Everyone goes on and on about that pregnancy glow. For me that glow translated into an unwelcome layer of oil on my face caused by that much-talked-about rush of pregnancy hormones. I wasn't into it initially. I even bought all sorts of skincare products to get rid of it, none of which worked. Finally I admitted defeat and eschewed my shine-free M.O in favour of that famous glow. I stripped back my skincare routine to the basics - a simple cleanser, toner, moisturiser and SPF - to keep my skin as healthy and happy as possible.
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Pregnancy Pigmentation
If I thought getting to grips with the glow was going to be my biggest skincare challenge during pregnancy I was in for a rude awakening. One issue that quickly cropped up for me during both my pregnancies involved melasma. My pregnancy hormones caused dark spots and patches of hyperpigmentation to spread across my cheeks. Some call this pigmentation brought on by pregnancy hormones the 'pregnancy mask' and I'm still sporting areas of it today.
My personal experience of dealing with my melasma involved a lot of research. Whilst looking for a solution to my pregnancy mask I discovered Tranexamic Acid. This is a powerful radiance-boosting ingredient. It helps to improve skin tone and clarity making it perfect for those who are looking to build a skincare routine around lessening the appearance of unwanted dark spots or hyperpigmentation. I launched my skincare brand Scientia a year after having my second baby so naturally my skin journey during pregnancy fed into a lot of the formulations. I included Tranexamic Acid in the Scientia Peach & Glow Hydra Skin Tonic, £24.
The Retinol Replacement
During pregnancy I struggled with not being able to use retinol, it's on the list of skincare ingredients to avoid. I am a huge retinol fan. I had been using retinols for years to keep my skin healthy and glowing but during pregnancy it's a big no-no. Enter Bakuchiol. A Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol. Like retinol Bakuchiol triggers the renewal of collagen, strengthening the skin’s foundation and minimising fine lines and wrinkles, all whilst being pregnancy-safe. Needless to say this ended up in the Scientia line too. Needless to say Bakuchiol ended up in the Scientia line too. My top picks for pregnant retinol devotees? Scientia's Dusk Elixir, £32, (a blend of 23 oils to renew both skin and mind) and Scientia Notox Youth Boost Eye Serum, £26, perfect for those post-pregnancy sleepless nights too.
Adult Acne
That's right! My pregnancy skincare journey doesn't end there. My complexion upped the ante once more and - triggered by hormones of course! - I had just finished breast feeding my second child and for the first time in my life I had acne. As an adult and as someone who was in the midst of launching their own skincare brands, it affected my confidence hugely. I was intent on finding a solution and fast. I spent stupid amounts of money on facials, treatments and new wonder-buys before realising I had to change my tactics. That old adage 'beauty begins on the inside' might sound corny but in my case it hit the nail on the head. Yes, skincare has a huge role to play when it comes to dealing with unwanted breakouts and acne (we are actually launching a skincare range for breakout prone skin later this year, stay tuned!) but I had a lot of other factors to consider too. I changed my diet, started drinking a lot more water, made sure to frequently change my pillow cases as well as clean my phone, and it all made a huge difference. Yes I still experience hormonal acne from time to time and that's OK! The main thing is I’m much happier in my skin.
Pregnancy Skincare Heroes
I actually really stripped back my skincare routine during pregnancy. I took the 'less is more' approach to skincare. That said, the one item that I was never without was my daily SPF. SPF became my BFF! My favourite was the Heliocare 360° Oil Free Gel SPF 50 & PA++++, £31. The lightweight formula was perfect for my newly oily skin, sat perfectly under make-up and I slathered over the dark spots and areas of pigmentation on my face.
Then there's Augustinus Bader The Cream, £205. This is is my all-time favourite moisturiser. It’s definitely on the pricey side, but my skin - pregnancy or no pregnancy - loves it. It kept my complexion hydrated without feeling greasy, it helped to stimulate my skin’s natural renewal process, it strengthened my skin and served up antioxidant protection against free radicals too.
Shop: Tiffany Salmon's Pregnancy Skincare Heroes
Tiffany Salmon Pregnancy Skincare Heroes
1 of 5Scientia Peach & Glow Hydra Skin Tonic, £24
'I launched my skincare brand Scientia a year after having my second baby so naturally my skin journey during pregnancy fed into a lot of the formulations. I included Tranexamic Acid in the Scientia Peach & Glow Hydra Skin Tonic.' - Tiffany Salmon.
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2 of 5Scientia Dusk Elixir, £32
'My top picks for pregnant retinol devotees? Scientia's Dusk Elixir (a blend of 23 oils to renew both skin and mind) and Scientia Notox, our youth-boost eye serum, perfect for those post-pregnancy sleepless nights too.' - Tiffany Salmon.
.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
3 of 5Scientia Notox Youth Boost Eye Serum, £26
'My top picks for pregnant retinol devotees? Scientia's Dusk Elixir (a blend of 23 oils to renew both skin and mind) and Scientia Notox, our youth-boost eye serum, perfect for those post-pregnancy sleepless nights too.' - Tiffany Salmon.
4 of 5Heliocare 360° Oil Free Gel SPF 50 & PA++++, £31
'The one item that I was never without was my daily SPF. SPF became my BFF! My favourite was the Heliocare Oil-Free Gel. The lightweight formula was perfect for my newly oily skin, sat perfectly under make-up and I slathered over the dark spots and areas of pigmentation on my face.' - Tiffany Salmon.
5 of 5Augustinus Bader The Cream, £205
'This is is my all-time favourite moisturiser. It's definitely on the pricey side, but my skin - pregnancy or no pregnancy - loves it. It kept my complexion hydrated without feeling greasy, it helped to stimulate my skin's natural renewal process, it strengthened my skin and served up antioxidant protection against free radicals too.' - Tiffany Salmon.