Pregnancy is one of the most confusing times when it comes to skincare. On one hand you are excited about the life growing in your belly, on the other hand, you are a bit worried about the changes that will happen to your body and boy do these changes happen!
When you start to research skincare in pregnancy or breastfeeding, you find what you should avoid more than what you should actually use and while they may just be too careful, it is best to speak with your dermatologist or obstetrician before commencing any skincare regimen while pregnant.
Ingredients and treatments you are advised to avoid include: retinol, retinoids, accutane, salicylic acid (some say up to 2% is fine) hydroquinone and its derivatives, some essential oils, laser hair removal, some chemical peels and botox
Safe ingredients; AHAs (the percentages matter) azelaic acid, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, enzymes, fruit acids
Some of the skin changes that may happen include; acne, melasma, uneven texture, strech marks, skin tags…I hope I am not scaring you…LOL. Lets get into a top to toe skincare regimen.
Morning
Cleanse: Neostrata Foaming Cleanser
Tone: Lotion P50 (original formula; no phenol) or any AHA toner
Treat: Timeless Vitamin C serum or GOW Azelaic acid or both followed by a hyaluronic acid serum
Moisturise: Neostrata Bionic Cream or any cream with hyaluronic acid
Protect: Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 50. If you are serious about MINIMIZING melasma, this step is extremely important
Evening
Double cleanse as usual if you wore make up or sunscreen. You may use the same cleanser or get a hydrating cleanser. Cerave, Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser and Jordan Samuel are great options
Treat: GOW Niacinamide serum and Azelaic acid
Moisturise: Neostrata Bionic cream or Cerave PM moisturiser
Body: Palmers Tummy Butter Stretch Marks cream, Clarins Tonic Body Oil (this is good but pricey), De La Cruz Vitamin E oil. To be honest, shea butter and olive or argan oil will also work wonders. (Yes I am aware stretch marks are genetic)
Inside out: Your diet is key! You are not eating for two. Eat healthy meals…fruit, vegetables, drink lots of water, avoid junk food. Your body will thank you. Also take your prenatals and do not forget your iron levels (the slow release version helps to avoid constipation and take with orange juice to increase absorption but please speak to your doctor before commencing any medication). Also try to get in some exercise. Walking for 30 minutes daily is fine.
Points to Note
- You don’t have to use these exact products (I can help you figure it out….for a fee)
- During your pregnancy or breastfeeding isn’t the time to try out new products
- Do not worry about melasma and stretch marks. You will treat it after the baby comes but that doesn’t mean you should fold your arms and do nothing while pregnant
- Wear sunscreen daily
- You don’t have to switch to “natural” products.
I hope this helped someone. Did you have a solid pregnancy regimen? Did it help? What skin changes did you experience during pregnancy?
Let me know in the comment section
xx
ThatGeminiGirl
I stuck to just cleaning and moisturing during pregnancy as I was unsure about so many thing. Wish I had all this information when I was preggers! This is pretty informative.
Thanks for reading!
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