My Pregnancy Safe Skincare Routine
Ive been working on this post a while, Im sorry to keep you mamas waiting! I just wanted it to be as thorough as possible, including what products I eliminated from my routine . The day I found out I was pregnant, I spent 2+ hours in my bathroom going through all of my products and throwing out the ones that are not recommended for pregnancy . I followed 15minutebeauty.com like the Bible. They take extra precaution on what is safe for pregnancy, meaning that ingredients that are still questionable are not recommended . They are on the err side of caution, which is what I chose to follow.
I want to also disclaim that I have had horrible hormonal acne with this pregnancy , and I still am dealing with the breakouts after implementing my new routine, though it hasnt been as bad as in my first trimester. So I am in no way saying, hey! This routine gave me perfectly clear skin! its just what Im using and tends to help me, since acne-targeted skincare with salicylic acid are out of the question during pregnancy.
morning routine
These are the products that I use every morning, in the following order:
Bioderma Micellar Water // I use a reusable cotton round and this to cleanse my face first thing in the morning.
Lancôme Anti-Aging Serum // Another serum that I add to my routine! A prebiotic, anti-aging product that locks in hydration . Megan Markle approved!
night routine
These are the products that I use every night, in the following order:
once a week
Skin Care Products Safe During Pregnancy
My pregnancy skin care routine is pretty simple: I use mostly Beautycounter because its so insanely effective and so, so well tested and squeaky clean. I dont even have to read the ingredients on the bottle, because I know from their Never List that pregnancy unsafe skin care chemicals are just not in there. But would I be able to fully settle for a super safe skin care line during pregnancy if it left strangers telling me, It must be a girl, because she stole all your beauty!? Nah.
Also, can we talk about the bizarre things people are totally OK with saying to pregnant women?! Wait, no, we cant, because then Id rant for three weeks straight. Yall. Just, yall. Solidarity against the rude.
Here are the skin care products safe during pregnancy that I use as part of my pregnancy skin care routine .
Other Ingredients To Avoid While Pregnant
Phthalates Common in plastic containers, hairsprays, perfumes, soaps, and deodorants. They make products pliable and fragrances stick to skin. They are added so smells can smell good all day long. But trust me, we do not want phthalates sticking to our skin, ever. Look for these acronyms on labels: DBP, DEHP, DMP, DEP, and DBP5. It is also commonly hidden under fragrance or parfum. Phthalates are also known endocrine disruptors, which means they may interfere, mimic, or block hormones. Phthalates are also development toxicants which means they can effect with the normal development of a fetus or child. It is also a reproductive toxicant meaning it can harm the reproductive system causing things like infertility and miscarriage. Phthalates also have the ability to increase the absorption of parabens into our bodies.
Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is released from a handful of ingredients used as a preservative in cosmetics and self care products . Not Only is formaldehyde a known carcinogen, it is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. You will not find formaldehyde listed on the label of any of your products. You will find the preservatives it is found in, such as quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, and imidazolidinyl urea. I do not know about you, but formaldehyde is something I definitely do not want swimming around in my bath tub.
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The Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel Is For You
GLYCOLIC ACID: sourced from sugarcane, this acid is the one of the most common high-powered exfoliators to treat signs of aging, skin discoloration and melasma. It is also indicated for use in oily skin, blackheads and acne.
LACTIC ACID: sourced from fermented sugarcane is another popular AHA that resurfaces skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines, skin discoloration, acne, and dullness. It also helps improve skin elasticity and plumpness by stimulating collagen synthesis.
PHYTIC ACID: sourced from plant extracts like beans or oats . Phytic acids main benefit is lightening and brightening skin. I have sun damage from growing up in Florida as well as melasma on my shoulder from pregnancy & I saw an improvement in skin evenness after the first night!
SALICYLIC ACID: derived from willow bark and probably the most commonly used BHA , salicylic acid is a workhorse for sloughing off any of the dead skin the other acids cant get to and an acne healing and prevention powerhouse.
MALIC, TARTARIC, ASCORBIC AND HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID: these acids are all powerful in their own way. Malic acid is used to decrease hyperpigmentation, tartaric acid smoothes and evens skin texture, ascorbic acid is a soothing vitamin C-derived acid that brightens skin, and hydroxystearic acid is a safe fatty acid that provides antioxidant support to skin.
ARGANINE: increases blood flow and oxygenation as well as hydration
How Long Does A Bottle Of The Resurfacing Peel Last
The longevity of the bottle will of course depend on how many pumps you use and how frequently you use it.
I started using my bottle in the middle of February. Each application, I use 2 pumps and apply it to my face and neck. I follow this regimen 3 times per week. I still have about half of my bottle left, so I estimate one bottle will last about 6 months.
