Glow Through Motherhood: Beauty Tips for Pregnancy, New Mums & Beyond
Motherhood is a beautiful, messy, exhilarating rollercoaster—one that transforms not only your life but your skin, too. Whether you’re embracing that pregnancy glow, navigating the sleepless newborn phase, or looking for ways to keep your skin youthful while managing school runs and snack negotiations, your beauty routine deserves to evolve with you. From pregnancy-safe skincare to quick-fix hacks for busy mums and anti-ageing heroes for the later years, we spoke to leading beauty experts to help you feel fabulous at every stage.
Pregnancy glow (or not-so-glow) – skincare for the mum-to-be
Ah, pregnancy. One minute you’re basking in that dewy glow, the next you’re dealing with hormonal breakouts that make your teenage acne seem like a distant dream. As your body works overtime, your skincare should be gentle, nourishing, and pregnancy-safe.
Pregnancy hormones can be unpredictable, leading to breakouts, pigmentation, and dryness.
UK aesthetic doctor Dr. Sophie Shotter
What to use:
- Hyaluronic acid for hydration (your skin needs it as much as your obscure cravings).
- Vitamin C to brighten and help with pigmentation.
- SPF 50 every single day (pregnancy makes skin extra sun-sensitive).
What to skip:
- Retinoids (a big no-no during pregnancy and breastfeeding).
- Salicylic acid above 2% (swap for gentler lactic acid instead).
- Strong essential oils (some can trigger irritation and even contractions!).
What to try:
Mum Hack: Too exhausted for a full skincare routine? Keep a hydrating face mist on your nightstand for an easy refresh.
Newborn phase – skincare for the sleep-deprived
You love your baby, but you also desperately miss your sleep. And your skin is showing this. It might be looking a little less “radiant mother” and a little more dragged through a hedge backwards kinda vibe.
Lack of sleep can make skin appear dull and puffy, so hydration is key. A good eye cream with caffeine and a hydrating serum will work wonders.
celebrity facialist Lisa Franklin
What to use:
- Caffeine eye cream to fake those eight hours.
- A rich moisturiser (especially if your skin is on the drier side post-pregnancy).
- A tinted SPF or BB cream for an instant glow without needing full foundation.
What to skip:
- Overloading on actives—your skin barrier is probably a bit sensitive.
- Complicated routines (because honestly, who has the time?).
What to try:
Mum Hack: No time for skincare? Slather on a hydrating overnight mask before bed—it’ll work while you (attempt to) sleep.
Toddler & busy mum life – beauty that works in 5 minutes
You’re officially a multitasking pro—feeding a toddler while replying to emails and mentally planning dinner. Your beauty routine? It needs to be fast, effective, and low maintenance.
A good multitasking product is a game-changer. Think tinted moisturisers with SPF, cream blush that doubles as a lip tint, and dry shampoo for those ‘I meant to wash my hair’ days.
Beauty guru Caroline Hirons
What to use:
- Multipurpose products (BB cream, cream blush, brow gel = done in two minutes).
- SPF mist (because let’s be real, reapplying sunscreen mid-chaos is a struggle).
- A great dry shampoo (because showers are a luxury).
What to skip:
- Overly complicated makeup looks (winged liner and toddler wrestling do not mix).
- Heavy foundation that needs blending (tinted balm = effortless).
What to try:
Mum Hack: Keep your essentials in a small pouch in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups.
Mature mums & beyond – anti-ageing that works
Your skin has been through a lot—hormones, stress, sun exposure, and probably a lot of time worrying about your kids screen time too. Now’s the time to focus on nourishment, collagen support, and glow-boosting ingredients.
Collagen production slows down from your 30s, so incorporating peptides and retinol into your routine is key, and always, always use SPF!
Dermatologist Dr. Justine Kluk
What to use:
- Retinol or bakuchiol (for smoothing and firming).
- Peptides (to help support collagen production).
- Niacinamide (for brightening and strengthening your skin barrier).
What to skip:
- Stripping cleansers (hydration is your best friend now).
- Heavy, cakey foundation (opt for a lightweight base with glow-boosting properties).
What to try:
Mum Hack: Invest in a silk pillowcase—it reduces sleep creases and helps your skin retain moisture, and mimosas hair breakage too.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
