Pregnancy glow. That phrase we use for new mothers to predict a shining pregnancy with dewy skin and a beaming smile. But reality isn’t always so dewy.
My sister just entered her third trimester and WOW, is she a rock star. Not only is she growing a literal tiny human but she has to combat hormone shifts, diet changes, and the cacophony of opinions: What food to eat, how much weight to gain, which birth method to use. It’s hard to keep a glow with so much distraction!
While every pregnancy is different, what skin experts can all agree on are which skincare ingredients to cut out. As the diligent aunt-to-be that I am, I’ve created a simple list of ingredients to avoid for the happiest, healthiest pregnancy so you don't have to:
- Betahydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid)
- Synthetic vitamin A (retin-A, retinyl palmitate, and other retinol derivatives)
- Hydroquinone
Aaaaand, because that glow doesn’t always show, I’ve scoured Ohlolly for the best treat-yo-self products for pregnancy.
Say Goodbye to Dry
If you haven't noticed yet, your belly expands during pregnancy, which means your skin does too! Thankfully, we’ve got Pyunkang Yul's ATO lotion blue label to prevent the potential dryness or itching that accompanies this.
It's hyper-moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, unscented (read: great for avoiding nausea!), and contains honeysuckle extract, which is ultra-calming for those particularly bothersome spots.
What Stretch Marks?
Those pesky red or pinkish lines around your abdomen (or breasts, or legs, you name it) don’t stand a chance with this serum of our dreams. In fact, 90% of women experience stretch marks during pregnancy. The best way to avoid these lines is our favorite word: Hydration!
Vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B-carotene, and vitamin E work together in this serum to nourish and repair, while rosehip oil brightens the skin and reduces fine lines and discoloration often caused by pregnancy.
Smooth, Even & Protected Skin
While sunscreen is important regardless of pregnancy, the increase in pigmentation caused by pregnancy makes SPF a top priority when heading out for the day. While pregnant, women are often prone to the "mask of pregnancy" known as melasma, which can cause darker splotches on the face.
Remove the mask and show off a sun-protected glow instead with our favorite face SPF duo: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Re-Cover and Heimish Artless Glow Base. Re-Cover works to heal redness and irritated skin, using a color-shifting capsule to match and even out your skin’s tone as it protects. Artless Glow Base adds extra sun protection, hydration, and brightness. Each product works well on its own, but together, they make a flawless skin combination.
Dark Spots? Fret Not
This solution is jam-packed with one of our favorite ingredients: alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). AHA does it all; it fights hormonal acne and reduces the appearance of fine lines, large pores, and acne scarring. It also serves as a gentle exfoliator to prevent or fight those surface-level dark spots that flare up during pregnancy. There’s a reason this is called a “power liquid.”
Find Your "Hormone" Balance
The dreaded acne may be back but this time you'll be prepared. As the body begins working-for-two, hormone levels rise and oil glands increase production. Luckily, we have cleansers that fight back against any breakouts that could occur.
Double cleanse! First with Dr. Ceuracle’s Pro-Balance Pure Cleansing Oil to combat excessive oil production and restore the skin’s natural pH levels. Follow that a mild cleanser like Dr. Ceuracle’s Tea Tree Purifine 30 Cleansing Foam to calm and clean while boosting the skin's elasticity.
My sister has a little niece or nephew to grow. She shouldn’t have to deal with skin problems on top of that, and you shouldn’t either! Let that glow show and take some time for yourself. You deserve it, Mommy-to-be!
Other products to check out:
Olivarrier Fluid Oil Squalane - This barrier-strengthening oil uses olive squalane, an oil similar to the face’s natural sebum. It’s fragrance-free and great for all skin types for extra moisture and protection.
Sioris Feel So Fresh Toner - Helps the skin regain balance while improving skin texture and adding hydration.
Sioris A Calming Day Ampoule - For face and body redness. Our pregnant customers have told us this really worked. Read the comments to see for yourself!
Dr. Ceuracle’s Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule - Soothing, nourishing, and brightening for dull and inflamed skin.
Have more questions about skincare during pregnancy? Email us at hello@ohlolly.com anytime!
Written by Anna @ Ohlolly
