Pregnant: what changes in your skin and which skincare is right for you?

First of all: congratulations. A special new phase of life is beginning, during which your body is doing an incredible amount of work. This brings changes — sometimes subtle, sometimes very visible — and your skin may suddenly react differently than you are used to.

A product that worked perfectly for years may suddenly feel too active, too rich, or simply not nourishing enough. That does not mean there is anything wrong with your skin. During pregnancy, hormone levels, blood circulation, sebum production, and immune responses change. Your skincare routine can therefore adapt with you.

Your skin as an intelligent protective layer

The skin is much more than just the outside of our body. It forms a living barrier between you and the outside world. The uppermost layer of skin helps retain moisture and protects against pollution, microorganisms, irritants, and weather conditions.

During pregnancy, the immune system adapts, and hormonal changes can affect the skin barrier and pigment cells. Blood circulation increases, and the skin may become warmer, pinker, or more sensitive. Some women experience the familiar pregnancy glow, while others develop dryness, acne, itching, redness, or pigmentation. Existing conditions such as eczema may also temporarily improve or worsen.

Especially during this phase, it is wise not to overburden the skin. The goal is not to correct every change aggressively, but to support the skin barrier, limit inflammatory triggers, and protect the skin well.

Pigmentation and the pregnancy mask

Under the influence of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormonal signals, pigment cells can become more active. As a result, freckles, moles, and existing dark spots may become darker. Melasma may also develop: irregular brown discoloration on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip.

Sunlight and visible light can intensify this pigmentation. Daily sun protection is therefore essential, even when it is cloudy. Preferably choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 that is comfortable enough to apply generously every day. Mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are often a good choice for sensitive skin.

Antioxidants such as stabilized vitamin C help protect the skin from free radicals and support a bright, even-looking complexion. Always combine vitamin C with daily sun protection: it does not replace SPF, but works alongside it.

Acne or drier skin instead

Pregnancy hormones can increase sebum production, causing pores to become clogged more quickly and blemishes to develop. At the same time, the skin may become drier or more sensitive. Acne during pregnancy therefore does not automatically mean that the skin needs strongly degreasing products.

Cleansing too intensively, exfoliating frequently, or using several active acne products at once can damage the skin barrier. The skin may then become red, flaky, and tight, while the blemishes persist.

Choose a gentle cleanser, lightweight hydration, and targeted treatment where needed. Malic acid and niacinamide are often used for blemishes, redness, and an uneven complexion. Salicylic acid is generally considered low risk when used in limited, targeted applications, but always discuss regular or intensive use - and especially professional peels - with your midwife, doctor, or dermatologist.

Ingredients that support skin during pregnancy

A good pregnancy skincare routine does not have to be complicated. Above all, look for ingredients that hydrate, protect, and support the skin's natural barrier:

• Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sodium PCA, and aloe vera help attract and retain moisture.

• Ceramides, squalane, and plant oils replenish skin lipids and limit moisture loss.

• Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and helps with redness, blemishes, and an uneven complexion.

• Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and helps maintain a bright complexion.

• Panthenol, bisabolol, oats, and chamomile can help soothe unsettled or sensitive skin.

• Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect against UV radiation and are often well tolerated by sensitive skin.

• Vitamins E, F, and H underrated superpowers for beautiful skin during pregnancy.

Oils can be particularly pleasant to use during this stage. They soften the skin, reduce moisture loss, and provide comfort when the skin on the abdomen, breasts, or legs feels tight or itchy. Preferably apply an oil over a hydrating product or to slightly damp skin. This helps the oil retain the existing moisture as a gentle occlusive layer.

Oil can make the skin feel more comfortable and supple, but it is important to remain realistic: unfortunately, there is no cosmetic ingredient proven to completely prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Genetics, hormones, and the speed at which the underlying connective tissue changes all play a major role.

Which ingredients are best avoided?

During pregnancy, simple and careful is often best. Also check products you have used for years, because familiar anti-aging and acne products may contain ingredients that are not suitable now.

