One never truly realizes how much the body changes until personally experiencing pregnancy. It’s a pretty humbling and awe-inspiring experience, that really compares to nothing else.At the time of publishing this blog post, I am 27 weeks pregnant with my first child. Boy, has it been quite a journey of emotions, physical changes, and skincare woes! Here are the five clean skincare necessities I’ve been using during my pregnancy:
1. Lip treatments
I’ve felt grateful that most of my pregnancy has been pretty smooth so far. The worst symptoms I struggled with in my first trimester were a little bit of indigestion and heartburn. However, the one thing that has followed me throughout pregnancy has been extremely dry and cracked lips. Never have I experienced my lips and skin around my lips to be so dehydrated and painful.
I ended up purchasing the Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter, which is not only affordable and easy to find at local stores, but a great clean alternative to a deeply nourishing heavier, liquid-like lip balm. The Skin Food collection has never let me down in terms of seriously hydrating dry skin, and a beneficial plant-rich formula.
I’ve been pleased with the Lip Butter as my current daytime lip treatment as it does help to soothe and nourish lips. It does require frequent application since it’s quite thin, yet will leave lips feeling greasy. In my opinion, it does not absorb much into the skin. I’m also not a fan of the small, rigid squeeze tube packaging, nor the rounded applicator tip, which does not do a great job of distributing product evenly across the lips. The aftertaste of the Lip Butter is also not my favorite. For an affordable, daytime product, I’m continuing to use this, but will find something to replace it when I run out. $6.99, Weleda. Also available at Target, Ulta, and The Detox Market.
My lip treatment savior has been the Fitglow Beauty Night Lip Serum. This is a pricey lip treatment at $48, but so worth the splurge. I’ve been a fan of Fitglow’s Lip Color Serum due to the extremely hydrating and nourishing formula, which essentially is the lipgloss/lip stain version of this colorless lip treatment.
The Night Lip Serum features key plant-based ingredients such as organic pomegranate plant sterols, beet extract, and vegan collagen to soften, hydrate, and treat lips. The ingredients specifically work to restore the lip moisture barrier, maintaining lip cell structure, skin volume, and protect from water loss. I use this as directed, every night before going to bed, but sometimes I have applied it during the day if my lips need an extra boost.
I love how smooth and moist it leaves my lips, and the soothing, mint-y tingle it adds to skin. The formula is quick absorbing, yet nourishes deeply. I can instantly feel the hydratation and a supple protective barrier on my lips. This has definitely helped treat my lips especially overnight, and has helped cut down on the cracked texture of my lips. I would highly recommend splurging on this product if you’re in serious need of an effective, quick-acting lip treatment. I would order this again and again if price weren’t a barrier, though keep an eye out for holiday promotions, as Fitglow usually has some great deals to take advantage of. $48, Fitglow Beauty. Also available at The Detox Market, and Integrity Botanicals.
2. Facial cleanser
During my pregnancy, I’ve been gravitating towards moisture-rich cleansers that hydrate and nourish, and are simple to use. I’m not really wearing makeup on a regular basis either, so I’ve also eliminated makeup-removal from my normal skincare routine.
I’ve continued to use my trusty Plaine Products Face Wash, which has a lightweight, gel-like texture and is very gentle and emollient, while also effective at deeply cleansing. A more detailed review here. The zero-waste, recyclable packaging is also a lovely benefit. I am on a Plaine Products subscription plan, so every 3 or 4 months receive a new cleanser (along with my other favorite personal care necessities) and can easily return my empty containers to send back for recycling. $15 for a one-time purchase or 10% off with monthly subscriptions, Plaine Products. Use code: Plein20 for 20% off your order!
I’ve also been enjoying using the OSEA Cleansing Milk*, for it’s heavier, cream texture. It feels great on dry skin, and provides a more substantial dose of hydration and nourishment while soothing skin. A more detailed review here. This has been a great cleanser for satisfying dehydrated skin and maintaining suppleness. I especially enjoy using this cleanser in the evenings. More detailed review here. $54, OSEA. Also available at Credo, and The Detox Market.
I haven’t really been applying face masks or treatments as much, as it just seems a bit too much work and unnecessary for my skin. When I’m craving a little bit more than just a regular cleanser, I’ve been turning to Strange Bird Inner Clarity Cleanser*, which is actually a 3-in-1 product: it can be used as a cleanser, mask, and exfoliating product. The cleanser starts off with a slightly grittier texture, (I like the gentle exfoliating properties) and washes away like a soft cream. This unique cleanser has a clay- and balm-like texture that features a unique formula including kaolin clay, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, ginseng, and goji berry that gently and swiftly work to detoxify, exfoliate, rejuvenate, and gently cleanse skin.
The bright citrus scent is soothing and uplifting. I love using this cleanser as a gentle detoxifying face mask (leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing), that is quick and mess-free to apply. I plan to do a more in-depth review of Strange Bird products soon, they have quickly become some of my new favorites. $58, Strange Bird. Also available at Safe & Chic.