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How To Use The Overnight Resurfacing Peel
- Arginine & Fatty Acids: boosts moisture in the skin.
Is It Safe For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women
Yes, but I would talk to your ob-gyn to see how they feel about it. All Beautycounter products have been thoroughly tested and ensure safety, but its always better to double check with a professional during more sensitive times.
I would also do a spot test before putting it on your skin. Just put a little bit behind the ears then sleep with it on. A little bit of pink and tingling is fine, but if you begin to see some swelling, I would stay away from using it for the time being.
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Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel $63 For 1 Fl Oz
- Aqua/Water/Eau — no explanation needed
- Triheptanoin — skin-conditioning agent, used to increase viscosity
- Glycerin — used to break down proteins
- Lactic Acid — exfoliant, stimulates cell renewal
- Glycolic Acid — exfoliant, pH adjuster
- Pentylene Glycol — a skin conditioning solvent
- Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer — acids derived from coconut and castor oils, used as conditioners
- Sodium Hydroxide — used to break down proteins and balance pH
- Diheptyl Succinate — used to soften skin
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate — antioxidant, skin-conditioning agent
- Citric Acid — bonds with trace minerals to remove them, evens skin tone and reduces the appearance of dark spots
- Linoleic Acid — skin conditioner and cleanser
- Malic Acid — used to balance pH
- Salicylic Acid — exfoliant
- Hydroxystearic Acid — cleanser
- Linolenic Acid — skin conditioner and cleanser
- Phytic Acid — AHA, exfoliates and reduces wrinkles
- Ascorbic Acid — antioxidant, pH adjuster, skin conditioner
- Gluconic Acid — bonds with trace minerals to remove them, moisturizes
- Sodium Hyaluronate — skin conditioner
- Tartaric Acid — pH adjuster
- Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil — skin conditioner
- Vernonia Appendiculata Leaf Extract — protects the skin
- Cetearyl Alcohol — cleanser and foam booster
- Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil — skin conditioner
- Tocopherol — skin conditioner, antioxidant
- Arachidyl Alcohol — stabilizer, increases viscosity
- Arginine — skin conditioner
- Coco-Glucoside — cleanser
How Can I Save Money On The Peel
If you are looking to either switch your products to safer OR just want to save money, and plan to make 2-3+ purchases with Beautycounter, I HIGHLY recommend joining Band of Beauty. Band of Beauty is our membership loyalty program, much like Amazon Prime. It costs $29 for a one year membership and the benefits are great.
Membership includes:
- FREE overnight resurfacing peel and charcoal mask with enrollment order over $50+
- FREE shipping on orders over $100
- 10% product credit back on every order to spend on your next purchase
- Exclusive offers like first dibs on new releases and members-only sales
In addition, if youre new to Beautycounter you can get 20% off your first order as a new client with code CLEANFORALL20 at checkout!
I hope this was a helpful review of the overnight resurfacing peel. Have you tried the overnight resurfacing peel? Have you ever heard of Beautycounter? Let me know in the comments below!
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Pregnancy Safe Skincare From Beautycounter
Pregnancy safe beauty products can be super difficult and confusing. I have an entire guide devoted to what products are safe to use while pregnant including information on what ingredients to avoid while pregnant and a huge list of pregnancy safe skincare products.
Here youll find pregnancy safe products from BeautyCounter as of 1/9/2022. If it is not safe, Ill tell you why. All of the products meet my pregnancy safe criteria. Note I will link to every product directly to avoid confusion. Youll know exactly which product I mean.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel
Does it burn? Will I peel? How long is the recovery time?
While the peel might tingle a little initially, it shouldnt burn. The exfoliation is so gentle, that you wont peel at all, and theres no recovery time required. This is a leave on treatment and the next morning, youll wake up with radiant, glowy skin.
Will it dry out my skin? Do I need to use sunscreen?
As long as you follow up with your serum and moisturizer after applying the Overnight Resurfacing Peel, it wont overdry your skin or make it feel tight. While Vitamin C and chemical exfoliants in general do tend to increase sun sensitivity, you shouldnt notice a huge difference. Also, this is a product that is meant to be used in the evenings, before bed, so sun isn’t really an issue. That being said, I am a sunscreen fanatic and I advise everyone to wear SPF year round, especially on your face. Beautycounter has some amazing sunscreen options.
Is it vegan? Is it worth the cost?
Yes, the Overnight Resurfacing Peel is vegan and cruelty free. As far as the value goes, Id say for 1 fluid ounce of product that is made with natural ingredients with no artificial fragrances that are proven to disrupt hormones, will last you well over 6 months, and will show an immediate improvement, its absolutely worth the $63 price tag. Thats $15 cheaper than the prestige brand overnight peel from ELEMIS outlined above.
