ThisThatBaby: Skin Care for Mommy-to-be

While I knew that pregnancy would change my life in many ways, some of those changes I  expected… and some were a complete and total surprise. Sure, I knew that I would  have to give up things like wine, vigorous  exercise, and sushi….but I never gave  much thought to how my skincare routine would have to  change.

Certain skincare long time staples like retinol, salicylic acid, and  glycolic acid are pretty much on the ‘do not use’ list for most of pregnancy (especially during the first trimester). You can  imagine how eye-opening this was for me, a person who regularly relies on  aforementioned to keep my skin clear of breakouts, even toned and super smooth….you know, #snatched !

And so began my quest to find the best products for skin and body during pregnancy. . .

“Heartbroken”…this best describes how I felt after  learning  that I’d have to give up my beloved Kate Somerville Micro Glycolic Polisher (at least for the first few months).  Luckily, Kate Somerville Clinic-To-Go  Resurfacing Peel Pads  is a safer alternative for pregnancy and delivers similar results. The professional strength treatment pads contain:  Alpha Hydroxy Acids: to tighten pores and brighten skin,  Lactic Acid: to exfoliates and soften,  Natural Kaolin Clay: to absorb excess sebum and  Lavender: to calm irritation.  Kate Somerville Clinic-To-Go  Resurfacing Peel Pads  can be used a couple of times per week and rinsed off. I actually leave it on and apply a nighttime  moisturizer…but then again, my skin is  definitely  accustomed to super intense peels  — For you, I recommend treading lightly to start.

Who wants stretch marks? NOT ME!! While I believe that  stretch  marks are largely hereditary, I am  playing it safe with Bio Oil. For the last few months I have  slathered  Bio Oil on my tummy, hips and boobs in an effort to prevent the “badge of motherhood” aka  stretch marks. My first bottle of Bio Oil was a press sample….once it ran out, I switched to a  stretch  mark lotion. After a couple of weeks of using the lotion, I purchased a large bottle of Bio Oil. I love that the oil is fast absorbing and really easy to rub in…unlike the lotion I had switched to for a  couple  of weeks. I am quickly reaching my due date and still (knock on wood) no sign of stretch marks. As for Bio Oil’s performance on  existing  stretch  marks — I will say that I have a few tiny  stretch mark  from  puberty  that are  beginning  to lighten up a bit. One note of caution: Bio Oil contains mineral oil, so if you have acne prone skin, I do not recommend using Bio Oil on the face for the treatment of scars and uneven tone. If your body is sensitive to mineral oil, read on to my next recommendation. . .

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil is a  lovely,  natural alternative to Bio Oil. It contains a blend of  Sweet Almond Oil,  Borage Oil,  Wheatgerm Oil and  Rosehip Seed Oil…to protect bump, boobs and thighs  against  stretch marks. Like Bio Oil, it quickly absorbs into skin  and  is easy to use…much easier than lotions, creams and body butters (in my humble opinion).

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser is a gentle yet effective natural face wash that  removes  both makeup and impurities. It’s antioxidant  rich  with strawberry oil, which has natural brigtening properties. Skin looks brighter with each wash.

For those super lazy nights when I simply cannot muster the strength to wash my face (yes, it happens), I rely on Yes To Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes. These handy wipes are 99% natural and contain blueberries to fight free radicals, lemon peel to brighten and apple to refresh & refine skin’s surface. These really are a no brainer…just buy them!

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So there you have it — A few of the items in my Mommy-to-be skincare routine. Have you tried any of these products? What’s in your Mommy-to-be skincare routine? Please leave a comment and share!