How to care for your skin: by skin type

Apply an SPF daily (no matter the weather).  80-90% of skin ageing comes from the sun, so if you’re blessed with hassle-free skin, you’ll want to keep it that way.¹

Choose a sun lotion that blocks UVA and UVB rays for the best protection against sun damage. 

You should also cleanse dirt and oil away in the morning and at night. 

Look after normal skin by avoiding strong soaps, being gentle if you shave, and moisturising if you begin to feel dry. 

You might also include an anti-oxidant night cream (like the REN V-Cense Revitalising Night Cream) and consider supplementary collagen to prevent early wrinkles and help your skin age well. 

Make sure you’re drinking water and moisturising using an emollient (skin softener). The Balmonds range is developed for dry skin concerns like eczema and psoriasis.

Avoid long, hot baths and showers

Use a silk pillowcase when you sleep

Consider a humidifier 

Blot your skin dry rather than rub it

Look for fatty acids in your skincare products. They help to form a hydrating, water-resistant barrier - so you can keep hydration in and soothe sensitivity.

Start by washing your face at least twice a day and after exercise. 

A toner can be an oily person’s best friend: they remove everything your cleanser might miss, penetrating and minimising large pores. Opt for one that’s not too drying and contains salicylic acid, like the Sukin Blemish Control Pore Perfecting Toner. 

Non-comedogenic products are designed not to clog your skin - so look out for this when you shop for new skincare.  

Oil doesn’t necessarily equal hydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water and use a moisturiser as you would with any other skin type.

The best option is to use products for oily skin directly on your T-zone and use gentle, moisturising products on the rest of your face. Consider double cleansing on oilier areas. 

You might be tempted to skip moisturising or exfoliating, but moderation is key here. Stick with a medium-to-light moisturiser morning and night.

Exfoliate less often (about twice per week) using a cream base instead of a scrub. 

A water-based hyaluronic acid, like the Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum, hydrates skin without oil-based greasiness. So, you can turn oily cheeks and forehead into a gentle all-round glow. 

Care for sensitive skin by using natural, “milky” products (we like the BYBI Milk Melt Oat Vegan Cleanser) as these are gentler on the skin than foaming washes.

Moisturise well afterwards.

Also, check in on your shampoos, washing powders, and washing-up liquids.

Don’t forget deodorants: choose a hypoallergenic stick like this one from We Love The Planet. 

Almost all cosmetics and most skincare are safe to use, but avoid:

• Retinoids and vitamin A derivatives
• High-dose salicylic acid
• Anti-ageing creams
• Some acne creams
• Chemical sunscreens
• Hydroquinone
• Formaldehyde.²

This isn’t an exhaustive list, so consult your doctor when looking after pregnant skin.

Bakuchiol is believed to be a pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol.³ It stimulates collagen production, supporting firmer skin.

This wonder plant extract “affected wrinkles and pigmentation similarly” to retinol in a comparative study by the British Journal of Dermatology in 2018.⁴

Products like the Dr Organic Pro Collagen Plus Bakuchiol Moisturiser use bakuchiol to help reduce the discolouration you might experience. 

Again, bakuchiol is considered a safe skincare product for pregnancy, but you should always speak to your GP before trying anything new

It’s not just your face you’ll have to contend with! Pregnancy can push your skin to its limits in other ways. Oils like the trusted Weleda Stretch Mark Oil can help ease strained skin and lighten stretch marks on your stomach, breasts, and thighs. 

Finally, you may burn easily during pregnancy, so be sure to use pregnancy-safe sunscreen and top up every two hours.^5,6