Common Skin Concerns That Occur When You’re Pregnant
A woman’s body goes through several hormonal changes in her lifean important one being pregnancy, says Dr Pai. In most cases, skin and hair issues such as acne, dull skin and hair fall get resolved naturally after the first trimester, and the woman’s skin looks ravishing. But I have seen where the reverse is also true. There could be a flare-up of acne and an increase in pigmentation, which is very common and termed as the pregnancy mask’ or melasma. Here, the doctors give us the complete glossary for pregnancy skin concerns.
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil $110
Obsessed with True Botanicals’ Pure Radiance Oil because it is super light but leaves my skin feeling moisturized all day. Also love the Nutrient Mist, I’ll spritz it on my face after a long day and my skin looks instantly dewy and revitalized. All their products are made safe certified for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas.
What To Use For Rosacea
Azaleic acid and sun avoidance work best here, and some moisturizers containing soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide may also be helpful, Waldorf says. Markowitz specifically recommends Eucerin Redness Relief Night Cream.
What to Use for Eczema and Psoriasis
If you have a flare-up, Waldorf recommends an over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, and Markowitz suggests using a mild soap with skin-soothing ingredients like oatmeal. Nature has a funny way of working. While pregnant, our bodies go into an immunosuppressed state, so autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and eczema tend to improve on their own, Idriss says. So less is more and enjoy the next 10 months as nature does its thing.
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Your Sunscreen Is Now Even More Important
Due to heightened sensitivity, your skin may not deal well with the sun or new skincare products, believes Dr Bijlani. Never step out without sunscreen, especially during your pregnancy as your skin is more sensitive to the sun at this time. Make sure you’re wearing protective clothing like a hat, sunglasses etc., for higher protection against the sun. You should use about half a teaspoon of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above and touch it up every 2-3 hours for it to work and save your skin against the sun.
Furtuna Skin Porte Per La Vitalita Face And Eye Serum
I swapped out products with strong active ingredients, such as acids and retinol, mainly because I didnt feel like I needed them as much during this time, and I didnt want to engage with anything too harsh. The main compromise for me was giving up on the facials I usually do. I love Tracie Martyn and her red-carpet facials, but theyre not pregnancy safe because of the technology used. I still visited for a modified facial though. I also miss doing laser hair removal, especially as Ive found that I have more hair growth than usual even on parts of my body that have previously been laser treated.
Yes, pre-natal massage, HypnoBirthing meditations, swimming and naps. I was never able to nap before, let alone in the middle of a work day, but with the help of my rainbow relaxation audio from my HypnoBirthing course, Ive been able to go into instant relaxation at any moment I decide.
When Im pregnant, my self-care routine becomes much more sacred due to the innately-felt reality that looking after myself will only have a good effect on my growing child. I dont miss a single step cleansing, toning, essences, serum, moisturisers, masks and a good warm bath. Since this was my third pregnancy, I knew very well that the other side of pregnancy isnt as time permissive, so I packed it all in while I could.
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The Ingredients And Products To Avoid
Botox and fillers are not pregnancy safe. Common ingredients deemed to be unsafe while pregnant include any beta or alpha hydroxy acids , Retin-As, and retinols additionally, many serums like vitamin C have not been tested for pregnancy safety, Markowitz says.
I would also avoid any chemical sunscreens, as some of their ingredients have not been tested for safety in pregnancy, Markowitz adds.
Dermatologist Heidi Waldorf also recommends avoiding antibiotics in the family with tetracycline , which are now available in prescription topicals, she says. Brightening agent hydroquinone has been shown to get absorbed systemically, so the risk outweighs the benefit when youre pregnant, Idriss says, and is not recommended .
Minoxidil, a hair growth stimulant found in Rogaine, should also be avoided due to documented fetal risk, Idriss adds. The good news? Consider pregnancy to be natures hair growth stimulant! Bottom line, you most likely wont need minoxidil while pregnant, so dont fret this one.
You Might Want To Move To Shaving As Your Preferred Hair Removal Method
Though there is no evidence of waxing being unsafe during pregnancy, the increased skin sensitivity, caused due to hormonal changes in the body, can make the procedure more painful, suggests Dr Pai. While you could still use hair removal creams, the chemicals in them can irritate your skin even further. Make sure you speak to your dermatologist about your best options before using anything new on your skin.
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It Cosmetics Confidence In A Compact With Spf 50+ $38
I’m a huge fan of It Cosmetics, and the cruelty-free brand’s full-coverage foundation is exactly what my summer skin needs especially now that I’m expecting baby #2! In addition to protecting my skin with SPF 50 sunscreen , it’s got a unique anti-aging serum that reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, plus hyaluronic acid that’ll keep my face hydrated beyond summer. I’ve been wearing it for a several months and have already noticed lighter sunspots and more hydrated skin.
