Pregnancy is a wild ride, physically, emotionally… and for me, skin-wise too.

Each pregnancy, I’ve had some sort of flare-up phase in the first trimester - chin breakouts, random redness, and that tight-but-oily texture that just feels uncomfortable. As a Clinical Nutritionist (AdvDip Health Science (Clinical Nutrition), Masters Certification in Pregnancy, Postpartum & Infant Nutrition) and mum-of-almost-three, I’ve always believed that skin reflects what’s going on internally, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give it the topical support it needs too.

During pregnancy it’s also important to remember that fluctuating hormones, especially elevated androgens, can trigger a hypersensitivity in the sebaceous glands. Add to that P. acnes bacteria and inflammation, and it’s the perfect storm for breakouts (especially for those with a history of acne).

As frustrating as it can be, I try to remind myself, these hormones are what’s allowing my body to support the growth of a tiny human. But that doesn’t mean I have to just ‘wait it out’. Doing something proactive helps me feel more in control, emotionally and physically.

Gut Health and Skin Health - they’re more connected than you think

The gut-skin axis is real. Both your gut and your skin have their own unique microbiomes, complex communities of bacteria that help maintain balance and support function. These two systems communicate through your immune, hormonal and nervous systems, which means when your gut is imbalanced (a state called dysbiosis), it can show up on your skin in an uncomfortable way.

That’s why I’ve added a high-quality, pregnancy-safe probiotic to my routine. Supporting my gut microbiome has helped me feel better overall, and I truly believe it's reflected in my skin.

I always take a “food-first” approach to nutrition. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and miso, plus prebiotic foods like garlic, leeks, onions, and dandelion greens, are amazing for gut health.

You can try my favourite probiotic & vitamin C “Glow” smoothie HERE

Topical Probiotics - gentle support for predictable skin

While internal probiotics support the gut, topical probiotics help restore balance to the skin's own microbiome. When this external barrier is healthy and supported, skin becomes more predictable, fewer breakouts, less redness, and reduced sensitivity.

During pregnancy, when everything is changing, topical probiotics have been a gentle but powerful part of my skincare approach. Esmi’s Probiotic Mylck Range is a game-changer for anyone experiencing hormonal shifts wreaking havoc on their skin.

My Simple, Pregnancy-Safe esmi Routine

Since introducing these two products into my daily routine, my skin’s back to a place of balance. And balanced skin means more consistency, less stress, more confidence, and skin that just feels like you again.

Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser
A gentle, non-stripping cleanser that removes buildup without irritating my skin. The blend of Probiotic Lysates, Aloe Vera and Camellia Leaf Extract leaves my skin feeling soft, hydrated and balanced.

Probiotic Skin Mylck Moisturiser
This lightweight, silky lotion is perfect for pregnancy. It hydrates without heaviness, supports my skin barrier, and works with my skin, not against it.

Together, they’ve helped restore a sense of calm and consistency to my skin, during a time when very little else feels within my control!

Pregnancy is beautiful but it can leave your skin feeling like a stranger. If yours has been all over the place lately, you’re not alone. Small changes like adding probiotics (both internal and topical) can help bring your skin (and your confidence) back into balance.

 

Start of Pregnancy #1:

Start of Pregnancy #2:

7 Months into Pregnancy:

 

 

References:
1. Acne in Pregnancy – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/

 

2. Pregnancy-safe skincare & LED therapy – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/

3. West, N.P. et al. (2014). Probiotics, prebiotics and the gut-skin axis. Beneficial Microbes, 5(1), 13–20.

4. Laursen, R.P. et al. (2017). Probiotic supplementation in pregnancy. JAMA Pediatrics, 171(7), 646–654.

5. Salem, I. et al. (2022). Topical Probiotics in Dermatology. Frontiers in Microbiology.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8955881/