At least once a week we receive a call or an email from Clients seeking advice about using active skincare during pregnancy.

It’s understandably an anxiety-laden issue, and one fraught with enormous confusion and misinformation.

With all the wonderful things that pregnancy can bring, fluctuating hormones can also create major changes in your skin. Your concerns may range from increased breakouts, skin dryness, sensitivity and pigmentation throughout and beyond your pregnancy.

So how do we help an expectant mother navigate these concerns, and continue to support Luminous Skin for Life? By empowering with education. 

VITAMIN A

While prescription Tretinoin + Isotretinoin must be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, Retinol and its esters (derivatives of Vitamin A) are considered safe forms for topical use while pregnant in low doses. RATIONALE uses safe and gentle complexes of Vitamin A in our Renewal Collection, delivering nightly skin rejuvenation benefits which can be enjoyed throughout your pregnancy.

SALICYLIC ACID

“Those who’ve struggled with breakouts before pregnancy often experience an increase in breakouts due to the fluctuation in hormones,” says Katie Matten, RATIONALE National Education Manager.

To help combat this, Salicylic Acid, found in formulations from The Clarity Collection, is a superior skin-refining active used to reduce congestion and inflammation in the skin. Applied topically, it is widely considered safe to use when pregnant and breastfeeding. Hydroxy Acids, found in the same formulations, also assist in recalibrating skin pH to youthful acidity, amplifying that pregnancy glow.

SUNSCREEN ACTIVES

Daily sunscreen use is strongly recommended by Dermatologists at every stage of life. If you find that your skin has become more light-sensitive during pregnancy, consider using sunscreens with gentle mineral actives such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, found in our Brilliance formulations.

BREAKOUT-PRONE SKIN

We usually recommend Hydroxy Acids at night to unclog pores and restore a healthy skin pH. These can be found in either #5 The Serum, #5 The Cleanser or #5 The GelCrème. If you have sensitive skin and are unable to tolerate these actives well, then #5 The Milk Concentrate may be recommended as a gentler alternative to achieve the same pH recalibrating results.

Combining these with B-Group Vitamins every morning and SPF50 during the day will assist in calming the skin and regulating sebaceous activity. 

DRYNESS

To alleviate dryness, we recommend a nourishing day cream like #1 The Crème to strengthen and replenish skin barrier. Vitamin A and DNA Repair Enzymes found in #6 The Night Crème will also help to stimulate collagen production for supple skin.

SENSITIVITY

Using gentle, lipid-rich formulations at night like #4 The Cleanser and #4 The Crème will soothe skin and replenish its vital barrier function, helping to alleviate sensitivity. Boosting your skin’s immune responses with a complex of B-Group Vitamins, found in #1 The Serum, and also using a Superfluid SPF daily to prevent skin from becoming further sensitised by the sun is also essential.

PIGMENTATION

The Antioxidant complex found in #2 The Serum will work to brighten skin tone, while B-Group Vitamins will assist with inhibiting melanin transfer and suppressing pigmentation. Alongside diligent SPF use during the day, Hydroxy Acids at night will also help fade superficial pigment, boosting skin brightness and clarity.

We always recommend consulting your doctor about your skincare routine as part of your decision-making process during pregnancy and breastfeeding.