How Stress Affects Your Skin During Pregnancy (And What You Can Do About It)

As a doula, my mission is to support and empower families through their fertility, birth, and postpartum journeys. At TENDER.LY, I provide compassionate, inclusive, and personalized care for all my clients. This includes creating customized birth plans, offering guidance on pain management techniques during labour, and providing infant support. I also assist with newborn care education, teaching parents how to soothe and bond with their baby. 

 

Whether through hands-on help during labour, emotional support during challenging moments, or educational resources to empower you, my goal is to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

 

Pregnancy is an incredible experience, but it can also bring its fair share of surprises—including how stress affects your skin!

 

But did you know stress can actually affect your skin, too?

 

As a doula, I often hear birthers-to-be ask why their skin is breaking out or feeling extra dry, and stress is often a big part of the answer. Don’t worry—I'm here to walk you through why this happens and how you can keep your skin looking its best, even on the most stressful days!

 

Stress and Your Skin: What’s the Connection?

 

When you’re stressed, your body produces more of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is great when you need to handle a “fight or flight” moment (like avoiding that random piece of furniture in the dark!), but too much of it over time can wreak havoc on your skin.

 

Here’s how stress can show up on your skin:

• Breakouts: Cortisol increases oil production, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, even if you haven’t dealt with acne in years.
• Dryness: Stress can mess with your skin’s ability to hold moisture, leaving you with dry, flaky patches, even if your skin was smooth just yesterday.
• Inflammation: Stress can cause inflammation, leading to conditions like eczema or rosacea to flare up.
• Dullness: If you’re feeling stressed, chances are you’re not sleeping well, and a lack of sleep shows up as tired, dull skin.

 

How to Keep Your Skin Calm During Pregnancy

 

The good news? There’s plenty you can do to keep your skin happy, even when life gets a little overwhelming.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
• Stress can make your skin dry, so be sure to keep up with your hydration game! Drink plenty of water and use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.
2. Simplify Your Skincare Routine
• When you’re stressed, your skin may be extra sensitive. Stick to gentle, pregnancy-safe products that won’t irritate your skin further. Think calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and oatmeal.
3. Get Your Beauty Sleep
• Easier said than done, right? But sleep is one of the best things for your skin. Try to sneak in some extra rest, even if it’s just a 20-minute nap during the day. Your skin will thank you!
4. Relax with a Mini Self-Care Routine
• Take a few minutes each day to pamper yourself. Whether it's a quick face mask, a belly massage with nourishing oil, or a few deep breaths while applying your skincare, these small moments of self-care can work wonders for your mood and your skin. 
5. Keep Moving
• Moving your body is one of the best stress relievers out there. A gentle walk or stretch can boost your mood and increase blood flow, which gives your skin a healthy glow.

 

Pregnancy comes with its share of stress, but with a few simple steps, you can manage its effects on your skin. Remember, your body is doing something amazing, and it’s perfectly okay if your skin has a few off days. Embrace the changes, care for yourself, and let that inner glow shine through—even when stress tries to dull it!

 

Your doula, 

 

Alix