

Pregnancy is an extraordinary time in a woman's life, but it is also a delicate time because it can lead to significant changes in the skin. Maintaining an adequate pregnancy skincare during this period is essential to preserve the beauty of the skin while ensuring the safety of the growing baby.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences fluctuating hormone levels and physiological changes that can significantly affect the skin. These, while an integral part of the wonderful process of gestation, can lead to dermatological challenges that require proper skincare . Here are some of the main skin changes during pregnancy :
Hyperpigmentation
Many pregnant women notice increased skin pigmentation, known as melasma or the “mask of pregnancy.” This condition manifests asdark spots on the face and can be attributed to increased hormones, particularly estrogen.
Dry Skin
Due to hormonal changes, some women may experience dry skin during pregnancy. This may require a more intensive moisturizing routine to keep skin soft and supple.
Increased Sensitivity
Skin can become more sensitive, making some women more susceptible to skin reactions or irritation. It is important to opt for gentle products that do not contain harsh ingredients when choosing your pregnancy skincare.
Acne and Oily Skin
While some women enjoy brighter, more flawless skin, others may experience an increase in acne or oily skin especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Skin Spots During Pregnancy: Causes and How to Prevent Them
During pregnancy , the appearance of spots on the skin is often attributed to the increase in melanin in response to the high levels of estrogen and progesterone in the pregnant woman's body. These hormones stimulate melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which is deposited unevenly on the skin, giving rise to the characteristic spots.
Although sun exposure can contribute, it is not the only cause of chloasma gravidarum ; genetic factors and skin types can increase the likelihood of developing spots, which usually appear in the second trimester, sometimes in the third. The spots, mainly on the face and chest, are more intensely colored, flat to the touch, and benign in nature. Other phenomena related to increased melanin include darkening of the nipples and areolas, and the appearance of the "linea nigra" on the abdomen. Fortunately, these spots tend to lighten after childbirth .
There are no definitive cures during pregnancy, but it is possible to adopt measures to try to prevent them :
▪️ avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours and protect your skin with sunscreen;
▪️ keep skin hydrated;
▪️ use quality cosmetics;
▪️ avoid waxing your face.
Which skincare to use during pregnancy: advice
Skincare during pregnancy requires special attention to ensure the safety of the growing baby and to deal with the skin changes typical of this period. During pregnancy it is important to ensure:
▪️ Constant Hydration : Using rich and fragrance-free moisturizers can help hydrate the skin and combat dry skin. Active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E are approved to keep the skin hydrated and elastic.
▪️ Sun Protection : Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an adequate sun protection factor (SPF) is essential to prevent hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure.
▪️ Avoid Harsh Ingredients : Some ingredients, such as retinoids and salicylic acid, may be best avoided during pregnancy. Opt for products with natural ingredients such asolive oil on the face and sea water that are gentle on the skin.
▪️ Gentle Cleansing : Use a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening to gently remove impurities without compromising the skin's natural hydration and microbiome .
▪️ Hydrating and Calming Masks : A hydrating mask can be a beneficial treatment to keep the skin nourished and calm any irritation due to increased skin sensitivity.
▪️ Gentle Anti-Acne Treatments : If you are dealing with acne during pregnancy, opt for gentle treatments. Luce di Sorrento products contain Sorrento lemon essential oil which is a natural antibacterial and respects the sensitivity of the skin.
Lemon Essential Oil: Aromatherapy During Pregnancy
Luce di Sorrento cosmetics contain Sorrento Lemon essential oil which, in addition to acting on the skin of the face, is able to give a sense of well-being to mother and baby by using it in skincare during pregnancy and post pregnancy . This is steam distilled with a process for more than 6 hours to extract only the purest molecules.
Aromatherapy , in fact, can be very useful in the different moments that a woman will have to face, such as during pregnancy, during labor and in the post-partum period.
Lemon essential oil has several functions at these times.
In pregnancy
▪️ it removes the anxiety and stress that often affects those who become mothers for the first time;
▪️ promotes sleep and rest in the future mother;
▪️ promote relaxation, serenity and psychophysical well-being in the mother and consequently also in the baby;
▪️ reduces the feeling of nausea typical of the first months of pregnancy.
During labor
▪️ reduces stress and anxiety;
▪️ promotes mental clarity and makes mothers more active and vital to face this important and difficult moment.
In the postpartum period
▪️ improves recovery by giving a sense of well-being and calm;
▪️ decreases the likelihood of postpartum depression.
Ingredients to Avoid in Facial Cosmetics for Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid some cosmetic ingredients that may be harmful to the safety of your baby. While research is ongoing and experts may have slightly different opinions, it is advisable to avoid products containing retinoids , often used to treat acne and reduce wrinkles, which have been linked to risks of birth defects when taken orally. Salicylic acid, used to treat acne and as a chemical exfoliant, may also be associated with risks when taken orally. Although the amount absorbed through the skin is generally considered safe, some women prefer to avoid it, especially in higher concentrations. Finally, hydroquinone , used to treat hyperpigmentation, is best opted for safer alternatives such as azelaic acid or vitamin C.
Skincare during pregnancy: Luce di Sorrento cosmetics
The ingredients of our neurocosmetics are of natural origin and selected to respect even the most sensitive skin, such as that during pregnancy. Among the active ingredients that improve the appearance of the skin in this very special period for women you can find:
▪️ Sorrento extra virgin olive oil with a high natural content of antioxidants and Vitamin E has moisturizing, emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil on the face helps combat the dryness typical of this period, but it is also a powerful healing agent capable of strengthening the natural skin barrier and counteracting the blemishes typical of the first months of pregnancy.
▪️ Sorrento Lemon essential oil (LemonLux®) which is able to lighten skin blemishes due to hormonal changes and is a powerful natural antioxidant and antibacterial capable of protecting the skin from free radical damage and improving the problem of oily skin and acne. In addition, the aroma of this essential oil removes anxiety, relieves nervous headaches and insomnia, promoting mental clarity and making you more active and vital.
Here are the 6 steps we recommend for skincare during pregnancy .
STEP 1: cleansing
Cleansing is essential for all skin types and for pregnant women it is important to use a gentle cleanser especially because the skin is usually more reactive during this period. CLEANSING LUX GEL is a gel cleanser rich in antioxidant and hydrating ingredients, such as sea water, for a deep and delicate cleansing that can soothe, illuminate and delicately hydrate the skin. It also contains a probiotic that takes care of the skin microbiome for healthier skin.
STEP 2: face mask
As we have said, the mask is a very useful treatment in pregnancy skincare because it helps to strengthen the skin barrier and give brightness to the complexion. PRESTIGE LUX FACE MASK is an illuminating gel mask that can be used every day with an action capable of improving skin imperfections. In addition, the delicate scent of Sorrento lemon relaxes the mind and keeps stress at bay.
STEP 3: essence
Including an essence in your skincare helps the skin absorb the active ingredients contained in subsequent products. Our SUBLIME LUX ESSENCE LOTION has an intense illuminating, hydrating and refreshing action thanks to LemonLight® in combination with 5 hyaluronic acids of different molecular weights and Vitamin C.