I’m sharing my best skin care tips for keeping my skin clear during pregnancy.
As moms, we spend plenty of time researching which products are best for our children. But, when it comes to taking care of ourselves, and in particular, our skin, many of us feel so out of the loop.
As a soon-to-be-momma and licensed esthetician, I am happy to share with you a thorough and healthy skincare routine that will keep you glowing during your pregnancy and thereafter.
How I Keep My Skin Clear During Pregnancy
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1. Cleanse
When it comes to daily skin care maintenance, cleansing is key. Our skin is exposed to dirt, makeup, pollution and other irritants that can sit on the surface and cause unpleasant consequences like breakouts and fine lines.
While it may seem like an unnecessary step when you’re already exhausted, taking a minute or two to cleanse your skin before bed is extremely important. At night, your skin needs oxygen to repair and nourish itself.
Sleeping with a layer of makeup or grime blocks your skin’s natural renewing process, and not to mention, can clog your pores.
For dry to normal skin, I highly recommend the VITAMIN B ENZYME CLEANSING OIL by Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics ($38). This cleanser does it all: removes makeup, lifts away dirt and restores moisture and pH balance to the skin.
The addition of papain (a natural enzyme from papaya) gentle exfoliates and softens, helping to buffer the look of fine lines and wrinkles. I should also mention it smells divine!
For oily and acne-prone skin types, steer clear of products that contain retinol which are no-no’s during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Instead, pick a cleanser that will dissolve oil and decongest breakouts with less than 2% salicylic acid.
My favorite is ARCONA’S RASPBERRY CLARIFYING BAR($35). Not only does this cleanser help clear bumps, but also calms irritation and inflammation.
If you get breakouts on your body, this product is also excellent in the shower.
2. Exfoliate
Next to cleansing, exfoliation is considered the most important step in your skincare routine. Removing dead, dull skin from the surface helps to improve dryness, clogged pores, hyperpigmentation and provides anti-aging benefits.
Exfoliants come in many forms – scrubs, brushes, peels, and creams – but all provide a similar benefit of bringing fresh new skin to the surface. Many women complain of increased skin sensitivity during pregnancy, so it’s important to choose an exfoliant that is gentle and non-irritating.
A manual exfoliator, like a scrub, is a quick and satisfying way to polish rough, dull skin. Just make sure the granules are smooth (like beads) instead of rough (like crushed nutshells) to avoid irritation.
The MODERN FRICTION SCRUB from Origins ($39.50) is a fool-proof product for exfoliating newbies and can be used 2-3 times a week for glowing skin.
If you prefer a chemical exfoliator, choose one with fruit enzymes or lactic acid, which are both pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. I have a slight love affair with this PEEL FROM JUICE BEAUTY ($39).
It’s perfect for sensitive skin, but still incredibly effective. Used twice a week as a mask, this peel leaves skin feeling fresh and bright.
3. Moisturize
A hydrated face is a happy face! Keeping your skin moisturized and balanced is key in maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
With so many moisturizers to choose from, keeping it simple is sometimes the best. Look for a product that fits your skin type and includes skin-enhancing ingredients, like antioxidants, which help combat environmental damage.
If you’re like millions of women who noticed their skin became drier during pregnancy (thank you, hormones!), then this oil is for you!
Packed with skin-loving Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, ONE LOVE ORGANIC’S SUPERCRITICAL CHIA OIL ($49) absorbs quickly, smooths, protects and gives your skin a lit-from-within glow.
Even better, this natural oil is also great on itchy bellies!
Even if your skin is not dry, you still need a moisturizer. For combination and oily complexions, choose one that helps balance and normalize the skin. The JURLIQUE MOISTURE REPLENISHING DAY CREAM ($36) is lightweight, rich in antioxidants and rebalances oilier skin types.
Struggling with breakouts? SUKI’S BALANCING PURE FACIAL MOISTURE ($32.95) controls excess oil, fights acne-causing bacteria and soothes inflammation with pure chamomile.
4. Sun Protection
As an esthetician, it’s my duty to encourage you to wear an SPF every day. Protecting your skin from the sun is like a life insurance policy against premature aging, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and most importantly, skin cancer.
Mineral sunscreens are the safest choice during pregnancy or for women who are breastfeeding. Look for products that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and are rated for a sun factor of at least 15.
My favorite daily SPF comes from COOLA but there are lots of brands that make fabulous, budget-friendly mineral sunscreens.
I hope this skincare overview gives you a few ideas of how you can better take care of yourself and keep your skin looking beautiful. As mothers, we deserve just as much pampering as we give our children and families.
If you have any questions about skincare concerns or products, be sure to leave them via a comment on this post.