Pregnancy is one of the most magical times in a woman's life. Growing a little one inside you is nothing short of a miracle and a very special journey from pre-conception through until birth.

However it's not all flowers and roses. With pregnancy comes a surge in hormones and subsequent skin and mood changes. Every woman is unique and so is their pregnancy experience, however these hormonal fluctuations often present on the skin as acne, hyper-pigmentation or general puffiness and inflammation. Thankfully these issues dissipate post pregnancy and there are definitely things you can do from inside and out to address these issues.

Throughout every stage of pregnancy, we are here to help. Here's our Edible Beauty guide to assist you in achieving the clear and glowing skin that you deserve...

First Trimester

Not all women will experience the same changes, as we all respond to hormones differently. In the first trimester the body is in overdrive building an embryo. Progesterone and oestrogen are rising rapidly and blood flow has increased driven by oestrogen. This may create the sought after "healthy pregnancy glow," or on the downside, it could result in exceedingly dry skin or skin prone to breakouts, similar to what you may have experienced prior to your menstrual cycle commencing.

First Trimester Inside-Out Must Haves:

Skin:

• No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk – keeps your skin clear, hydrated and free of redness. Note the small amount of salicylic acid is pregnancy-safe and provides the extra support required to keep acne away.
• & Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil - this ultra-nourishing oil contains an abundance of Vitamin C and E rich botanicals, including Native Snowflower seed and Kakadu Plum Seed, along with Jojoba to keep skin feeling hydrated and supple.
• & Sleeping Beauty Mousse – a purifying clay mask which acts as the perfect skin pick me up. Perfect if you want to wake up with that pregnancy glow on.

Foods:

Whilst it may be tempting to reach for sugar and comfort foods, this won’t help your skin or baby! Stick with the same organic and wholefood goals from pre-pregnancy. Opt for protein-rich foods along with an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Having a green smoothie daily with a cup of greens, cup of frozen berries, 1 cup of water or coconut water, 1 cucumber and a squeeze of lemon juice will help to cleanse and hydrate whilst also curbing sweet cravings.

Ensure you are getting an abundance of natural Vitamin C to keep your immune system healthy and to encourage healthy collagen production. Our  Native Collagen Beauty Powder is pregnancy-safe and contains an abundance of vitamin C rich botanicals and "super-fruits" to keep your energy levels up and skin looking healthy.

Second Trimester

In the second trimester, oestrogen and progesterone continue to increase to help grow the baby. These hormones, however, also stimulate the melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which triggers your skin’s melanocyte cells to produce melanin. Melanin is what gives your skin colour and also creates issues with dark pigments. It is essential to protect yourself from significant sun exposure at this time to avoid increasing the chances of hyper-pigmentation developing. Use a safe zinc-based sunscreen and use an antioxidant serum on the skin to provide further protection.

Second Trimester Must-Haves:

Skin:

• No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum – this antioxidant serum is abundant in Australian natives which are vitamin C rich. It works like a tag team alongside sunscreen to further protect your skin from UV exposure.
• Basking Beauty Natural Sunscreen - use this zinc-based physical sunscreen daily to nourish the skin with hydrating oils whilst providing protection from UVA and UVB exposure.
• Turmeric Brightening Serum - use this as a spot treatment on areas of hyper-pigmentation or breakouts. It contains Rumex, a botanical clinically proven to reduce pigmentation. Note: not included in Pregnancy Essentials Set.

Foods:

Human placental lactogen (HPL), a hormone secreted from the placenta, is thought to help the baby grow is associated with insulin resistance which may develop in the second trimester. High levels of insulin can contribute to breakouts so continue to use your cleansing milk and soothe me balm.

Continue to reduce processed foods along with foods high in sugar. Now is the time to really increase your fibre intake, as constipation tends to set in. I recommend 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal daily. This is a great soluble and insoluble fibre which helps to keep you regular and helps to gently remove toxins that may be lingering in your digestive tract. Aim for 3-4 serves of whole grains such as oats, buckwheat, quinoa or brown rice to further support your digestion.

 Third Trimester

Hormones reach peak levels at 32 weeks with oestrogen and progesterone at their highest point. Signs of this can come in the form of experiencing swelling and puffiness around your face. Using a jade roller or giving yourself a gentle self lymph massage may help to shift excess fluid. Skin can also become exceedingly dry. Using nourishing oils and creams will help to hydrate the skin. Take the time to rest and pamper yourself and your skin. 

Third Trimester Must-Haves:

Skin:

• & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair - can be used as a hydrating Mask to combat any redness or inflammation. Contains B vitamins known for their anti inflammatory action.
• Gold Rush Eye Cream- contains Coffee extract along with Horsetail extract to shift fluid and reduce puffiness around the eyes. 

Foods:
Watch your sodium intake which contributes to fluid retention - it may be creeping up in bread, cheese and meat products you are eating.

Up your water to ensure you are keeping hydrated. If you’re finding it hard to get water down turn to herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger and raspberry leaf (which will also help to strengthen your uterus for birth).