My skin during the first trimester of pregnancy had reverted back to how it was all through my twenties – uneven, and broken out. My acne has never been awful, but it was always present. And I was ALWAYS self conscious about my skin. I honestly didn’t even like to take my makeup off at night, because every flaw could be seen. Running errands or going to the gym without makeup never happened, either.
I am not a beauty guru, by any means. Just sharing what has worked for me!
I took this picture in the car the other day. Obviously I am wearing makeup, but I wanted one in the natural light. The fact that I am comfortable with a non-filtered selfie is significant in itself. I even think my “11” lines between my eyebrows have gone down a little since using some of these products!
I realize now that flaws like breakouts are really not that big of a deal, and I am much more comfortable with myself. But, it was unfortunate that my skin suffered acne again once I became pregnant. In an effort to heal it, I asked the esthetician at my dermatologist’s office about skincare during pregnancy.
I had a gift card to use at the dermatologist, and she gave me a facial and I also had dermaplaning. Dermaplaning is one of my new favorite things! I would have that procedure monthly if time and money allowed. She also recommended iS Clinical products. I had used these a couple years ago, and they transformed my skin! I didn’t realize that I could use them during pregnancy, but it turns out they are safe. (But of course, please consult your OB-GYN). I purchased the Pro-Heal Serum and the Active Serum. They work for basically every skin issue: uneven skin, wrinkles, brightening, and acne! I have been using them since the spring, and they have transformed my skin again! They are expensive, but they last for at least 7 months, probably longer. And they are seriously worth it.
I still have some melasma from the combination of sun exposure and hormones, but my breakouts have been little to none. And my face has a much more even tone. I am completely comfortable without makeup, which is such a freeing feeling. I do have major dark circles under my eyes, but those will not be going anywhere until the kids are in college, I’m sure.
I started using some new drugstore items, which have helped my skin as well. The iS Clinical products are pricey, but these balance out the expense. I alternate using this Yes to Tomatoes face wash one day, and the Yes to Grapefruit scrub the next day.
Sunscreen is another necessity. I have used Elta MD for years, and I’m very happy with it.
Occasionally I use this Juice Beauty mask, especially if my skin needs refreshing.
I have listed my morning and night time skincare routines below. So you know, my skin is naturally dry, but prone to breakouts. If you have oily skin, these products may not work the same for you.
Morning Routine:
Yes to Tomatoes or Yes to Grapefruit Scrub
iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum
Cerave face lotion
Elta MD SPF
Makeup Basics:
I mix a tiny pump of the Becca Backlight Priming Filter with a small amount of Laura Mercier Foundation. I mix them in my hand, then apply with a Sephora brand brush. For contour/bronzer I use the Anastasia contour kit. I also swear by the Tarte Undereye Corrector.
Night Routine:
Micellar water with a cotton ball to remove makeup
Witch Hazel applied with a cotton ball – a natural astringent
iS Clinical Active Serum
Combination of castor oil and vitamin E oil applied with a Q-tip to my top eyelash line to promote growth
As always, I try to drink plenty of water each day. I also eat a (mostly ;)) healthy diet including plenty of healthy fats, which improve your skin. Things such as almonds, coconut oil, avocado, fatty fish. I am also taking prenatal vitamins, fish oil, and a supplement containing biotin.
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