“Hormonal skin is so much fun,” said no one ever. My skin over the last seven months has been a total rollercoaster, especially in those early months. I’ve managed to get a good handle on my hormonal acne, and have found a good lazy routine.
There is no exhaustion quite like pregnancy exhaustion, except maybe newborn exhaustion. Ok, all parents are eternally tired forever and always! I’m someone who has always enjoyed an extensive nightly skincare routine, seven steps being my minimum. Those days are long gone for now, and I want to be out of the bathroom and in my bed as quickly as humanly possible. My skin has been a little more sensitive than usual, more acne-prone, and just a little tired looking, but I just don’t have the energy to put into a drawn-out routine.
While I don’t have a totally green and clean routine right now, I have swapped out quite a few products for more minimal or “clean” products that still get the job done. I’ve cut back on acids and exfoliants and upped my hydration by a few notches. I want as much of that pregnancy glow as I can get, even if it means faking it a bit!
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DAILY PREGNANCY SKINCARE FAVORITES
FARMACY GREEN CLEAN CLEANSING BALM is one you might be sick of hearing about at this point, but if there is a product I can wax poetic about, it’s this workhorse. I have gone through countless tubs of this cleanser and I don’t ever get tired of using it. In normal times, I would use this as a first cleanse, but lately, I have been taking it REAL slow, and just doing one cleanse with this. It doesn’t leave any residue behind, since it emulsifies like a dream.
The FIRST AID BEAUTY FACIAL RADIANCE PADS are another item I repurchase often, pregnant or not. I had no idea they had the Sephora Clean Seal until I went to grab a fresh set! These are the only exfoliator I have been using for a while now, as they are super gentle and don’t irritate my skin. These pads are a mix of lactic and glycolic acid and are totally suitable for daily use. I’ve been using these at night as my toner.
I have been loving the Sunday Riley Oil-Free Cloud Dew Gel Moisturizer for mornings, but I’ve fallen in love with the FARMACY HONEY HALOW ULTRA-HYDRATING CERAMIDE MOISTURIZER. It is super thick and smells like you are opening a jar of fresh honey from the farmer’s market. It is filled with antioxidants and potent ceramides that help protect the skin’s natural barriers. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, despite it being a thicker cream.
In my first trimester, I skipped facial oil altogether, as I really was struggling with acne and didn’t want to aggravate it. But the BIOSSANCE SQUALANE + VITAMIN C ROSE OIL is everything I need in life right now. Another must in my quick nightly routine, a few drops of this oil on top of my moisturizer helps to brighten up the skin thanks to the vitamin C. This has been my “serum and oil” in one!
In the mornings, I give my skin a quick splash of water, use these two products, and then give my face a quick roll with this ROSE QUARTZ FACIAL ROLLER. It perks up my tired skin and really reduces the puffiness I seem to have in my face lately. Keep it in the fridge or freezer for even more anti-inflammatory benefits.
WEEKLY PREGNANCY SKINCARE FAVORITES
Once a week, sometimes twice, I do give my skin an extra treat with a mask or treatment. I have a whole assortment of masks that I mix up depending on how my skin is feeling, but these three bad boys are in constant rotation.
When I say fake the glow, I am totally serious. The ISLE OF PARADISE SELF TANNING DROPS are truly essential. It is totally shallow and unnecessary, but getting a little color in my skin makes me feel like a million bucks. It is something super simple that gives me an instant boost. I tell myself I am going to do my body all the time, and almost never do. Oops! But just a few drops once a week in my nightly moisturizer is perfect. The green color is perfect for me.
An oldie but goodie is the ORIGINS CLEAR IMPROVEMENT ACTIVE CHARCOAL MASK. If you are like me and dealing with active breakouts, large pores, or blackheads, get this mask! It is the BEST charcoal mask I have ever tried. Super simple and seriously effective, I just throw this on from my nose to my chin, or all over my t-zone and let it sit for 15 minutes while I scroll IG. It does such a great job at clearing out my pores. If you have a super pesky pimple, put the tiniest dab on at night and let it sit overnight!
Last but not least, DRUNK ELEPHANT F-BALM ELECTROLYTE WATERFACIAL MASK is great to use when my skin is feeling parched and dull. I use this overnight as a moisturizer and wake up with the most glowy skin ever. It’s packed with amazing hydrators like niacinamide, vitamin F, and electrolytes. It almost feels like it turns to a liquid as you rub it into the skin, as it’s super light!
Whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, looking to switch to some clean products or have sensitive skin, these products might work great for you.
