Congratulations, you're expecting!
As a result, you might be even more concerned about the ingredients you're putting in and on your body. It's no secret that moms-to-be often face changes in their skin during pregnancy. But no matter what point of motherhood you’re at, our products are here to help.
Here’s the thing: Some common ingredients, like retinol, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide, are off-limits, as are certain in-office treatments. However, others fall into a gray area, since no one wants to test for safety parameters on pregnant women (understandably!). Because of that, it’s best to play it safe with gentle and effective ingredients, sometimes at lower percentages. We’ve got options for you!
hormonal acne
Expectant mothers often face hormonal acne, particularly in the first and second trimester. Due to an increased release in hormones called androgens, more sebum is produced, which can block pores and lead to inflammation and blemishes. In general, if your hormones are imbalanced, you'll have to take extra care with what you put in your body and on your skin.
For expectant mamas and for anyone prone to hormonal breakouts, here are a few products we recommend trying. When our founder, Priscilla, was pregnant, she used the oil to milk cleanser to gently cleanse skin; since oil attracts oil, it’s actually an ideal option for those who tend to look greasy or get blemishes.
After you cleanse, follow up with a spritz of our raspberry vinegar toner or rosewater toner on a cotton pad. This toner will act as a second cleanser, and help reduce excess sebum and oil. It's also suitable for both face and body, so feel free to spray it on body breakouts too!
For moisture, P. used the ceramide barrier serum, which is both lightweight and suitable for those who tend to be acne-prone; it’s packed with a sophisticated blend of ceramides and other lipids that repair and fortify the skin barrier. Top off with our omega-3 rich chia oil, or if you'd prefer to use a cream moisturizer, try our texture smoothing cream - the base of this silky cream is an emulsion of oil and water, which gives it an ultra lightweight texture and feel. For daytime, alway follow moisturizer with a generous application of daily SPF; it’s a non-nano, mineral-based sunscreen that feels silky, not greasy or chalky, on skin.
Post hormonal-breakouts, your skin might benefit from a brightening product like our vitamin C serum with sea grape caviar, to tackle leftover dark spots or uneven tone. P. also swore by our resurfacing sleep mask, which uses bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative to deliver all of the brightening and smoothing benefits of a retinol without the potential risks or side effects.
It’s worth noting that our probiotic acne serum uses salicylic acid (BHA) at 1.5%, which is a lower dose that’s considered okay to use during pregnancy. However, we recommend checking with your physician to get specific guidance for you.
stretch marks
A common concern for moms both before and after birth is stretch marks, or small streaks in the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. Stretch marks are a product of a shift in the elastic supportive tissue that sits beneath the skin; when the skin rapidly expands, your skin's natural renewal process can't always keep up. The stretching of skin can also lead to tightness and itchiness, which can increase discomfort (as if you didn’t have enough of this!).
Though stretch marks are nothing to hide or be ashamed of at all, deeply nourishing your skin can help! Our founder, P, relied on the chia facial oil and rosewater toner to keep the skin on her belly hydrated and soft, which helped to increase comfort when her belly was growing. She also slathered on sake body lotion to nourish and balance her skin from head-to-toe.
Important Disclosure: Your doctor should make all the decisions regarding skincare products and ingredients during pregnancy and postpartum. This article is not intended to be or replace medical advice given to you by your physician.
