Pregnancy Skincare 101: The Easy Guide on What You Should (and Shouldn't) Be Using

Between working out what you can and can't eat, cutting back on caffeine, and trying to remember what supplements to take, pregnancy already feels like a full time job of new rules. And just when you think you've got a handle on it, someone tells you that you need to overhaul your entire skincare routine too...but, we promise it's not as complicated as it looks!

The main ingredients to steer clear of are retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, the lot), high strength salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and certain essential oils in concentrated doses. The NHS advises checking with your midwife or GP if you're ever unsure about a specific ingredient, especially anything prescription strength. None of this means panic, it just means a few smart swaps.

Here are 4 simple tips and swaps to keep your skin happy for the next nine months (and beyond):

1. Swap chemical sunscreen for mineral SPF

SPF is non negotiable, pregnant or not, but with pregnancy hormones already prone to causing pigmentation and dark patches, sun protection matters more than ever. The catch is that some chemical filters are best avoided in pregnancy, so it's worth swapping to a mineral sunscreen instead. Mineral formulas sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into it, making them the safer and gentler choice for you and bump, and they double up nicely as your morning moisturiser too.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Grab 15% off at Paula's Choice on Cubbi and check out their Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30, a lightweight mineral formula packed with antioxidants that brightens and protects in one easy step.

2. Swap retinol for a pregnancy safe Vitamin C serum

Retinol is brilliant for fine lines and glow, but it's off the table in pregnancy. Vitamin C is a great stand in, giving you brightening and antioxidant benefits without the risk, so your skin doesn't have to take nine months off.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Head to Cult Beauty and get 15% off on Cubbi. They stock a brilliant range of pregnancy friendly Vitamin C serums, so it's worth having a browse to find the one that suits your skin.

3. Swap harsh exfoliants for something gentler

If your skin's feeling more sensitive than usual (very normal in pregnancy), it's a good time to dial back any strong scrubs or acids. A gentle, oat based powder exfoliant does the job without stripping or irritating.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Try the Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant at LOOKFANTASTIC, with 22% off on Cubbi. It's a calming, oat based powder exfoliant that's much gentler than the classic Daily Microfoliant, making it ideal for pregnancy induced sensitivity.

4. Don't neglect the growing bits

It's easy to focus all your attention on your face, but your bump, hips, and chest are stretching more than ever and deserve some love too. You don't need to spend a fortune on very specific bump and boob creams, a good nourishing body cream should do the trick just fine. That said, if you fancy trying the specialist ones, by all means go for it.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Shop the deeply nourishing moisturisers and creams at The Body Shop with 15% off on Cubbi. Perfect for keeping stretching skin soft and comfortable right through to the third trimester.

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The bottom line is pregnancy skincare doesn't have to be complicated. Before you spend hundreds swapping out your whole routine, check Cubbi first, chances are your new go to's are already discounted. A few thoughtful swaps and you can keep glowing (skin barrier intact) through all three trimesters.