Pregnancy brings about a wide range of changes to the skin, from dryness and itching to swelling in the feet and ankles, and working out what is genuinely suitable to use can feel confusing given how many common skincare ingredients are best avoided during this time. This guide covers the skin changes commonly experienced in pregnancy, what to check on a label, and some gentle, natural options many women turn to for comfort. As with anything during pregnancy, always check with your midwife, GP or pharmacist before introducing a new skincare product, particularly anything containing essential oils.
Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the skin in several ways. Many women notice increased dryness, itching, or patches of darker pigmentation on the face known as melasma. Stretch marks and small visible veins are also common as the skin stretches to accommodate a growing bump. Swelling, particularly in the feet, ankles and hands, is another frequent change, often becoming more noticeable later in pregnancy or in warm weather.
What Ingredients Should You Check For?
Not every skincare ingredient that is fine to use normally is considered suitable during pregnancy. The NHS advises avoiding retinoid based skincare and high dose vitamin A supplements while pregnant. Many midwives also recommend caution with essential oils, since some are not considered suitable during pregnancy, and with high strength salicylic acid treatments. Fragrance is not automatically unsafe, but skin often becomes more reactive during pregnancy, so many women find simpler, shorter ingredient lists more comfortable. If you are ever unsure about a specific ingredient, your midwife, GP or pharmacist is the best person to ask.
Supporting Skin Elasticity and Stretch Marks
As the belly, hips and thighs stretch to accommodate a growing bump, many women look for a product to keep skin supple and comfortable. Napiers Baby Beautiful Belly Oil is formulated specifically for expectant mothers, blending calendula and wheatgerm oil with a small number of carefully chosen botanicals to support skin elasticity and help minimise the appearance of stretch marks. It does contain some essential oils, so even though it has been formulated with pregnancy in mind, it is still worth checking the full ingredient list and confirming with your midwife or GP before introducing it, especially in the first trimester.
Swelling in Feet and Ankles: When Is It Normal?
Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is common in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, and is usually caused by the body retaining more fluid than usual. The NHS notes that resting with your feet raised, staying hydrated and avoiding standing for long periods can help with everyday comfort. It is important to know that sudden or severe swelling, especially alongside a headache, changes in vision or pain just below the ribs, can be a sign of pre eclampsia and needs urgent medical attention, so always contact your midwife or maternity unit if you notice this.
For the everyday, mild swelling that many women experience, some choose to include a cooling spray as part of an evening routine. Napiers Magnesium Oil Spray is made from just Zechstein magnesium chloride and water, with no added essential oils, and is sometimes massaged into tired feet and legs. As with any product introduced during pregnancy, check the full ingredient list against current midwife or pharmacist advice first, and remember it is intended for everyday comfort rather than as a treatment for swelling caused by an underlying medical condition.
Everyday Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
For a simple daily routine, Napiers Rowan Brightening Gel Cleanser and Napiers Rowan Moisture Formula are free from parabens, sulphates and artificial fragrance, and are formulated to be gentle enough for sensitive skin, including during pregnancy. They are built around vitamin C rich rowan berries and other Scottish botanicals rather than a long list of synthetic ingredients. As always, check the ingredient list yourself and confirm with your midwife or GP if you have any concerns, particularly if your skin has become more reactive during pregnancy.
Sensitive and Intimate Skin During Pregnancy
Increased blood flow and hormonal changes during pregnancy mean the intimate area can also feel more sensitive, with some women noticing additional dryness or irritation. If this affects you, keep your routine as simple as possible, avoid fragranced or essential oil based products in this area, and always patch test anything new on a small area of skin first. Speak to your midwife or GP before using any new product on intimate skin, and remember that any unusual symptoms in this area, such as pain, unusual discharge or persistent irritation, should always be assessed by a midwife or GP rather than managed with skincare alone.
A Gentle Approach to Pregnancy Skincare
- Check the full ingredient list of any product against current midwife or GP advice
- Patch test new products on a small area of skin before wider use
- Keep your routine simple and avoid introducing several new products at once
- Rest with your feet raised and stay hydrated for everyday mild swelling
- Contact your midwife or maternity unit promptly if swelling is sudden or severe, or comes with headache, vision changes or pain under the ribs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use skincare products during pregnancy?
Many everyday skincare products are fine, but hormonal changes can make skin more reactive, and certain ingredients such as high dose retinoids and some essential oils are generally advised against. Always check with your midwife, GP or pharmacist if you are unsure about a specific product or ingredient.
What causes swollen feet and ankles in pregnancy?
Mild swelling is common, especially later in pregnancy, and is usually caused by the body retaining more fluid. However, the NHS advises seeking urgent medical attention if swelling is sudden or severe, or is accompanied by headache, vision changes or pain under the ribs, as this can be a sign of pre eclampsia.
Can I use natural or herbal skincare while pregnant?
Many women prefer simpler, natural formulas during pregnancy, but natural does not automatically mean suitable for use during pregnancy. Always check the ingredient list and speak to your midwife or GP before trying something new. If you would like more personalised guidance, Napiers offers a free 15-minute consultation with one of our herbalists, who can talk through your specific circumstances and help you find products better suited to pregnancy.
Is it normal for intimate skin to feel more sensitive during pregnancy?
Increased blood flow and hormonal changes can make this area more sensitive during pregnancy. Any unusual symptoms, such as pain, unusual discharge or persistent irritation, should always be checked by a midwife or GP rather than self treated.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are pregnant and unsure about a skincare product or symptom, please consult your midwife, GP or pharmacist.
