Pregnancy-friendly.
Mindfully made.
I’ve been so lucky to watch one of my dearest friends become a mother again just a few weeks ago, and it brought so many memories to the surface. The way my body, my rhythm, my senses, and my skin changed.
FABLERUNE’s skincare line was born not long after my first daughter; from a deep need that I just couldn’t find anywhere else. I wanted products that felt safe, intentional, and rooted in both science and ritual. Something that could hold the body through change, without adding more overwhelm.
Every formula we make is mindfully crafted with absolute caution and care for both mama and baby. We have spent years refining gentle, plant-based blends that honor the science of safety and the art of self-tending.
No parabens, no phthalates, no unnecessary ingredients. Just pure, functional botanicals chosen for their ability to soothe, nourish, and balance during this time of becoming.
Your skin deserves formulas that do more than avoid harm. In these moments of change, it deserves to be held, supported, and restored.
Pregnancy is such a powerful time of self-actualization, equally exhilarating and exhausting. You are expanding in every sense, becoming more yourself and yet entirely new.
The products you use should rise to meet you in that transformation, offering both safety and sanctuary. I want you to know that I am with you in this and that your questions are welcomed and my ear is yours.
With love and
reverence,
Jeriel
-founder
Skincare Rituals During Pregnancy: History, Traditions, and Safe Practices for Radiant, Healthy Skin
Pregnancy is one of the most profound seasons of transformation. The body becomes both sanctuary and vessel, adapting daily to nourish new life. Alongside the wonder and anticipation often comes a flood of questions: What products are safe? How will my skin change? What can I do to protect my health and my baby’s well-being?
For centuries, women across cultures have turned to ritual skincare during pregnancy not as vanity, but as ceremony—a way to soothe, protect, and honor the body in transition. Today, with more information available than ever, many mothers-to-be are seeking clarity: which ingredients should be avoided, what natural alternatives exist, and how to care for skin in a way that supports both beauty and wellness.
This guide explores the history, tradition, skin benefits, and health concerns of skincare during pregnancy—with thoughtful reminders, gentle replacements, and modern botanical practices to guide you through this season of change.
The History of Pregnancy Skincare Rituals
Long before skincare aisles were filled with complex ingredient lists, expectant mothers leaned into nature’s offerings.
Ancient Egypt: Pregnant women massaged their skin with almond oil and moringa oil to prevent dryness and improve elasticity. Cleopatra herself was said to rely on milk baths to soften skin—an ancestral ritual echoed in FABLERUNE’s Goat’s Milk Powder masks today.
Ayurvedic Traditions: In India, herbal oils such as sesame, coconut, and ghee were massaged into the belly and breasts to calm stretching skin. Turmeric pastes were also applied to prevent pigmentation and support circulation.
Chinese Medicine: Pregnancy rituals often involved balancing yin and yang energy. Lotus, chamomile, and pearl powders were used to soothe inflammation and promote clarity.
Indigenous Traditions: Across North and South America, expectant mothers used cocoa butter, shea butter, and plant infusions to maintain supple skin. These treatments were often tied to ceremony, reinforcing the sacred connection between body and earth.
In every tradition, skincare during pregnancy was not superficial—it was protective, intuitive, and deeply intentional.
How Pregnancy Affects the Skin
Modern science now affirms what ancient wisdom long observed: pregnancy dramatically changes skin.
1. Heightened Sensitivity
Increased estrogen and blood flow can make skin more reactive. Products once tolerated may cause redness or irritation. This is why many women seek out pregnancy safe skincare that avoids harsh actives.
2. Melasma & Hyperpigmentation
Often called “the mask of pregnancy,” melasma is the appearance of brown patches on the face caused by hormonal changes. Sun exposure intensifies it, making mineral sunscreen and hats essential.
3. Stretch Marks & Dryness
As the belly and breasts expand, skin may stretch beyond its natural elasticity, leading to striae (stretch marks). Oils and butters can help minimize discomfort and maintain moisture, though genetics also play a role.
4. Breakouts & Acne
Even women with clear complexions may experience hormonal acne, especially in the first trimester. Gentle cleansing and non-comedogenic oils are safer than harsh medicated treatments.
5. Vascular Changes
Increased blood circulation can bring the famous “pregnancy glow,” but may also lead to spider veins or redness. Calming botanicals like chamomile or lavender can soothe these changes.
Each of these skin shifts is natural, but knowing how to respond with safe, supportive care makes the journey more comfortable.
Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
Not all skincare products are created with pregnancy in mind. Some ingredients may cross into the bloodstream or interfere with hormones, making them best avoided.
