pregnancy safe skincare routine
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Once I started IVF I knew it was only a matter of time before I’d have to switch up my skincare routine. Pregnancy safe skincare products is a real thing and doing a review of everything I used was definitely on the to-do list.
When it came time, I was actually pleasantly surprised that a lot of the products I used were still okay to continue using. And if they weren’t, I owned another product I could replace it with. I realize now that sounds like I have too much skincare (and I probably do) but I was very happy I didn’t have to go buy a whole new routine.
I started by using a website called 15 Minute Beauty. She has an entire pregnancy section on her website and really broke down why certain products were off limits which was very helpful for me. You can also use the search tool on her site and review posts by brand – she lists almost every product they sell along with whether it is or is not pregnancy (and nursing) safe plus the ingredient(s) that make it not, if applicable. Ingredients like bakuchiol, glycolic and salicylic acid and and licorice root were the most prevalent in the products I had to eliminate. So there I went, one by one, searching all of my skincare products. It was a task, I won’t lie, but obviously worth it.
Like I said, my skincare routine luckily didn’t have to change too much. The products (and especially the brands) remain almost the same as my original skincare routine and even my 10-step skincare routine with just a few minor changes.
am pregnancy safe skincare routine
Step 1: Oil Based Cleanser
This step removes all the dirt, makeup and impurities on your skin. I like to think of it as prepping for a clean slate. It also removes any old make-up that (for some reason) I might not have removed from the night before. Because, let’s be honest, sometimes my PM skincare routine consists of only Step 1 😳.
Product I use: Tula — #nomakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Step 2: Water Based Cleanser
You always want to start with clean skin, so I wash my face twice. The reason behind double cleansing is the first wash removes makeup, dirt and grim, while the second wash really washes your actual skin. I’ve been doing this for a few months now and really starting to notice a difference.
Product I use: Tula — The Cult Classic: Purifying Face Cleanser
Step 3: Exfoliator
Some exfoliators are too harsh to use every day but it’s always important to exfoliate your skin. An exfoliant removes dead skin cells and buffs away dull skin; it leaves you with a more radiant soft skin. I rotate between a sugar scrub, for everyday use, and an exfoliating mask, used once or twice a week. The Tula — So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Face Scrub is what I used pre-pregnancy, and luckily the same thing in a different scent is a pregnancy safe version.
Product I use: Tula — So Refreshing: Hibiscus Lemonade Exfoliating Sugar Scrub and Monat — Berry Refined Scrub
Step 4: Toner
Next, apply a toner. This removes any dead skin cells and excess dirt and oil from your skin. It also removes impurities and diminishes the appearance of pores after cleansing.
Product I use: Elemis – Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
Step 5: Serum
Serums contain topical antioxidants (like vitamin A, C and E) that help to even out your skin tone. A serum acts as a targeted treatment for wrinkles, redness and pigmentation. This is one that was hard for me to switch because I love the Monat — C. Radiance Illuminating Serum.
Product I use: Tula – Brightening Treatment Drops Triple Vitamin C Serum
Step 6: Eye Cream
Eye creams are great for blurring the appearance of lines, wrinkles and dark circles. It can also help reduce the look of puffiness in the eye area.
Product I use: Elemis – Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream and Tula – 24-7 Power Swipe: Hydrating Day & Night Treatment Eye Balm
Step 7: Moisturizer
Your skin needs lots of moisture; especially if it’s dry like mine. A moisturizer can help firm skin and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It also locks in moisture for deep hydration and nourishment.
Product I use: Tula – 24-7 Moisture: Hydrating Day & Night Cream
Step 8: Sunscreen
Always wear sunscreen! Even when it’s not sunny out. Minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer UVA/UVB protection that physically shields the skin from harmful rays. Sunscreens are now including protection against blue light — which is a must for both indoors and outdoors! This product switch was another tough one for me because my holy grail sunscreen is the Tula Protect + Glow, but I do love the scent of this new one!
