My Pregnancy Skincare Routine
Becoming pregnant is truly something, I mean, you’re growing a friggin human being inside you. It’s crazy and amazing at the same time. There’s a bunch of fun (lol not really) new things that pregnant women need to worry about, so wanted to pull together a list of all the skincare that’s been a lifesaver for me during my pregnancy. I’ve spent countless hours scouring the internet for information, but of course still recommend checking with your doctor for anything you’re not sure on. Every pregnancy is unique so what works for some may not work for all.
Throughout my research, I’ve realized there is SO much fear mongering out there. Lots of misrepresentation of “clean” beauty and what make ingredients “good” or “bad.” I feel like there are too many brands that latch on to the clean beauty trend, but really what makes something clean? Just because something is “natural” does not mean it’s good for you. There are some plants that are toxic to humans...but I digress. I could probably do a whole separate post on that topic! The important thing is to understand the concentration of active ingredients and the role they are supposed to play.
Right before we started trying I got a final round of all my treatments (Laser, botox, chemical peel) and I’m so glad I did! The botox has since faded but it was nice to have at least for my first trimester. But anyways, let’s get into the details xo
On pause:
Retinol - This is the product I miss using the most, BY FAR. Retinol is such a well rounded miracle product, I’m excited for when I can safely use it again.
Strong Acids/Chemical Peels - While there are some acids that were cleared safe by my doctor, the majority of the ones I liked using (aka the fun stuff as I joke with my esthetician). Lactic and glycolic acid is typically fine in low doses (like around 2-5%).
Self Tanner (during 1st trimester) - I’ve recently started using self tanner again, starting in my 4th month of pregnancy. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there on the internet on this one, but again my doc cleared me to use topical lotions but recommended staying away from spray tans since the particles are airborne and can be ingested.
Laser Treatments - I had gotten a treatment right before we started trying which was my 5th round laser on my legs and underarms. I’ve seen such incredible results from this and will probably have a couple more touch appointments after baby is here.
Botox - Love me some preventative botox! I had only done botox a few times before (“baby botox” as it’s commonly called). I plan to resume treatments after I’m done nursing.
Microneedling/micropenning - I always recommend leaving this treatment to the pros. There’s a lot of at home derma rollers out there, and frankly they scare me a bit. Too much room for error and risk for infection - not to mention the needle doesn’t go as deep as the medical grade treatments so feels like it’s doing more harm than good. Interestingly enough, my esti told me it’s not the needle pricks that aren’t safe, it’s the lidocaine used to numb the skin! So if you’re brave enough to do this without lidocaine, you technically could. You won’t catch me doing it though till after though!
On play:
HA - I used hyaluronic acid daily pre pregnancy but it’s become even more important now. Since I can’t do my beloved retinol/botox combo, HA helps plump up fine lines with hydration while giving skin a beautiful glow.
Vitamin C - Another important step for any skincare routine that is totally pregnancy safe. Double check that yours is straight vitamin C though. Some formulas are often times mixed with low concentrations or AHAs/BHAs.
Bakuchiol - This has been coined a retinol replacement but in my experience it’s far from it. Nothing compares to retinol, it’s in a league of its own. But I’ve been using this mostly on my neck and décolletage for now because it’s better than nothing!
Peptides - Love love love me some peptides. Fantastic to incorporate in your routine, pregnant or not.
SPF, specifically physical - There are a two types of SPF: chemical and physical. In short, chemical absorbs UVA/UVB rays vs. physical that reflects them away from skin. While pregnant you definitely want to continue use of daily SPF to protect yourself from melasma (pregnancy mask) but only physical formulas. Look for SPF with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.
Gua Sha - Any of my fellow pregnant ladies wake up everyday looking like a damn pufferfish? It’s one of the not so fun pregnancy symptoms I’m dealing with. Literally my whole face is puffy even my lips, so gua sha is even more important in my regular routine. I have a separate post on gua sha tips and tricks here.
Day
Clinique All About Eyes Depuffing Eye Serum
Because ya know, I need all the help I can get with puffiness now. This formula has a cooling rollerball on the end that massages a caffeine serum gently into the eye area. It feels so good! Even got my hubby one :)
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
The Cadillac of vitamin C serums. This stuff is good y’all, and yes it’s pricey but very worth it imo. (I’m working on a vitamin C round up post, coming soon!). I’ve tried a bunch but this is the one I keep coming back to time and time again.
This is the perfect no frills, simple moisturizer. Love Kiehl’s products! This moisturizer is light weight but super hydrating. It does not have SPF so you can use this as a night cream as well.
111Skin Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel
This is my holy grail daytime eye gel. It’s lightweight and feels cooling as it goes on. I have yet to find something that fights puffiness better than this. It’s pricey, but a little goes a long way. One bottle usually lasts me 7-8 months so it’s well worth it for me.
EltaMD SPF 44 Facial Sunscreen
Soothing formula and layers easily with makeup. Love that this formula has SPF 44 and is 100% physical with Zinc and Titanium Dioxide as the actives. There’s also some HA so it’s perfect if you have dry/sensitive skin. I also use their body formula which is just as amazing.
Night
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
I’ve talked about product so much, it’s one of the best HA serums I’ve ever tried and worth every penny. It goes on smooth and absorbs quickly so it’ great for layering other products if you choose to do so. The great thing about HA is that is actually pulls products deeper into the skin, so anything you use after will be much more effective.
PCA Skin Exlinea Peptide Serum
Since I can’t do my regular retinol/botox combo, this serum paired with HA has been saving my skin. It’s meant to be used as spot treatment, but I’ve been using it all over primarily on my forehead and around my eyes. Peptides are little miracle workers that help combat fine lines/wrinkles as well as free radical damage. Even after baby, I will probably continue to use this at night.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Moisturizer
Another product I can’t stfu about! This is a miracle moisturizer that does it all. My skin feels so bouncy immediately after using. Highly recommend!
The final layer for my face - always gotta finish with an oil! This one is my favorite to use during the winter because it’s a little thicker and more emollient.
Clarins Body Tonic Treatment Oil
My mamas out there, if you take away anything from this post - it’s to get yourself a good body oil. I recommend to start using an oil as soon as you find out you’re pregnant so your skin can be best prepared. I’ve been using this oil throughout my pregnancy so far and have been super impressed. It’s absorbs nicely and doesn’t leave you feeling sticky like some oils can. I haven’t started to show too much yet so haven’t had to deal with any new stretch marks however, I’ve noticed some of the stretch marks I had before have faded.