Here is my personal skin care journey through pregnancy, how I treated it during, and what I am doing postpartum. I have fully embraced these changes and have taken it on as a challenge to learn more about skin during pregnancy and to better my clients.
My baby just turned one. Yes, it took me a year to write this.
DURING PREGNANCY
I was not sure how my skin would react, as everyone is different. I actually expected to have more breakouts and hormonal acne if anything. I got a little bit of break outs but for the most part, my skin actually cleared up.
Then, I started getting some melasma. Melasma is also known as pregnancy mask and can cause uneven skin tone, blotchy, or dark spots on the face. Mine primarily stayed around my chin and jaw area. The best way to prevent the worsening of melasma is to avoid heat, sunlight, and wear your SPF. It can be hard to brighten melasma during the pregnancy stage. It is best to prevent it during and then to treat it postpartum. It is still totally okay to use gentle brightening products during pregnancy but please be careful and consider ingredients as some are not recommended during. Luckily, all of Eminence Organics products are safe to use during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, I definitely used my SPF and continued to use a vitamin C oil during the day which helps to protect as well as brighten. I used a gentle lactic acid concentrate at night to help with texture, aging, and once again, some brightening. I use my Eight Greens Youth Serum to balance any hormonal skin issues. This serum is great for the hormonal breakouts, as well as melasma.
During pregnancy, I opted for more calming masks such as the Code of Harmony Chill Gel Masque as well as the Eminence Organics Stone Crop Gel Mask. Both are great for reducing redness and inflammation. Inflammation is a big cause in darkening melasma so we want to reduce that as much as possible.
I switched my toner/mist from the anti-aging Neroli Hydrating Mist (Uses natural retinol alternative) to the more gentle and calming Stone Crop Hydrating Mist. Stone crop is a super healing ingredient and great for reducing inflammation. I used this mist to tone my skin as well as set my powder for the day. Being pregnant, I definitely run more hot so I used it a lot to refresh and cool my skin throughout the day.
Quick Tip: Stone Crop Mist is a great product to keep in the fridge during summer to and will help with any sun damage and sun burns.
0-3 MONTHS POSTPARTUM
Lucky enough for me, those dark spots around my chin area cleared up soon after giving birth. To prevent future dark spots and keep my skin more even toned, one product I have added into my routine is the Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum. This Booster Serum can be added into masks, moisturizers, and other serums to give them an extra BOOST! I will be adding this into my daily dose of Eight Greens Youth Serum.
So far my skin has become more dry and with more redness. So I have replaced my night time moisturizer with the Eminence Organics Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer. It has been super helpful with making my skin more even toned, dewy, hydrated and less red. Redness was reduced by the very next morning.
Instead of breakouts during pregnancy, they have decided to show up after giving birth. Since they are more mild, I like to treat them to with the Clear Skin Target Treatment. This instantly reduces redness and irritation. It prevents from scarring and the breakout is usually gone by the end of the next day.
3-12 MONTHS POSTPARTUM
My skin has become more balanced throughout this journey, using and switching products when needed. After clearing up my red, dry patches, I have ultimately found the best balancing cream for night time for me is the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer. With Spring and summer coming along with some wonderful hormonal breakouts, I have also switched to the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser.
As you can see, knowing when you need to switch up products or add in treatments is necessary to keeping up with your skin health as your body goes through changes. Pregnancy and postpartum are huge changes in your life and body and your skin will show that. I have made necessary changes in my skincare routine to suit my skins' new concerns. If you have questions or concerns with the changes in your skin, I encourage you to reach out to a trusted esthetician in your area and schedule a facial.
This journey will be different for everyone. That is why having an esthetician is so helpful. We are here to help you make the right changes and help you along in this wonderful journey!
We're all in this together
xoxo
Sara Taylor