When you’re welcoming a little bundle of joy into the world, your focus is most likely going to be on their rosy cheeks and not on your own. However, as your body steadily prepares for birth and then recuperates after the big event, your skin may undergo some changes. Pregnancy and post pregnancy is an incredibly special time that you will treasure for years to come, it’s not a time that you want to be worrying about having to spend hours on your skincare routine! Our skincare specialists are here to provide you with the facts and some pointers on how to maintain your beautiful glow, all in less than ten minutes!
Common Skin Changes in Pregnant Women and New Mothers
Hyperpigmentation
During pregnancy, hormonal imbalances can lead to melasma (or “pregnancy mask”), making your skin extremely vulnerable to hyperpigmentation. While your skin may lighten up naturally after pregnancy, some women may need a little extra help to return their glimmer.
Below are some steps you can take to help combat this potential issue:
Protect your skin from the Sun!
The first step is to ensure your skin is protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Take inspiration from new mother Blake Lively’s great style and cover up with a colorful umbrella or a big hat! Try and avoid the sun between the hours of 10am and 3pm. If you are going to be in the sun, always apply an SPF of at least 30, 15-30 minutes before.
Skin Lighteners
It is important to remember melasma can still occur even amongst the most SPF-obsessed. Post-pregnancy, begin to lessen these darks spots with skin lighteners such as Iluma Lightening Serum from Image. This unique serum has Kojic Acid and Vitamin C to help naturally lighten hyperpigmentation. The whole Iluma product line is really fabulous for treating melasma. Phloretin CF by Skin Ceuticals is also a great choice to appease this skin woe.
Treatments
Post pregnancy, you can fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation with microdermabrasion, chemical peels and some laser treatments (please note we usually do not recommend laser treatments because there is a small chance it can make it worse). These treatments can only be implemented after pregnancy when the mother has completed breastfeeding.
Dryness
After birth, women’s skin often becomes a bit parched. To restore the moisture, we recommend using a hydrating serum at night or twice a day, if needed. Incorporate this step into your skin routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Ageless Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum from Image is a fabulous choice and can be worn under any moisturizer. For die-hard fans of the SkinCeuticals line, B5 Gel is another amazing choice!
Dull Appearance
Skin can also appear tired and dull after pregnancy. Restore the luster with chemical peels and facials. Iluma Brightening Cream from Image will also help to illuminate your skin, along with any Vitamin C Serum (like CE Ferulic from SkinCeuticals).
Wrinkles
A loss of elasticity frequently results from pregnancy causing fine lines. Fight the wrinkles with Max Stem Cell Cleanser, Serum and Moisturizer from Image.
Sleepy Eyes
You may lose some sleep tending to your adorable newborn, causing bags under your eyes. Tend to the skin around your peepers with Iluma Brightening Eye Cream or Max Stem Cell Eye Cream to look brighter, less puffy and less wrinkled.
A Quick and Simple Pregnancy and Post-Pregnancy Skin Routine:
Maintain your healthy skin during pregnancy and while tending to your newborn with these simple steps:
Morning:
#1: Wash your face with your favorite cleanser. For pregnant women, make sure your cleanser does not contain any aha/bha acids or retinol.
#2: Apply a hydrating serum, such as Vital C Hydrating Serum from Image.
#3: Generously apply sun protection. We recommend SPF 30+.
Evening:
#4: Cleanse away!
#5: Apply a serum, such as Ageless Hyaluronic Acid from Image.
#6: Hydrate with any moisturizer fit for your skin type. If you’re feeling more dry, Emollience from SkinCeuticals is a good daily option for oily skin.
