Oh, the joys of pregnancy! While you’re housing a miniature tenant you’re given a laundry list of do’s and don’ts, during a time when hormones are raging and if you’re lucky you acquire that coveted pregnancy skin glow ( plenty of my clients would call it a myth ).
Or maybe you’re left wondering what the actual hell is going on with your skin, and why the F would anyone want to eat warm bologna because cold lunch meat is off limits. You know, as you’re questioning the craving of that mini-human inside of you. I mean, bologna is gross as it is but who’s to judge a hormonal woman’s cravings?
Not to mention, what can you actually use on your skin to combat pimples since salicylic acid and retinol are off limits, per most doctor instructions.
today I’m sharing tips & safe products you can actually use on your pregnancy skin
This is key, though: I know you’re going to be tired, mini-you is taking all your energy, and soon your spare time, but *not* skipping the basics of your skincare routine is paramount.
Cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating, these vital steps will keep your skin healthy.
You may never have a better excuse to get a facial, either. Whether you’re graced with flawless pregnancy skin or encounter imbalances, enjoy some pampering! Even after mini-hellion-on-tiny-feet arrives, you’ll want a break. I can always find a good excuse to get a facial! Ha!
We’ll troubleshoot common pregnancy skin dilemmas referred to as PICKLES
THE PICKLE: TIRED EYES
The windows of the soul, showing how zapped your soul is of energy. Dark circles, bags, puffy eyes. A little DIY lymphatic drainage will work wonders. I do this whenever I cleanse or apply eye cream, usually in the AM.
Not allowed to consume caffeine? Create a DIY eye treatment with some tea bags! Black or green tea works well. After steeping, cool tea bags before resting with these bad boys on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. You can also place in the refrigerator to make cold compresses.
Try: Hydropeptide Eye Authority. I’m obsessed. It de-puffs, fights fine lines, and fights dark circles with a peptide promoting circulation, preventing blood from pooling and becoming stagnant in this delicate area. Seriously. It’s SO good, my go-to for the last 3ish years!
THE PICKLE: DRY SKIN
If you’re moisturizing regularly and feel like you need more than usual, or if you’re drinking tons of water and can’t keep up with feeling parched, you’re likely dehydrated.
Don’t be surprised if you feel you can’t keep up with feeling hydrated! Dehydration is incredibly common during pregnancy and will continue well into breastfeeding, as your body doesn’t see your skin as a vital organ. All the hydration you’re supplying is going to your other organs, the ones deemed necessary to keep baby healthy.
Through the process, topical hydration is best for your skin.
Try: Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. Hyaluronic Acid is your BFF. Cleanse, apply serum, moisturize, repeat. Skinceuticals has been a favorite for years.
THE PICKLE: [LACK OF] EXFOLIATION
Exfoliating on the reg is going to…
- allow your moisturizer and hydrating products to penetrate deep into your skin.
- remove dirt and debris build-up, preventing breakouts.
- remove dead skin to create a smoother, brighter complexion.
Look for products containing AHA’s like glycolic or lactic acid because salicylic acid is now forbidden.
THE PICKLE: ACNE BREAKOUTS
Hormonal breakouts are a B to deal with. You’re now limited on products you can use as most acne products contain salicylic acid and/or retinol, two ingredients king for taming acne. Some doctors consider a low dose of salicylic acid OK but consult your MD.
Try: Hydropeptide Clarifying Toner and Spot Correction. Peptides, Lactic Acid, and Sulfur to the rescue! After cleansing, wipe entire face with toner pads ( cut in half and they’ll last twice as long ). Treat problem areas with spot treatment. Both are totally pregnancy safe and have worked wonders for my clients in the past.
THE PICKLE: MELASMA & HYPERPIGMENTATION
Hormonal pigmentation is a stubborn beast. Heat and sun exposure are known culprits to worsening melasma. Avoiding soy in your diet may help fight said beast. Soy acts as estrogen in the body and can cause melasma to worsen. Ingredients to look for: lethicin, phosphatidylcholine, and soy.
Brightening products will be great for healing post-acne scarring, too!
Try: Hydropeptide LumaPro C. This treatment contains a brightening peptide, shown to reduce the appearance of pregnancy masks. Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense is another good option for those suffering from melasma. A new product to the brands’ lineup, the clinical results look promising.