Product I use: Monat – Sun Veil Daily Mineral Protection SPF30
pm pregnancy safe skincare routine
Step 1: Makeup Remover
Like I said early, sometimes Step 1 in my PM routine is all I get to. But you know what, that’s okay! Removing make-up and dirt from your skin before bed is a must. I opt for a make-up wipe; I always have. They are easy and give me no excuse not to clean my face. You do what works! The one I love has a textured side that feels exfoliating and contains Vitamin C. Otherwise, I hop in the shower (I absolutely hate washing my face in the sink) and use an oil cleanser like Tula — #nomakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil.
Product I use: Billie – Wonder Wipes
Step 2: Water Based Cleanser
Once all the make-up and dirt is off my face, I wash with my second cleanser. This makes sure my skin is super clean and ready to absorb all the skincare products.
Product I use: Tula — The Cult Classic: Purifying Face Cleanser
Step 3: Exfoliator
Some exfoliators are too harsh to use every day but it’s always important to exfoliate your skin. An exfoliant removes dead skin cells and buffs away dull skin; it leaves you with a more radiant soft skin. I rotate between a sugar scrub, for everyday use, and an exfoliating mask, used once or twice a week.
Product I use: Tula — So Refreshing: Hibiscus Lemonade Exfoliating Sugar Scrub and Monat — Berry Refined Scrub
Step 4: Toner
Next, apply a toner. This removes any dead skin cells and excess dirt and oil from your skin. It also removes impurities and diminishes the appearance of pores after cleansing. Usually applied with a cotton pad; or these ones from Tula come pre-soaked.
Product I use: Tula – Purifying & pH Balancing Biodegradable Toner Pads
Step 5: Serum
Serums contain topical antioxidants (like vitamin A, C and E) that help to even out your skin tone. A serum acts as a targeted treatment for wrinkles, redness and pigmentation.
Product I use: Tula – Brightening Treatment Drops Triple Vitamin C Serum
Step 6: Eye Cream
Eye creams are great for blurring the appearance of lines, wrinkles and dark circles. It can also help reduce the look of puffiness in the eye area. The one I’ve been using deeply hydrates the delicate eye area to help reduce the look of dullness and puffiness.
Product I use: Elemis – Absolute Eye Serum
Step 7: Moisturizer
I like to do an extra dose of moisture overnight, so I use a moisture mask. Typically this is something you would put on for 10 minutes and then wash off, but I leave it on overnight. I wake up with refreshed, smooth and hydrated skin.
Product I use: Summer Fridays – Jet Lag Mask
Step 8: Face Oil
Adding oil to your routine just adds another layer of moisture. An oil re-hydrates and revitalizes dry skin or any skin in need of replenishment and deep renewal.
Product I use: Monat — Rejuvenique Oil
other products i use
Eye Balm
Game changer. I use this all day long – you can put it on in the morning with your skincare or mid-day for an under eye pick me up. It’s hydrating and cooling plus helping to reduce the look of fine lines & wrinkles around the eyes. You can also use on cheekbones, cupid's bow, nose & anywhere else you want a highlighting effect.
Product I use: Tula – Glow & Get It: Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm
Lip Mask
This one is new for me as of a couple weeks ago and I absolutely love it. Your lips definitely deserve some extra love at night.
Product I use: Laneige — Lip Sleeping Mask
Eye Perfector
I recently added this to my routine as well. It’s basically an instant eye lift in a bottle. It tightens the skin for a more even, no wrinkle look.
Product I use: Monat — 30 Second Miracle Instant Perfector
Eyelash Serum
This is the only eyelash serum I’ve tried that doesn’t change the color of my eyelid. I know, that sounds so weird, but a lot of the ones I’ve used leave me with almost an eyeliner looking line (like discolored skin) it’s crazy. I love this one and have found it grows plus nourishes my lashes.
Product I use: DIME Beauty –Eyelash Boost Serum