3. Facial oil and balm
I enjoy using a combination of facial oils and face balms, and during pregnancy I’ve realized these products have never been more important in maintaining supple skin. Pink Moon’s Over the Moon Gua Sha Facial Oil Lunar Drops*, has been my current “go to” facial oil. It leaves the skin feeling deeply hydrated and nourished, yet not overly greasy. It calms dryness, and leaves behind soft, supple, and glowing skin. I like that it is nourishing yet lightweight enough to be worn during the day or in the evening. Early on in my pregnancy, the more floral scent was a bit much for my over-sensitive nose, but now I find it to be quite pleasant and not overpowering. A more detailed review here. $56, Pink Moon. Use code: PLEINVANITY after checkout to donate 10% of your purchase to my charity of choice, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF).
In addition to facial oil, I like to use a balm to spot-treat very dry areas on my face. The two balms I’ve been using interchangeably are the Maya Chia Supercritical Chia Waterless Wonder Balm ($42) and the Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream ($45). Both help to provide an extra boost of intense moisture, while soothing and nourishing skin. If I’m not up for applying facial oil, I’ll use either of these balms all over my face instead. The Maya Chia balm has a softer, smoother texture, while the Josh Rosebrook has a true solid, balm-like texture that melts into a softer cream upon application. Both are a dream to work with, and perfect for soothing dry, sensitive skin.
4. Body and belly moisturizer
As usual, I’ve been moisturizing with my favorite Body Lotion from Plaine Products, which not only smells divine, but keeps skin super hydrated and smooth. I like how lightweight it is because it quickly absorbs into skin, making it so easy to apply, while also nourishing enough to keep dry, flakey skin at bay. This is another one of my favorite Plaine Products that I receive as part of my subscription plan, so I never run out and can easily send back empty bottles to be sterilized and recycled. $30 for a one-time purchase or 10% off monthly subscriptions, Plaine Products. Use code: Plein20 for 20% off your order!
A body product I’ve added to my routine and have still been exploring, has been a moisturizer for my growing pregnant belly. As the belly grows, the skin expands, which increases dry skin and itchiness. Currently, I’ve been using samples of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks ($5.29) and Baby Bum Natural Monoi Coconut Balm ($9.99). I’ve found that these both work really well for moisturizing and soothing my belly. Both do not feature entirely organic or natural formulas, but for the time being, the ingredients are not too worrisome for my preferences.
I like that the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion includes pure cocoa butter and shea butter, natural oils, collagen, elastin, and lutein to moisturize skin and allow it to stretch easier. The texture is creamy, lightweight, and easy to apply. It provides a tiny bit of soothing tingle too. This product is also recommended for all-over use and to prevent stretch marks.
The Baby Bum Natural Monoi Coconut Balm is vegan and plant-based, and can be used for head-to-toe moisturization for expecting moms and for babies. This product feels more true to a denser, greasier balm that’s expected of a coconut oil product. It is deeply hydrating, gentle, long-lasting, and smells delicious.
5. Deodorant
Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve noticed a definite shift in body odor due to the hormonal changes. Whereas before pregnancy, I never used to sweat much or notice armpit odor, I definitely depend on wearing deodorant often now to stay smelling fresh, even when I am not exercising or being particularly active. Since I never used to wear deodorant regularly, I have been using two deodorant products that I’ve had on hand: the type:A Deodorant, and Soapwalla Deodorant Cream.
The type:A Deodorant* is great for daily use, though I find it to be less stink-proof and needs reapplying. It applies like a thin cream from it’s unique squeeze tube packaging, and it is smooth and gentle, and comes in a variety of pleasant scents (I like the citrus scent, called The Visionary). I use this deodorant daily, because it’s quick and easy to apply, but I sometimes find it leaves my pits a bit moist and can feel a bit too lightweight at times. The formula is aluminum-free. $10, type:A. Also available at Credo and Target.
The Soapwalla Lavender Mint Sensitive Deodorant Cream (this is their old packaging) has a more solid, putty-based texture, that instantly melts into skin when applied and is gentle and easy to spread. I don’t love sticking my fingers into the jar, but do prefer the more substantial formula, odor-blocking properties, longevity that this product provides. The gentle formula is also aluminum- and baking soda-free, so does not irritate my skin either. When I’m feeling particularly smelly and want something that doesn’t need to be reapplied often, I reach for this one. $18, Soapwalla. Also available at The Detox Market and Integrity Botanicals.
I’m going to continue to explore and share products that work for me any my changing body throughout my pregnancy. Do you have any specific skincare recommendations for pregnancy?
* Some products kindly provided for consideration. however, all words and opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. This post contains affiliate links, if you purchase through the link I will receive a small commission for referring you.
