My Pregnancy-Skin Diary: The Acne Serum & Clay Mask Edition
- Gina Hutchings
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
As a 42-year-old toddler mum and currently hosting baby two, whose skin is draped in pregnancy hormones I feel like each day brings a new skin challenge. Shocker! Not all mums are blessed with glowing skin in pregnancy, and it seems I am one of those who is not. One day my skin feels soft and smooth, with the added wrinkle that has appeared since my Botox has worn off, the next its dry and dull. Not to mention the stubborn blind spots and blackheads.
Due to the differing hormones, I have been looking for solutions in face serums and masks that can tackle my skin ahead of a important day. I want to at least try and look my best. This is when I found The Acne Brand. Although I have been lucky enough to not have acne before the ingredients and formulation of the products I choose seem to help my hormonal skin and used when needed I found them really helpful.
The Acne Serum
Although called the Acne Serum, which might sound like it is for only acne sufferers this one is a super product for dry and parched skin. It provides a mild exfoliation with AHAs which brings a soft glow without leaving my skin feeling stripped or tight. Nice work on balancing action with hydration. It also contains the holy grail for mature skin, Retinol but subdued enough not to trigger that tell-tale pregnancy redness. Lastly it has the all so important Hyaluronic acid drawing moisture in and helping keep that hormonal tightness at bay.
A few gentle taps morning and night is all it takes. My skin looks smoother, more even-toned, and my usually reactive, hormone-bumpy spots seem noticeably calmer.
The Acne Clay Mask
A spa night staple, this mask feels earthy, grounding, and most importantly super kind to dry or unsettled skin. It contains AHAs which create a soft polish, helping clear congestion without aggressive stripping. Although it contains clay it is not your usual mud mask stripper! It feels detoxifying yet soothing. My skin drinks it in, feels brighter and clearer after use.
I have been using it once weekly for up to 15 minutes max followed by a generous moisture layer. No tightness, no flaking.
Pregnant, Dry, and Hormonal, Here’s What Worked for Me:
Gentle consistency is everything
Overdoing it, especially on hormone-amplified skin, can lead to irritation. These two feel like they’ve been lovingly formulated.
Nourish, then treat
Especially post-mask, I layer on a non-comedogenic, creamy hydrator. Keeps my moisture barrier singing, even when retinol or AHAs are in play.
Patch-test if you’re retinol-averse
Even mild forms can spike sensitivity. I tested a small area first, just to be sure.
Less is more
Adhering to a minimal approach, serum for daily maintenance, mask weekly, helps avoid overwhelming my delicate, ever-changing skin.
These two from The Acne Brand feel surprisingly in tune with what pregnancy-age skin needs: gentle renewal, barrier-supporting hydration, all without the harsh flash of irritation or dryness.
