Skin Care During Pregnancy: Suggestions For Expectant Moms
by: Jen Okhiria, May 6, 2019
Figuring out your skin care routine any time can be overwhelming, but skin care during pregnancy? This introduces a whole new set of concerns. During pregnancy your skin can change in several ways, and can behave completely differently than when you are not pregnant. Read on for our recommendations, and keep in mind to always consult your physician before using new skin care products or professional treatments while pregnant.
The First Trimester: Supple, Hydrated Skin
As your bundle of joy begins to grow in the first trimester, the skin around the stomach area expands, often causing stretch marks. While not everyone develops these tiger stripe-like scars, the American Academy of Dermatology points out: “Fluctuating hormone levels seem to play a role. You may also have a higher risk if people in your family get stretch marks.” In addition to how they look, this stretching of the skin can feel incredibly itchy, tight and all around uncomfortable.
Fluctuating hormone levels seem to play a role. You may also have a higher risk if people in your family get stretch marks.
One of the most effective ways to relieve stretch marks is by hydrating the skin. Make sure skin is in its best shape by drinking plenty of water and using rich and moisturizing products on your tummy area. A favorite Eminence Organics product to help ease the feel of stretching skin is our Apricot Body Oil. This award-winning product uses grapeseed, jojoba, apricot kernel extract and seabuckthorn oils to deeply nourish and replenish the skin with moisture. For the ultimate hydration treatment, mix a few drops of the oil with our Coconut Firming Body Lotion. Not only will this minimize the look of stretch marks, but this comforting combo will hydrate and keep the skin feeling elastic, soothing any dry, itchy skin.
Dry skin doesn’t necessarily stop at the stomach though. Certified Esthetician and Eminence Organics Product Support Representative Alicia Hawthorne shares: “Hormone changes can also cause the face to become dry, losing moisture and oil, which in turn can cause the skin to feel itchy, red and irritated.” To help combat this, Alicia recommends gentle, oil-based cleansing with a product like our Stone Crop Cleansing Oil and a soothing facial oil like our Rosehip Triple C & E Firming Oil. For a lighter application that helps minimize transepidermal water loss (TEWL), our Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment contains unique melt-in spheres that release jojoba oil on application, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth and dewy.
The Second & Third Trimester: Aromatherapy
A lingering feeling of nausea and changes in mood and sleep patterns are just a few things to “expect while you’re expecting.” Essential oils and herbs are a natural solution to address all of these issues and more. According to Fit Pregnancy, "in the second and third trimesters, some essential oils are safe to use, as your baby is more developed”. These oils include lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang which can calm the mind, relax the body and aid in sleep. As with any of our recommendations, please check in with your doctor before trying aromatherapy at home while pregnant. As pregnancy symptoms and sensitivities vary from person to person, it’s important to always stay safe.
In the second and third trimesters, some essential oils are safe to use, as your baby is more developed.
Incorporating these gentle scents into skin care is an easy and mild way to incorporate aromatherapy into regular life. Two fantastic choices are our Soothing Chamomile Tonique and our Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate. A quick spritz of the Soothing Chamomile Tonique will calm and de-stress. Gentle enough for pregnant and nursing mothers, this product soothes the senses and nourishes the skin with calming ingredients like lavender, chamomile and aloe. Our Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate adds a beautifully lightweight dose of moisture with soothing lavender and shea butter to replenish the appearance of skin.
During And After Pregnancy: Clear, Smooth Skin
Hormonal acne can be extremely frustrating to deal with since it fluctuates throughout pregnancy as well as after giving birth and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the “pregnancy hormones” HCG and progesterone increase the number of oil glands in your face. While this leads to that beautiful “pregnancy glow”, the excess oil can clog the pores, leading to a surge of hormonal breakouts. On top of that, after giving birth, estrogen levels drop and testosterone levels increase, which can also lead to excessive pimples as the body tries to regulate itself.
I recommend treating these hormonal breakouts with products that can assist with stabilizing the excessive oil production that can occur during pregnancy.
Alicia says: “I recommend treating these hormonal breakouts with products that can assist with stabilizing the excessive oil production that can occur during pregnancy.” With the inclusion of yucca extract containing phytoestrogens, Alicia recommends our Eight Greens Collection. Not only beneficial for improving the look of hormonal blemishes, these products have anti-aging benefits as they help skin feel more firm.
Applying one to two drops of our Eight Greens Youth Serum to the face will assist in absorbing excess oil, improving the appearance of hormonal breakouts as well as keeping skin feeling young and smooth. Our Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer helps to balance as well as calm any red, dry skin. Last but not least, our Eight Greens Phyto Masque (Not Hot) is an amazing weekly treatment for pregnant and nursing moms alike. Applying a thin layer of this gel mask all over the face is a dream for dry, sensitive and problem skin types. Skin is left looking bright, clear and glowing without any of the spiciness found in our Eight Greens Phyto Masque (Hot).
