Dear Diary,

Since becoming pregnant, I’ve had to switch out a lot of my normal skincare. It can be extremely overwhelming when you read all of the ingredients you should avoid while pregnant, but it’s so important to be informed. If you didn’t know, I am a licensed esthetician so I am excited to share ingredients to avoid as well as my current pregnancy skin routine!

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Many active ingredients in skincare aren’t safe during pregnancy. The skin is the biggest organ in your body. It absorbs anything you put on it and enters your bloodstream.

Remember to always read your skincare labels, whether you are pregnant or not, to see the ingredients you are putting on your skin.

Some ingredients to avoid while pregnant are: formaldehyde, hydroxy acids (salicylic acid, glycolic acid), benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, retinoids (retin-A), sunless tanners, hair removal creams, fragrance, and chemical sunscreens.

Some ingredients that are safe while pregnant are: hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, niacinamides, vitamin c, vitamin e, ceramides, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and zinc and titanium sunscreens.

**Always check with your OB before using any products-especially if you are unsure if they are safe**

Now that you know what ingredients to avoid, I am going to share my pregnancy skincare routine!

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In both my morning and night routine, I keep it fairly simple. My skin does best when I don’t use too much product, which is great for a tired mama-to-be!

I stick to this basic routine:

AM: gentle cleanse, antioxidant, moisturizer and SPF.

PM: double cleanse, corrective serum, and moisturizer.

Once a week, I like to use my facial steamer and do either a hydrating or detox mask.

It is also important to remember to clean your phone and makeup brushes frequently and your pillow cases 1-2 times a week.

(This basic routine is great for anyone to follow, especially if you are just starting out with skincare!)

Now for the products I use!

AM:

Cleanser: Teami Superfood Cleanser

Antioxidant: Vitamin C – I have been using either Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Face Oil or Obagi Professional C-Serum 15%

Moisturizer: I have been loving face oils during pregnancy so I’ve been using Sunday Riley Juno Oil which is incredible for my dry pregnant skin and eczema! Pro tip: This oil can even be used on your pregnant belly, cuticles, and hair ends!

SPF: EltaMD Zinc Mineral Sunscreen

PM:

Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (I normally use a cleansing balm to remove my makeup first, but I haven’t found a pregnancy safe one that I like. Instead, I have been using this cleanser 1-3 times until I feel like my makeup/sunscreen is removed and my skin is thoroughly cleansed.)

Corrective Serum: Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid (NOT Glycolic Acid!)

Moisturizer: First I use this InstaSkinCare Hyaluronic Acid then the Neutrogena HydroBoost Gel Face Moisturizer (Fragrance Free) (I sometimes also use this during the day if I don’t want to use the face oil)

Face Masks:

Hydrating: Teami Beauty Mask

Detox: Teami Detox Mask

My Facial Steamer: Lenpy Facial Steamer

That’s it! Like I said, I prefer to keep it very simple not only because that’s what my skin loves, but my tired body does too. This is easy for me to do even on my most exhausted days!

If you have any questions I would love to answer them for you! Leave a comment or send me an email and I would love to chat!

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Thanks so much for stopping by to read my not-so-secret diary!

xx,

Beth