Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: How to Get That Glowy, Healthy Mama Skin

One of our beloved Green Kiss Educators is expecting her first bébé this summer (cue happy tears!), so naturally, pregnancy-safe skincare has been top of mind. It also happens to be one of the most common questions we hear in-store: “Is this safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?” To answer that, we always start by identifying the root of the concern. Is it a preexisting skin issue that’s been amplified by pregnancy? Or something entirely new, sparked by hormone fluctuations? Not sure which camp you fall into? Let’s break it down.

Pregnancy Glow 101: Your Guide to Safe Skincare for Moms-To-Be

Pregnancy Acne: How to Calm Breakouts Naturally and Safely

If the stars align, your body will shift the production of certain hormones (namely progesterone), resulting in an uptick of oil (sebum) production, giving you that glowy pregnancy goodness and complexion perfection. If you're like the rest of us, your hormones will go into overdrive, tip the scales, and the overproduction of oil will result in pregnancy acne. FUN! Fortunately, you know where to find us! Because pregnancy acne isn't a unique form of acne, we recommend following a gentle pregnancy skincare routine like this one:

• Wash problem areas with a mild cleanser for at least 30 seconds, twice daily.
• Use a gentle plant-based and non-abrasive exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
• Spritz a balancing facial toner with tea tree to promote skin regeneration and eliminate excess bacteria.
• Apply an antibacterial acne spot serum to reduce breakouts.
• Plump and moisturize delicate under-eye skin with an undereye oil.
• Quench skin with a light and fluffy acne-fighting moisturizer that doesn't clog pores.
• Protect with an SPF enriched with botanicals to leave skin feeling hydrated.
• Shampoo daily if you see acne around the hairline.

Stretch Marks: Nourish Skin and Support Natural Elasticity

Stretch marks, or, more affectionately, Tiger Stripes, are *earned* when your body stretches and grows to house a tiny human! Tissue that had to expand tore. While stretch marks aren't harmful or considered a medical problem, some women find them more noticeable than others. So we recommend trying a restorative natural body butter, designed to prevent stretch marks and lighten and tone ones that have already appeared, thanks to its nourishing blend of vitamins and antioxidants.

Dry Skin During Pregnancy? Here’s How to Get That Faux Glow

Legend has it that the sex of your baby will determine whether or not you are blessed with that sparkly pregnancy glow. Truth is, it's just the luck of the draw. In theory, the increase in blood flow and oil production should brighten up the skin tone. Glow up MIA? - That's ok! We're here to help you get the glowy skin you deserve! Satisfy dry pregnancy skin with CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture, a lightweight facial moisturizer with profound hydration benefits and a magical ability to quench and soothe skin. Take it up a notch with their award-winning Restorative Skin Balm to help heal the most chapped and irritated skin. Still dry? Include a sheet mask treatment into your pregnancy skincare routine a few times a week for visibly hydrated, softer, and smoother skin. Of course, staying hydrated by drinking enough water will also help with dry skin during pregnancy. 

Melasma & Skin Discolouration: Brighten Safely While Pregnant

Here's another fun one for you. Many, if not most expectant women will experience skin discolouration somewhere on their body during pregnancy. Melasma is a hormone-related skin condition that presents as gray-brown patches on the skin. While it can show up on the arms, neck, or torso, melasma often appears right smack on the upper lip, giving it the charming nickname, Melasma Mustache. Just what you want, right!?

Like stretch marks, these spots are not harmful but can significantly impact appearance, making some feel self-conscious. GK to the rescue! Before applying your clean, high-performance foundation, you can lighten these dark spots with an all-natural dark spot remover serum or a brightening vitamin C serum. Because sun exposure is one of melasma's catalysts, daily SPF is essential for prevention. And because we're talking about the upper lip here, an area on the face prone to sweating, remember to frequently reapply your UV protection. Another tool for your Melasma Mustache toolkit is the Kaia Naturals Takesumi Bright Kojic Acid Brightening Body Bar which works to minimize dark spot pigmentation with the use of kojic acid and licorice root extract. Both are safe and effective brightening actives. Use this brightening bar daily in the shower on any body area where hyperpigmentation is occurring. 

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy (and What to Use Instead)

While many skincare ingredients are perfectly safe during pregnancy, some can be absorbed into the bloodstream and may pose risks to your developing baby. Whether you're switching up your routine or doing a full beauty cabinet overhaul, here are the top ingredients to avoid—and clean, pregnancy-safe alternatives we love at The Green Kiss. We recommend our pregnant clients steer clear of vitamin A, retinol, and highly concentrated essential oils. In addition, it is recommended to avoid chemical sunscreens, but not to worry, all of our sunblocks are chemical-free and mineral-based. Another ingredient to avoid is aluminum chloride which is found in most antiperspirant deodorants. Fortunately, none of the deodorants we carry contain aluminum chloride. Safer alternatives include: Bakuchiol (natural alternative to retinol), Niacinamide (brightening & anti-inflammatory), Vitamin C (gentle brightening), Zinc oxide (physical SPF), Hyaluronic acid (deep hydration), and Aloe vera, Chamomile, Calendula (soothing botanicals)

Our Takeaway: Shop Pregnancy-Safe Skincare That Actually Works (Glow Guaranteed) 

We know it can be hard to give up a beloved skincare regimen, but you can make the switch to clean skincare with confidence. Ask a Green Kiss Educator for a custom high-performance pregnancy-safe skincare routine and glow with confidence knowing you're making a healthy choice for both you and your baby. 
Wishing you a very happy, glowing pregnancy!
xo,
The Green Kiss

All copy found on The Green Kiss website is written for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.