Retinoids and retinol
Avoid all vitamin A derivatives during pregnancy, including retinol, retinal, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, and isotretinoin. This also applies to over-the-counter cosmetics. Preferably stop using these products when you start trying to conceive, and consult your doctor if in doubt.

Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is used to treat dark spots, but it is absorbed through the skin relatively extensively. Dermatologists therefore recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.

Strong peels and high-dose acids
A low concentration of certain acids in a gentle at-home product is different from an intensive peel. Avoid strong AHA and BHA peels without professional guidance. Skin can become irritated more quickly during pregnancy, and inflammation can actually intensify pigmentation.

Phthalates
Phthalates are a large group of substances that can be used, among other things, as plasticizers or fragrance carriers. Several phthalates with harmful properties are already banned or strictly restricted in Europe. Since the effects of exposure are not yet fully known, during pregnancy you can choose as a precaution products explicitly labeled phthalate-free and limit unnecessarily heavily fragranced cosmetics. emerginC does not contain them. 

Perfume and strong essential oils
Natural does not automatically mean gentle. Essential oils consist of highly concentrated aromatic compounds and can irritate sensitive skin or cause an allergic reaction. Be especially careful with high concentrations, homemade blends, and undiluted essential oil. For reactive skin, opt for fragrance-free products or carefully formulated products with low concentrations. Always avoid synthetic fragrances. 

Do you need to adjust your trusted routine?

Probably, although not everything needs to change. Start by checking serums, acne products, peels, and anti-aging products for retinoids, hydroquinone, and high concentrations of acids. Then focus especially on what your skin is telling you NOW.

Does your skin feel tight? Add hydration and lipids. Are blemishes appearing? Cleanse gently and treat them specifically. Is your skin becoming red more quickly? Simplify your routine and reduce fragrance, essential oils, and exfoliation. Are you seeing more pigmentation? Make daily sun protection the most important step.

A simple basic routine consists of:

1. A gentle cleanser without harsh sulfates. (All emerginC cleansers are sulfate-free)

2. A hydrating, antioxidant serum. Vitamin C or Active Hydrating complex are perfect. You can also use the emerginC Vitamin C eye serum, which has a lower concentration and contains plenty of chamomile. 

3. A cream that meets your skin's current needs. The emerginC Hyper Vitalizer cream is number 1 for drier skin, and Glow guard is number 2 for normal-to-oily skin. 

4. During the day, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50.

5. If needed, apply a few drops of oil in the evening as a nourishing, occlusive final layer. Consider the Raw Facial Oil or the Hydra Repair Capsules. Is your skin very dry? Or is the weather harsh? Then the 100% natural, waterless BLEND is ideal. A favorite of Kim vd Veer and the women of Go with the Glow. 

6. Don't forget your body! Use gentle, natural products and moisturize your skin daily. The Scientific Organics range has a carefully selected duo of products for the most beautiful skin. 

7. Extras: pamper your skin with a gentle mask. Vitality Mask is THE mask for pregnant women and new mothers. We don't call it 8 hours of sleep in a jar for nothing. If you want to exfoliate, choose the Scientific Organics Blue Poppy Enzyme Polish. 

Introduce new products one at a time and test them first on a small patch of skin. This makes it easier to discover what your skin responds well to.

Listening to your skin

Pregnancy is not a time when your skin needs to perform perfectly. It is a phase in which gentleness, protection, and adaptability can take center stage. emerginC believes in combining scientifically supported ingredients with carefully selected botanicals: targeted where needed, gentle where the skin calls for it.

Your skin protects you from the outside world every day. During this special phase of life, it deserves extra protection, rest, and attention in return.

Every pregnancy and every skin type is different. Always discuss medicated skin treatments, severe acne, sudden rashes, intense itching, or concerns about ingredients with your midwife, general practitioner, or dermatologist.

Photo by Olga Esser of Kim vd Veer. Kim is a mother herself and is now pregnant with twins. She shares wonderful advice via her Instagram @kimvdveer, where you can also find updates about her retreats.