Retinoids (Vitamin A, Retinol, Retin-A, Tretinoin) – Associated with birth defects when taken orally; topical forms are also discouraged.
Salicylic Acid (high doses) – While small amounts may be safe, high concentrations (common in peels) should be avoided.
Benzoyl Peroxide – Often used for acne, but safety data during pregnancy is limited.
Hydroquinone – A skin-lightening agent linked to high absorption rates and potential risk.
Certain Essential Oils – Oils like clary sage, rosemary, and sage may stimulate uterine contractions. Others, such as juniper or camphor, are also discouraged.
Chemical Sunscreens (Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate) – Some studies suggest hormone disruption. Mineral sunscreens are safer alternatives.
Formaldehyde, Parabens, and Phthalates – Found in some mainstream cosmetics and polishes, these are linked to endocrine disruption and developmental concerns.
Gentle, Safe Replacements
The good news: there are countless safe alternatives that create effective, nurturing skincare routines during pregnancy.
Instead of Retinoids → Use Bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, or antioxidant-rich oils like rosehip, chia, or pumpkin seed (found in FABLERUNE’s Face Oil).
Instead of Chemical Sunscreen → Choose mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, safe and effective for sensitive skin.
Instead of Harsh Acne Treatments → Turn to natural clays like French Green Sea Clay or Rose Kaolin Clay to purify without irritation. FABLERUNE’s clays can be blended into custom masks for gentle detox.
Instead of Chemical Exfoliants → Try colloidal oatmeal or coconut milk powder for a soft, soothing renewal ritual, our Rosehip & Algae Mud Scrub provides gentle exfoliation without damaging the skin.
Instead of Synthetic Fragrance → Choose products scented with natural essential oils—but ensure they’re pregnancy-safe (lavender, chamomile, citrus, and neroli are generally considered gentle).
Building a Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ritual
Pregnancy is a time to shift from “routine” into “ritual.” Each moment of self-care can become a sanctuary, grounding you in calm and intention. Here is a gentle framework:
Morning Ritual
- Cleanse with a mild, botanical cleanser. FABLERUNE’s Turmeric Charcoal & Copaiba Facial Cleanser balances without stripping.
Hydrate with a light facial mist to calm sensitivity and prepare skin for moisture.
Moisturize with a safe, fragrance-free cream or natural oil blend.
Protect with mineral sunscreen to shield against melasma and UV damage.
Evening Ritual
- Cleanse again to remove impurities and sunscreen.
Mask once or twice a week with for soothing renewal.
Moisturize deeply with oils rich in omegas and vitamins (like FABLERUNE’s Face Oil, featuring pumpkin seed and chia).
Body Care: Massage belly, hips, and breasts with nourishing body lotion to reduce itch and support elasticity.
The Benefits of Gentle Rituals
Beyond the physical benefits of moisturized, glowing skin, pregnancy skincare rituals offer emotional and spiritual grounding:
Relief from discomfort – Oils and clays calm itch, tightness, and inflammation.
Connection to the body – Daily massage creates a mindful moment of gratitude for the changing form.
Stress reduction – The act of ritual itself lowers cortisol, supporting both maternal and fetal health.
A sense of ceremony – Tending to skin becomes a reminder that you are part of a lineage of women who have honored their bodies during this threshold.
Holistic Health Considerations
Skincare is only one piece of the pregnancy wellness connection. A few mindful reminders:
Hydrate: Adequate water intake supports skin elasticity and amniotic fluid levels.
Nourish: Whole foods rich in vitamins C, E, zinc, and omegas support skin from within.
Move gently: Yoga, walking, and stretching increase circulation and reduce stress.
Rest often: Sleep and stillness are part of the ritual; your body is working harder than ever.
Consult your care provider: Every pregnancy is unique—review your skincare products with your midwife or doctor to ensure safety.
Closing Thoughts
Pregnancy invites you into a deeper relationship with your body—a time when ritual self-care becomes not only essential, but sacred. Each stretch mark, each change, is a mark of initiation into motherhood, an ancestral thread woven into your story.
By choosing pregnancy safe skincare that avoids harmful ingredients and embraces earth’s gentlest offerings, you create sanctuary for both yourself and your baby. Oils, clays, balms, and natural butters are more than products; they are elemental allies, connecting you to the wisdom of those who came before.
At FABLERUNE, we believe skincare during pregnancy should be supportive, healing, and intuitive. Our products are crafted with intention, honoring the body’s cycles with botanicals and minerals that align with tradition and modern safety.
This season is temporary, but the ritual is timeless. Let your care be soft, intentional, and infused with ceremony as you prepare for new life.
