Biohacking Beauty: Skn To Skn Founder Sara Stokes on Pregnancy-Safe Skincare, Peptides, and the Power of Whoop

When Sara Stokes became pregnant with her first daughter in 2020, she expected the usual side effects – cravings, fatigue, perhaps a touch of morning sickness. What she didn’t anticipate was her skin turning on her. 

“From the first trimester, I developed hormonal acne and intense sensitivity,” she tells The Modems. “I ended up with contact dermatitis from the potent skincare products I was using – including strong actives like retinol and salicylic acid.”

For most women, pregnancy glow is a myth. But for Sara, the bigger shock came when her GP and midwife dismissed her concerns entirely. It wasn’t until her facialist gently pointed out that many of her go-to ingredients were unsafe during pregnancy that she realised how little guidance existed for expectant mothers. “I was shocked – not only by the lack of education and awareness around skincare safety during pregnancy, but by the fact that I was only learning this six months in.”

Out of that frustration came Skn To Skn – a science-powered, clinically tested skincare brand created specifically for women trying to conceive, pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum. Every formula is designed by dermatologists and GPs, backed by £100,000 worth of clinical trials and blue-light testing. “Our mission is to take the guesswork out of safe and effective skincare at every stage of motherhood and beyond,” Sara says.

Armed with her Whoop tracker, Sara has bio-hacked her way into motherhood with a data-driven edge. Her approach blends science, simplicity, and self-awareness – magnesium over magic serums, movement over excess, peptides over promises. “Don’t overcomplicate your skincare routine,” she laughs.

With Skn To Skn, she’s not just building a brand – she’s rewriting the beauty rulebook for a new generation of mothers who want both results and reassurance…

Biohacking Beauty With Sara Stokes

I initially got into beauty biohacking because …

When I was pregnant with my first daughter in 2020, I really struggled with my skin… I visited my facialist to restock my usual products that I was told certain ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy. I was shocked – not only by the lack of education and awareness around skincare safety during pregnancy, but also by the fact that I was only learning this at six months pregnant, after months of unknowingly using ingredients that could have harmed my unborn child.

When I started searching for pregnancy-safe skincare, I was surprised by how limited the options were. Most products were generic, formulated “for all skin types,” with no guidance or transparency on whether they were suitable for pregnancy. It felt like yet another area where expecting and new mothers were completely overlooked. That experience inspired me to create Skn To Skn – the brand I wished had existed when I was pregnant. A brand built on safety, transparency, and efficacy for women at every stage of motherhood.

One wearable I can’t live without is…

I’ve recently bought a Whoop and I’m obsessed!

My morning ritual starts by…

Doing my quick 3 minute skincare routine using our Skn To Skn products – all of which have transformed my skin. I no longer get hormonal breakouts during my period and my sensitive skin is completely calm. Our formulas are all designed by dermatologists and GPs and clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth, increase hydration, improve skin texture and repair the skins natural barrier.  

To optimise sleep…

I tend to work late after putting my kids to bed so I need all the help I can get when it’s time for bed. I try to set a strict no-screen time and read to get my mind ready for a peaceful sleep. Since getting my Whoop, it’s been a great way to track how efficient my sleep is and I’m always looking for ways to improve it. 

Honestly…

A simple yet effective skincare routine that I’m consistent with has been the most effective way to maintain my skin health. I love the idea of red-light masks but I don’t generally have the time to do it on a weekly basis.

My go-to supplements…

I take magnesium and vitamin D every day and really feel the benefits of it. I do try to have a balanced diet too to ensure I’m getting all the vitamins and minerals my body needs and try to limit sugar as much as I can.

Cold plunges and infrared saunas…

I’ve tried them – cold plunges are not my favourite, and I really need to be in the right mind frame to do it. A sauna is what I really enjoy but I find it hard to stay still for a prolonged period of time so I’m not sure I do it long enough to get the full benefits! 

An overhyped beauty-tech trend is…

I’m not a fan of the vibrating face brushes as I think they can really compromise the skin barrier; it doesn’t suit my sensitive skin and I find I get breakouts more frequently when I’ve used them in the past. 

If I could invent a wellness tech product, it would be…

Something to tackle stretch marks! It’s a skin concern most people, including men, suffer from. We are currently working on something incredible in this space! 

The science-backed skincare I swear by is…

Peptides – they are an incredible alternative to retinol and the right peptides have better results! 

When it comes to screens and tech overstimulation…

Blue light causes pigmentation and melasma which is really common during pregnancy and postpartum. From phones, computers and overhead lights, our skin is being compromised not only from a pigmentation standpoint but also aging. It’s really important to use a sunblock that has blue light protection – even if you’re inside.

There is science-backed data to show that screen time has a negative effect on our mental wellbeing – from a personal perspective, I really notice a difference when I’m on my phone or laptop too long and when my kids watch TV for prolonged periods of time – we all go a bit crazy!

The one thing I wish the beauty industry would stop pretending is science-backed when it’s not is…

A huge majority of skincare brands don’t carry out clinical trials on their products to prove that they actually work. Nor do they do sufficient testing on people whom their products are marketed to. For us at Skn To Skn – testing was a non-negotiable. We spent up to £100,000 on clinical trials, non-comedogenic testing, sensitivity testing, SPF and blue light testing, additional toxicology reports to prove our products are pregnancy safe and even conducted consumer trials on pregnant women. 

My game-changing biohacking tip is…

Going for a walk or run. Moving your body will increase your blood flow which in turn will improve your overall health and mental wellbeing. It’s become my form of meditation as I struggle to stay still for even a minute.

If I could give my 18-year-old self one piece of advice…

Don’t over complicate your skincare routine. These 12 step skincare routines ruin your skin barrier and your bank account. Find a routine that you enjoy and works for your skin and be consistent with it. 

The Modems’ Byte-Sized Questions:

🛏️ First thing you do when you wake up?

Give my daughter a cuddle (she is still in my bed!)

📱 Go-to wellness app?

Whoop

🥦 Most overrated ingredient?

Collagen 

💪 Most underrated ingredient?

Ectoin 

😬 Biggest skincare regret?

Not taking my makeup off in my early 20s! 

💄 Beauty hack that actually works?

A simple and consistent skincare routine 

🧬 Your current wellness obsession?

No alcohol and running 

🚿 Hot or cold shower?

Hot 

🔥❄️ Sauna or Cold plunge?

Sauna 

☕️ Coffee, matcha or mushroom latte?

Coffee 

😃 Most-used emoji?

🤎