Skin Care
Figuring out a skin care routine can feel overwhelming any time, and pregnancy brings a whole new set of concerns. Your skin often changes and may react differently while you’re pregnant. Read on for our suggestions, and remember to check with your physician before trying new skin care products or professional treatments during pregnancy.
The First Trimester: Supple, Hydrated Skin
Some expecting moms don’t get the classic “pregnancy glow” and instead find their skin is dry and irritated. Certified Esthetician Alicia Hawthorne explains, “Hormone changes can cause the face to become dry, losing moisture and oil, which in turn can cause the skin to feel itchy, red and irritated.” To help, Alicia suggests a gentle, oil-based cleanser like Stone Crop Cleansing Oil and a soothing facial oil such as Rosehip Triple C & E Firming Oil. For lighter hydration that helps prevent water loss, try Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream. This velvety cream uses botanical peptides to leave skin feeling soft, smooth and dewy.
The Second & Third Trimester: Body Care & Aromatherapy
As your belly grows, the skin stretches and stretch marks can appear. Not everyone gets them, but the American Academy of Dermatology notes that changing hormone levels can play a role and that family history may increase your risk. Stretching can also make skin feel itchy, tight and uncomfortable.
One of the best ways to ease stretch marks and discomfort is to keep the skin well hydrated. Drink plenty of water and use rich, moisturizing products on your tummy. Apricot Body Oil is a favorite for soothing and nourishing the skin—its blend of grapeseed, jojoba, apricot kernel and seabuckthorn extracts helps replenish moisture. For extra hydration, mix a few drops of the oil into Coconut Firming Body Lotion. Together they can help the skin stay elastic, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and calm dryness and itchiness.
Nausea, mood shifts and sleep changes are common in pregnancy. Some essential oils and herbs can help with these issues. Fit Pregnancy notes that in the second and third trimesters, certain essential oils may be safe because the baby is more developed. Lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang can calm the mind, relax the body and support sleep. Always check with your doctor before using aromatherapy while pregnant—sensitivities can vary.
Product Picks
Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil — Deeply hydrating facial oil — $118.00
Apricot Body Oil — Soothing, hydrating massage oil — $34.00
During & After Pregnancy: Clear, Smooth Skin
Hormonal acne can be frustrating during pregnancy and after childbirth. Pregnancy hormones like hCG and progesterone can increase oil production, which may create that pregnancy glow but also clog pores and cause breakouts. After birth, estrogen often falls and testosterone can rise, which may lead to more pimples as your body readjusts.
Alicia recommends using products that help control excess oil. She suggests the Eight Greens Collection, which includes yucca extract with phytoestrogens to help balance oil and improve the look of hormonal blemishes while offering anti-aging benefits. Try one to two drops of Eight Greens Youth Serum to absorb excess oil and reduce the appearance of breakouts. Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer helps balance and calm red or dry skin. For a weekly treatment, apply a thin layer of Eight Greens Phyto Masque (Not Hot)—it’s a gentle gel mask that brightens and clarifies without the tingling of the “Hot” version, making it suitable for dry, sensitive and problem skin types.
Have tips or personal experiences with pregnancy skin care? Share them in the comments below or on social media.