Pregnancy is a transformative period that brings about various changes, including those to your skin. Understanding how to care for your skin during each trimester can help you maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. Here's a comprehensive guide to nurturing your skin throughout your pregnancy journey.

Pre-Pregnancy: Preparing Your Skin and Body

Before conception, it's essential to create a strong foundation for both your skin and overall health. The quality of your eggs is influenced by diet, hormones, toxins, and stress. To optimise fertility and support healthy skin:

Inside Tips:

• Nutrient-Dense Diet: Eat organic foods, maintain high fibre intake, and reduce saturated fats and processed foods to support skin health and egg quality.
  

• Edible Beauty Supplements: Consider taking Native Collagen Powder, which contains 4x the RDI of Vitamin C per serve, to promote a healthy immune system with a bonus of improved skin elasticity and radiance.
  
  

  

Outside Tips:

• Toxin-Free Skincare: Eliminate personal care products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. These toxins have been linked to altered gene expression, developmental delays, premature birth and low birth weight. We recommend using the Edible Beauty Core 4 as the basis of your skincare regime. It provides the ultimate foundation for pure, efficacious skincare during this time. 

• Personal Care Products: Ensure that in addition to your skincare you are overhauling any toothpaste, deodorant and hair care that may contain ingredients that do not pass the “edible” purity test.
  

  

First Trimester: Managing Hormonal Shifts

During the first trimester, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes, particularly with increased levels of progesterone and oestrogen. These fluctuations can lead to:

• Pregnancy Glow: Some women experience a radiant complexion due to enhanced blood flow.
  

• Dryness: Others may notice their skin becoming excessively dry.
  

• Breakouts: Hormonal surges can also trigger acne and oil buildup, reminiscent of pre-menstrual flare-ups.
  
  

Inside Tips:

• Hydration and Nutrition: Increase water intake and consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as flaxseeds and walnuts) to support skin hydration. Avoid sugar and comfort foods which may trigger breakouts. Increase protein intake
  

• Cleanse & Hydrate from the Inside-Out with a Green Smoothie:
  
  Recipe:
  

• 1 cup leafy greens (e.g. spinach or kale)
  

• 1 cup frozen berries
  

• 1 cup coconut water
  

• 1 cucumber
  

• 1 serve Complexion Protein+ Powder

• Squeeze of lemon juice
  
  

Outside Tips:

• Gentle Cleansing: Use Edible Beauty Cleansing Milk to remove impurities without stripping natural oils, keeping your complexion acne and redness-free.

• Purify: Apply Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse to balance oil production, decongest pores, hydrate and draw out impurities from the skin.
  
  

• Sun Protection: Opt for Basking Beauty Natural Sunscreen SPF 50 to shield your skin from UV damage and prevent hyperpigmentation.
  
  

• Hydration: If your skin is craving hydration, opt for the Edible Beauty ultra nourishing and brightening oil, Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil.
  
  

  

Second Trimester: Addressing Hyperpigmentation

As your pregnancy progresses, you might notice dark patches on your skin, commonly known as melasma or the "mask of pregnancy." This hyperpigmentation results from increased melanin production due to the rise in oestrogen, progesterone and melanocyte-stimulating hormones. During this time, insulin resistance may develop due to the hormone human placental lactogen (HPL), which can result in acne and breakouts.

Inside Tips:

• Antioxidant-Rich Diet: Consume vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and leafy greens to brighten skin naturally from the inside out. Continue to reduce processed foods & foods high in sugar.
  
  

• Increase Fibre: Constipation tends to kick in during this stage, so ensuring adequate fibre intake can help.
  
  

Outside Tips:

• Brightening Skincare: Use Edible Beauty’s Turmeric Brightening Serum to reduce pigmentation and target breakouts.
  
  

• Sun Protection: Continue using Basking Beauty Natural Sunscreen SPF 50 daily, alongside antioxidant-rich No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum, as UV exposure can exacerbate pigmentation.
  
  

• Exfoliate Gently: Use Radiance Enzyme Peel 1-2 times per week to unclog pores, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and smooth and brighten the skin.
  
  

  

Third Trimester: Preventing Stretch Marks & Reducing Puffiness

Rapid skin stretching in the third trimester can lead to stretch marks, especially on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs. Hormone levels peak at 32 weeks, which can result in swelling and puffiness around your face.

Inside Tips:

• Watch Your Sodium Intake: Found in bread, cheese & meat products, excessive sodium can contribute to puffiness.
  
  

• Stay Hydrated: Increase your water intake to help reduce swelling.
  
  

• Drink Herbal Teas: Peppermint, ginger and raspberry leaf teas can help support digestion and may also strengthen the uterus in preparation for birth.
  
  

Outside Tips:

• Incorporate Gua Sha or Lymphatic Drainage Massage: These techniques can help reduce puffiness and shift excess fluid.
  
  

• Intensive Moisturisation: Apply Edible Beauty’s & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair Cream, containing B vitamins and ceramides, to deeply hydrate, reduce redness and inflammation, and improve skin elasticity.
  
  

• Target Stretch Marks: Massage Phyto Stretch Mark Oil onto stretch-prone areas to maintain skin suppleness, keep skin hydrated and prevent or reduce any stretch marks.
  
  

  
  

General Skincare Considerations During Pregnancy

• Ingredient Awareness: Avoid products containing retinoids, high-dose salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and chemical sunscreens. Opt for safer alternatives like bakuchiol, a natural retinol substitute, and mineral-based sunscreens.
  

• Patch Testing: Before introducing new products, perform a patch test to ensure they don't cause irritation or allergic reactions.
  

• Consultation: Always consult with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist before making significant changes to your skincare routine during pregnancy.
  
  

By tailoring your skincare regimen to the unique needs of each pregnancy stage and being mindful of product ingredients, you can help maintain healthy, glowing skin throughout this special time.