin concern each week, from sensitivity to spots, pigmentation to dry patches.

So just why is our skin so changeable while we’re carrying a baby?

Well, pregnancy is associated with a whole wave of changes, from hormonal, to metabolic to vascular.

Increased blood flow and oil production, along with higher hormone levels, bring the famous “pregnancy glow”. However, increased oil production can also result in acne.

Elsewhere, dark spots and patches of pigmentation are caused by an increase in the body’s melanin production.

If that sounds familiar, firstly congratulations, and now, read on.

This column is for you.

WHAT’S THE ISSUE? SUNLIGHT SENSITIVITY

The problem: During pregnancy your skin is much more sensitive to sunlight, and as a result can burn more easily. This is due to increased hormone levels, and also because your skin stretches as your baby grows.

The solution: Be sun aware. Apply a daily SPF to your face, and any other areas of skin regularly exposed. When in strong sun, consider covering up more than normal and regularly reapply a high factor of sunscreen.

TRY: Innisfree

Daily UV Defense Sunscreen High Protection SPF30, £22 (Space NK), which contains green tea, sunflower seed oil and defence from UVA/UVB rays.

PIGMENTATION The problem:

Pigmentation, or melasma, can be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. The solution: Products containing vitamin C or azelaic acid can brighten the skin and help lighten patches of pigmentation. Glycolic acid too can help to gently resurface and lessen its appearance.

TRY: Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Cleansing Oil, £14 (superfacialist.co.uk), a hydrating daily cleanser with radiance boosting vitamin C.

HORMONAL ACNE

The problem: Hormone surges, which begin around at around five weeks pregnant, can lead to increased sebum production and therefore an influx of spots.

The solution: Cleanse your face morning and evening with a gentle non-stripping product, and switch to a lighter, oil-free moisturiser to avoid clogging pores.

TRY: Malin & Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturiser, £48 (malinandgoetz.co.uk), which is lightweight and non-comedogenic with antioxidants and hydrating fatty acids.

TIGHT TUMMY SKIN/ STRETCHMARKS

The problem: Hormonal changes cause both elasticity and moisture loss as skin stretches and tightens to accommodate a growing bump. Stretchmarks occur when the dermis, the middle skin layer, becomes stretched and broken in places.

The solution: Whether or not you get stretchmarks depends on your skin type and its elasticity. However, regularly applying a hydrating product can help replenish lost moisture and prevent them forming. TRY: Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil, £18 (mamamio. com), which combines avocado, argan, coconut and olive oils in a nourishing skin treatment.