Danielle Directo-Meston, Fashion Mamas Journal editor and UncoverLA founder/editor
What To Use For Acne
Prescription azelaic acid is the safest ingredient for acne in pregnancy, while most over-the-counter as well as other prescription medications for acne are not safe in pregnancy, Markowitz says. Idriss recommends benzoyl peroxide at max 5 percent as her over-the-counter go-to. And despite the old wives tale, do not use toothpaste for your pimples, Waldorf says. That home remedy can make things worse, not better, she says.
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Hatch Mama Belly Oil 58 For 195ml
Celebrity trainer Simone De la Rue sings the praises of this stylish-looking oil and we’re inclined to agree. It’s a quick-dry botanical oil that hydrates the skin and reduces the appearance of scars and stretchmarks. It was created with mums-to-be in mind as it supports the skin as it stretches during pregnancy and is easily absorbed so you can get dressed right after you’ve applied.
Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub
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I love layering serums and, because I experienced extra sensitivity during this pregnancy, I opted for Tata Harpers sensitive line. I like to start with lightweight serums and build up from there. I begin with Furtunas Face and Eye Serum and follow with Tata Harpers Superkind Serum, layered with the Superkind Fortifying Moisturiser. I also mix with a few drops of Face Oil from Vintners Daughter for extra moisture. At night, I end with a layer of face oil and the Furtuna Eye Cream.
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My Pregnancy Skincare Routine
The last time I asked for question submissions for my Friday Q& A series, I was surprised by how many of you asked about pregnancy skincare recommendations. Ive struggled with my skin long before I got pregnant so I definitely dont pretend to have this all figured out, but I thought Id share what Im using these days in case it helps some of you find a new favorite product! All of these products were approved by my OB-GYN but it goes without saying that you should 100% consult your doctor before introducing a new skincare product while pregnant. Ive been keeping it super simple and streamlined as opposed to experimenting with a bunch of new-to-me brands and products, but I have been curious about testing out Beautycounter products in particular. If you have and love any of their products, Id love to hear your favorites!
Masks:Tata Harper Purifying Mask or Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser layered over Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
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Your Top Skincare Qs Answered
Last week I happened to have meetings with both of my natural skincare favorites, founder of Vintners Daughter, and Hillary Peterson, founder of True Botanicals, while in San Francisco. Two incredible women at the forefront of natural skincare seeking answers and pulling ingredients from nature itself . Ive used both brands on the regular for the past couple of years and the routine below continues to keep my skin its happiest! I also just feel really good to have completely cleaned up my skincare regimen to 100% all-natural products over the past couple of years. And its so true that clean skincare can give you the glowing results you want.
I always come loaded with skincare questions every time I get the chance to meet with either April or Hillary and thought it would be fun to ask them some of your recent questions as well. April and I met for lunch at As Quoted I brought along Willow and we gushed over everything from the joys and struggles of motherhood to skincare and her amazing leopard boots. I then met up with my sister at the park to drop off Willow and drove downtown for tea with Hillary followed by the most relaxing facial Ive had in a long time at True Botanicals. If you get the chance to pop into their store its so beautiful. I especially love their aromatherapy barwhich unfortunately you cant order onlinebut if you happened to go in person, #2 and #10 are my faves.
AM Routine:
Wash face with True Botanicals Nourishing Cleanser
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A Warning About Cruelty Free Icons From Peta Or Leaping Bunny
These symbols indicate animal testing was not a part of the making of a product but they do not mean a product is vegan! While their approval ought to include not adding ingredients from an animals bodies, there is no changing their criteria for what they deem cruelty free. Thus, the ethical consumer must dig deeper for answers
To make matters worse, certified vegan logos from Vegan Society or Vegan Action indicate whether individual products are vegan but this does not apply to the entire brand.
Avoiding Pregnancy Stretch Marks: Our Tips
This is one of our main concerns when we are pregnant: stretch marks! With hormonal imbalances and weight variations, they appear on the thighs, buttocks, stomach and chest. Do not panic, natural and effective solutions exist to remedy this. Take the reflex to massage the affected areas with vegetable oils or balms which do miracles to nourish, soften and increase the elasticity of the tissues. Prevention is the best weapon against stretch marks, moisturize your skin well from the start of pregnancy to avoid their appearance, and continue after childbirth.
