Pigmentation or melasma can also occur with the increase of hormones. In general, the skin tends to be more sensitive, reactive and prone to inflammation during pregnancy. It can be a good time to assess your skincare routine and scale back on products and treatments. Less is often more when it comes to pregnancy skincare. Focusing on overall skin balance and health and establishing a consistent routine will take you through pregnancy and beyond.
Your routine starts with your cleanse. Take a few minutes at the end of the day to wash away pollution and stress. The Votary Chia and Parsley Super Seed Cleansing Oil is effective and gentle for makeup and sunscreen removal, and it’s great for combination or breakout-prone skin. The Pai Camellia and Rose Gentle Hydrating cleanser works for skin that needs extra TLC, comforting and hydrating the most sensitive skins.
Toning comes next, by removing the last traces of impurities, rebalancing the skin and hydrating. The Province Apothecary Invigorating and Balancing Toner rejuvenates and adds glow. I also love de Mamiel Dewy Facial Mist and Josh Rosebrook Hydrator Accelerator for dry skin. Both act as hydrating serums to the skin and should be pressed in.
Serums feed essential nutrients to the skin and address any specific concerns. An antioxidant serum helps protect against sun damage. Its brightening is good for clients experiencing melasma. The de Mamiel Intense Nurture Antioxidant Elixir and Kypris Antioxidant Dew are two favorite antioxidant serums. The Dr. Alkaitis Soothing Gel is an anti-inflammatory gel perfect for sensitive or breakout prone skin.
The next step is hydration. Using face oils will nourish and balance oil production. De Mamiel Pregnancy Facial Oil was created specifically for a pregnant woman’s skin. It’s especially helpful for inflamed sensitive skin and also great for rosacea. If you are experiencing breakouts, the Province Apothecary Clear Skin Advanced Face Serum is calming and clarifying. The Votary Superseed Oil and Sibu Sea Buckthorn Oil are two other options for reactive sensitive skins.
Wearing SPF daily will help protect against sun damage and pigmentation. Find a non-nano zinc-based sunscreen you love, will wear every day, and will reapply if you’re outside for hours. Zinc applied topically is also very healing for the skin. I like Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream and de Mamiel Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar for everyday use, and the Raw Elements for the beach and pool.
Additional treatments: Province Apothecary Eczema Balm should be in every mom's medicine cabinet for yourself and your kids. It’s good for any skin irritation, including rosacea, eczema, rashes, bug bites and breakouts. I use it on my son's sensitive skin all the time. Max and Me Rescue Balm can also be kept in a purse for any minor skin irritations, rashes and bug bites. De Mamiel’s new Pressed Serum is a sensitive skin soothing best friend. Made with all the blue essential oils to bring down heat and inflammation in the skin, it can be layered under the Pregnancy Oil for pure comfort.
Taking time for yourself is key preparation for motherhood and an essential part to being a good mom. Happy Mother’s Day mamas!
