Unfortunately, the "pregnancy glow" isn't something all moms are lucky enough to enjoy. My skin for example, becomes super combination during pregnancy, some areas are dry and sensitive and others are "blessed" with frequent breakouts.
Unfortunately, many of the best breakout combating products are no-nos during pregnancy (such as retinoids). After trying a bunch of different products, I created a list with some of my favorite, most effective choices.
Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor or skincare specialist of any kind. Please consult your doctor before using any of these products!
Face Wash
I like to rotate my face wash according to how my skin is feeling each day, whether I need to remove make up, or feel like something more gentle.
I rotate the following 3 products:
For simple, gentle, everyday cleaning:
For extra oily days:
For deeper cleaning that's still gentle:
Toner
I recently discovered this awesome toner and I'm IN LOVE.
It gently exfoliates and unclogs pores, without drying the skin. Within a few days I noticed reduced breakouts and a smoother complexion!
I recommend trying out the product on a small area first (to make sure your skin agrees with it), and starting from using it every-other day (I gradually started using it every day, but every other day may be enough for you!). Also, make sure to use sunscreen (like the one below) when using this product.
Moisturizer
My favorite moisturizer ingredient by far is hyaluronic acid which is SUPER moisturizing and doesn't cause me to break out. Neutrogena makes an awesome product. I normally use the extra dry-skin version (that I don't find heavy at all), but they also have a lighter version that is great.
Spot Treatment
For most spots and breakouts I like to use this spot treatment. It works well, and I really like this brand in general.
What bothers me the most during pregnancy are the deep under the skin bumps that are super painful. Most topical acne treatments usually don't work for these. After tons of research, I found this product, formulated especially for this type of acne. Its pricey, but to me the results are worth it!
I also learned an amazing trick ingredient from a beauty esthetician who uses only natural ingredients - zinc. I use it both as a spot/bump treatment and as a local mask after poking around my skin. She told me to get zinc supplements, make a paste, and apply it to the bumps. I was skeptical, but I tried and was very happy with the results!
Supposedly, zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and can also be used as a mild antiseptic.
The easiest form of zinc to use is clear capsules that encase a powder, that way you can just take them apart and release the powder, like this one.
Place the powder in a small bowl (like a soy sauce dish) and add a TINY BIT of water (use your hand, don't pour directly from the tap). Mix to a paste and apply! Leave on until dry (15-ish minutes), or go to sleep with it if you're lazy like me.
Exfoliant
One of the things I miss the most during pregnancy is a good peel that's really effective. New York based company Savor Beauty makes awesome natural products (and also have amazing facials for those of you in NYC). Their Cherry Collagen Peel is my favorite during pregnancy!
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most important step in my skin care routine. If I'm in a hurry, I'll often just slap on some sunscreen and skip the rest of my routine.
Many chemical sunscreens are a no-no during pregnancy (and honestly, its best to avoid them even when not pregnant). I had a hard time finding a mineral based sunscreen that doesn't leave me with a white mask, is easily absorbed, and doesn't cause breakouts.
After trying several products, I found this great, lightweight sunscreen.
Wishing you all easy, glowing pregnancies!!