Get That Pregnancy Glow!

Guest Contributor: Sarah Ban

A Safe and Effective Regimen 

Pregnancy is one of the most drastic changes you may ever experience in your lifetime, affecting you in every conceivable way—your lifestyle, your body, your future, your family, your skin.

Let’s talk about that last one. On top of your growing belly and odd cravings, there are many other shifts that occur in your body, including fluctuations in hormones and oil production. And these shifts can impact skin in a way that doesn’t simply give you the famous “pregnancy glow.” Add on the fact that pregnant people are faced with newfound restrictions in not only diet (good-bye, sushi and wine) but also the skincare ingredients they’re allowed to apply, and you get a host of new skin issues with what seems like less help to make any of it better.

The good news is there are some effective and safe alternatives to keep your skin as radiant as possible as you bring new life into this world. Here’s how to safely tackle the top three pregnancy skin concerns.

Preventing Stretch Marks

During pregnancy, the body sends collagen (the protein responsible for firm skin) to the baby as first priority, thereby decreasing the amount for the mother. Couple that with higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), which are necessary for the baby’s growth but weakens the mother’s natural ability to repair collagen as the skin drastically stretches out in a short period of time. The result is—you guessed it—stretch marks. Enriched Body Cream helps prevent stretch marks because it improves the appearance of collagen-deprived skin, while helping to optimize the skin barrier. The ultra-silky, emollient cream also replenishes lost hydration and infuses intense moisture in the skin, which further helps to keep it smooth and pliable.

And What About Those Dark Spots?

The hormonal changes during pregnancy also contribute to the visible formation of dark spots, often called the “mask of pregnancy.” Unlike other physical changes that can naturally reverse during the postpartum period, hyperpigmentation needs to be addressed head-on. Many anti-hyperpigmentation skincare products feature ingredients that aren’t considered safe for pregnancy (or any time at all, like in the case of hydroquinone). But you can rest assured that as you grow your little human, there’s a powerful way to tackle those pesky spots. Intense Defense Serum bursts with botanical sources of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, such as flax seed extract, raspberry seed oil, and shiitake mushroom extract—all safe for use while pregnant. In a clinical study against leading serums, the Intense Defense Serum alone helped reduce the appearance of dark spots by 36%! Using a Renewal Facial product, like Renewal Facial Lotion, is always a good idea too–it encourages a healthy barrier–key to keeping dark spots at bay.

Let’s Keep Things Clear

Pregnancy leads to wild swings in oil production—which often means breakouts are right around the corner. Although most people rely on salicylic acid as their go-to ingredient to combat the appearance of blemishes, it’s also something medical professionals caution against during pregnancy. What most people don’t know is a small set amount of salicylic acid (0.5% to be exact) is considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the amount in Lite Lytic Tx, which helps smooth skin texture and clear out pores. There are also alternatives to help keep pores decongested, namely willow bark extract, which you can find in Lytic Gel Cleanser and Purifying Toner.  If your skin is not too oily or dry, you’ll find the perfect balance with Gentle Foaming Cleanser.

Finally, pregnancy is an incredibly personal journey that is unique to each person. Always work closely with your physician during pregnancy to ensure you are making skin care decisions that are right for you.