Does the Overnight Resurfacing Peel really work?
After two weeks of use*
- Boost skin radiance
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My Beautycounter Skincare Routine
First I cleanse my face with either the Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm or the Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser. On days that I wear a full face of makeup, I do a double cleanse and use both. Next, I prep my skin with the Countertime Mineral Essence. I put about 4 or 5 shakes in the palm of my hand, rub it all over my face, and use my fingertips to pat it in. Then, I let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before applying the peel.
Now my face is ready for product: apply 1 to 2 pumps of the Overnight Resurfacing Peel and spread it all over my face and neck. I let it sit for about 10 minutes before moving on to the next step. After the peel, I apply the Countertime Tripetide Radiance Serum. I use 1 to 2 pumps and just massage it all over my face and neck. Lastly, I use ½ to 1 pump of the Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream and apply it all over my face and neck. Lastly, I apply the Ultra Renewal Eye Cream. I apply this to my under eye area, the sides of my eyes, over my 11’s, and even on the lines around my mouth.
I know this sounds like a really long process, but I have come to really love the ritual of it. No matter how busy my day gets, I still have this time in the evening carved out for myself. Admittedly, I don’t always wait in between products. Sometimes I just put them on one right after the other. Click here to read more about the entire Countertime Line.
Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel: The Product That Made My Dull Skin Glow
This product transformed the appearance of my skin . Its also safe for pregnancy and has similar affects to retinol.
Ever since I switched to Beautycounter skincare products, my skin has been in pretty great shape. Like any skincare routine, it took a few weeks to notice a difference but over time , my skin definitely improved with a consistent skincare regimen.
But there is one product that I noticed had an immediate difference when I started using it: Beautycounters Overnight Resurfacing Peel. The first time I used it, I could tell my skin was softer, brighter and smoother. While I do have mascara on in the below photo, my skin is completely makeup free. I had just washed it and applied my moisturizer for these photos. You can see more before and after photos below!
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Best Pregnancy Safe Skincare: My Current Morning Skincare Routine
Prefacing this post by saying that these products are products that Im comfortable using during pregnancy. If youre concerned about a product or specific ingredient, always consult your doctor.
There are a lot of rules around what you can and cant do when youre pregnant. Some rules arent really hard and fast rules I found Expecting Better to be really helpful in this department in breaking down actual data behind all of the dos and donts surrounding pregnancy. One rule that Im sticking hard and fast to is related to pregnancy safe skincare.
Other ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, and frankly, most of the time retinoids , formaldehyde , phthalates, parabens, and chemical sunscreens opt for mineral sunscreens instead.
Im excited to share my pregnancy safe morning skincare routine with you today! Ill be sharing my nighttime routine soon too! Of course, you can use all of these products whether youre pregnant or not. Most of these products were already in my lineup prior to becoming pregnant, but I wanted to add on that I doubled checked them to make sure theyre pregnancy safe!
Im obviously not a doctor, so if you have specific questions about whats safe and whats not safe to use during pregnancy, always consult with your doctor.
Pregnancy Safe Body Care
We focus so much on our facial skin, but its the rest of our body that really needs the heightened attention when it comes to pregnancy safe skin care products! The sheer mass of skin on our bodies means prioritizing healthy products here is super important.
I use Beautycounter Body Wash in Citrus Mimosa in the shower, and I love that it foams and suds and cleans really, really well without any harsh detergents or fragrances or other gross stuff. Ive used pregnancy safe skin care products for years, including body wash, but almost all left me feeling not totally clean. Beautycounter is a wizard here, and with haircare, as Ill explain shortly!
Another Beautycounter Countermatch gush here: for regular body moisturizing, I fell in love with Countermatch Adaptive Body Moisturizer. And another one where I felt a seriously crazy difference in the morning after using it on my arms and legs at night. One of my fave skin care products safe during pregnancy, its great for the tatas, too, when you dont want to feel really heavy and oily but still want to help your skin fight off any stretch marks that come with those bigger boobs.
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What Others Are Saying
Over 5,000+ 5-star reviews!!!
“Im loving it. I noticed a difference in my skin on the very first use! Softer, smoother, glowing skin! Ive used it 3 times since Summit and also put it on my husband one night. He thought his skin felt softer the next day and his crows feet were less apparent!” – Consultant
“I used it at summit the night after receiving it and LOVED it!!! My skin is so much more sensitive to things when pregnant and this didn’t cause any irritation at all.” – Consultant“I love the samples you sent. The top secret over night treatment is amazing.” – Client/Member“I kinda love and hate you for sending that top secret overnight sample! I think I am in love with it, but I want it NOW! Do you have any idea when it will be available?” – Client/Member
