My Favorite Skincare Essentials That Actually Work! (Pregnancy Edition)

Skincare…my favorite topic! Partly because I am a pediatric dermatology nurse practitioner and partly because I have always had issues with my own skin. From freckles, being sun-burned, dry skin, sebaceous hyperplasia, to having the palest skin, and my daughter having eczema, I have dealt with it all. Over the years, I have changed up my skincare routine many times starting a few years ago when I decided to use more natural products. Then of course during pregnancy just about everything changes! Our skin care needs also change with the seasons, location where you live, and our age.

I usually rely on laser treatments like IPL and Clear & Brilliant to keep my freckles and fine lines under control. Last year, I had my first VI Peel which was amazing! I never do professional peels but I noticed a huge difference in the texture and clarity of my skin after that one. Of course, all of these are off limits while pregnant!

These are the basics of a good skincare routine: gentle cleanser, AM antioxidant serum, moisturizer, and SPF. In addition to that, a good eye cream, mask, and/or “peel” are great extras that will help.

Things to avoid while pregnant include: Most hydroxy acids including AHA’s (think glycolic acid), BHA’s (think Salicylic acid), Retinoids (Retin A, topical vitamin A, Bakuchiol, Bidens Pilosa), licorice root, chemical sunscreens, Arbutin, hydroquinone, kojic acid, benzoyl peroxide, prostaglandin analogues, and salicylates (topical willow bark included).

So, what in the world is safe to use?! Lactic acid is the only AHA that I feel okay using (it occurs naturally in our body) and has been one my staples throughout this pregnancy. I am currently using Biossance squalene lactic acid overnight renewal and I love it. Once a week, I use this pumpkin peel which contains a little higher amount of lactic acid and pumpkin enzyme.

Here is exactly what I use now:

Face Wash: One Love foaming cleanser

Daytime Antioxidant: CE Feurlic

Daytime Moisturizer: Tata Harper

SPF: Skinceuticals

Nighttime serum: Biossance

Nighttime Moisturizer: Triple Lipid Restore

Eye Cream: Caffeine Bean Eye Cream

Mask: Lifting Mask Line A

Peel: Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel

Facial Scrub: Arcona Cranberry Gommage

Self Tanner:

Now on to my absolute favorite self tanner from Beauty By Earth! I have been using this self tanner for years and it is the only one with clean, organic ingredients that results in a beautiful, natural color! I have tried literally so many self tanners and this one is by far my favorite! I use the lotion in medium to dark. Here is a direct link to their site.

Lashes:

Let’s talk lashes! For years I have been using Latisse and it is my go-to when I am not pregnant (prostaglandins are off limits while preggo, Mamas!). But I have found a great alternative that has worked to keep my lash length. Usually a few weeks after stopping Latisse, I would notice my lashes going back to their normal short length, but since I switched directly to this product from Smart FX, my lashes have stayed long!

Body Lotion and Natural Deodorant:

I have been using this body lotion from Avalon Organics for the past 8 ish years and it continues to be my favorite. It is unscented and provides a ton of moisture without leaving your skin sticky or greasy. There are a lot of places you can buy it including Sprouts and Whole Foods, but I have found the best price consistently here. I will order 2-3 of them at a time and they last me a whole year!

I have two favorite deodorants both of which work amazingly well! (Please note these are not antiperspirants…once you stop using that, you eventually won’t sweat as much as your body adjusts FYI). This one from Taos AER comes in a traditional container and is my favorite. My second favorite is from Soapwalla and comes in a small glass jar. Its super easy to use and works well.

I would love to hear if you use any of these products and how you like them or if you have been wanting to try!