The 5 best oils for stretch marks
Raw organic vegetable oils and vegetable butters do wonders for treating stretch marks. Shea butter, cocoa, rosehip,sweet almond or tamanu Your skin will love them! The extra tip: We massage it on damp skin after getting out of the shower for optimal penetration and efficiency. Its also great against crocodile skin )
We can also opt for organic treatments in a “ready-made” version, which combine several natural active ingredients acting in synergy to soften and regenerate the skin. Our favorites? The Pai stretch mark duo, the Lina Hanson sensitive skin serum and the Gravity Reverse Bella Aura body serum, sculpting of exception. The little extra tip : Scrub 1 to 2 times a week to remove dead cells and promote skin regeneration. Use an exfoliating glove in the shower or make a homemade scrub with coffee grounds or a mixture of honey and sugar, simple and effective!
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How To Take Care Of Your Hair During Pregnancy
Can you dye your hair when you are pregnant?
Forget chemical hair dyes, especially those that contain ammonia. If you want to dye your hair, choose vegetable colorings 100% natural based on henna or Ayurvedic plants, which will offer real care to your hair. On the shampoo and hair care side, hormones make your hair more shiny, dense and silky: take advantage of it!
Choose a body & hair wash gel or an organic ultra gentle shampoo without essential oils or allergens, with a small amount of moisturizer or oil in addition to maintain lengths and spikes.
Watch Out For The Pregnancy Mask
What is a pregnancy mask? Also called melasma, it manifests itself by brown spots more or less dark that usually appear around the eyes, forehead, nose, and upper lip, between the fourth and sixth month of pregnancy. Whose fault is it ? Increased production of hormones, exposure to the sun and other factors that come into play such as genetic predisposition and your Good to know : this phenomenon does not affect all pregnant women but approximately 5% of them.
To avoid it, we don’t zap sun protection! Organic sunscreans with mineral filters and without nanoparticules will effectively protect your skin during pregnancy while respecting the environment and corals. Sunscreen is not reserved for summer and the beach, always apply your SPF as soon as you are outside to prevent the appearance of pigment spots .
The extra tip: Adopt an anti-stain serum suitable for pregnant women, such as the Illuminate serum S5 Skincare.
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Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk $20
I’m all about the dry shampoo lately, especially as a working mom because sometimes I have to skip a day of washing my hair. I’ve been using the one from Klorane and it’s been so good at zapping away the oil.
I’m also all about the K-beauty products and one of my favorite products is this NEOGEN Green Tea Stick Cleanser . It’s the best product for travel too so you don’t have to worry about it spilling inside your toiletry bag!
Supergoop sunblock! I keep the big container of it by the sink and everyone washes their face, brushes their teeth, and then rubs it all over! I also love Nucifera Balm for EVERYTHING. RMS makeup is a must!
Andrea Hawken, copywriter and social media consultant
The Art Of Keeping Calm
Pregnancy can be a very nervous, anxious and stressful time, but its important for both your own health and that of your baby to remain as relaxed as possible. A soak in the tub after a busy day is a great way to relieve and soothe aching joints and muscles. Just make sure the water isnt too hot, we recommend keeping the water below 100 degrees, especially during your first trimester, as temperatures above body temperature might reduce blood flow to the baby and cause stress.
Another way to ensure you dont over heat is to only half fill the bath half full so your bump isnt completely submerged. We love adding a sprinkling of Herbivore Calm Bath Salts, N/A and lighting Boy Smells Italian Kush Candle, N/A to help us to relax and unwind.
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Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum
During pregnancy, my typically dry skin becomes more combination but regardless, it craves deep hydration year round. I use a cream or foaming cleanser in the morning, followed by a serum and deep moisturiser. I always seem to finish the bottle of Dr Dennis Grosss Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel, which makes my skin feel squeaky clean and primes it for good product absorption. If Im cleansing with just a quick water splash in the morning, then I love the Cream Cleansing Gel by Augustinus Bader, because its gentle and light.
After cleansing, I go for an essence, which feels like an extra layer of hydration one of my favourites is Tata Harpers Hydrating Floral Essence. It is so light and leaves a dewy veil across my skin, and I even use it sporadically during the day for an extra boost of nourishment. Then I apply my daily dose of vitamin C. Eye cream for dark circles is a must, and I love the Kiehls Avocado Eye Treatment, which I swear has reduced dark circles under my eyes over the years.
The last thing I use without question is a barrier cream for my face, which feels like the cherry on top of my skincare routine. One of my ultimate favourites is La Mers Moisturising Cream, and I also love Violette_FRs Cest La Cream, which is like a protective veil over the skin and perfect before make-up.
How To Request A Product Review
I try to review all of the products that I can when I publish a list. Note, I am in the US and I only have access to US products. Please dont be rude if I skipped your favorite cleanser, when items are out of stock sometimes they arent on the brands site, or maybe you are in Asia and I am in the US.
I reserve the comments on each post for reviews of product from that brand, this makes it easier for others to find products later. Please only ask about Vitners Daughter on this post, I will delete other product questions. You can find other brands here. If your brand is not included, please ask on the brand list post.
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