Safer Skincare for Pregnancy Acne

Oh Baby! Are You Pregnant And Have New Born Questions about Your Own Skincare?

First, we want to say…Congratulations! What a wonderful time in your life. And one of the most important times in your life personally. The next nine months or so are about you and that NEW BABY whose about to change your life in so many ways.
 
For many new moms-to-be, in addition to all the changes your body is experiencing on the inside, your skin may see some changes too. The changes in your skin are a visual daily reminder that you are becoming a new mom-to-be. Some women are prone to acne when others are simply seen as ‘glowing’ and still others might be feeling the itch from the sensation of a stretching tummy or to get through this while others may begin to see a mottled change in color in parts of their face, called melasma.
 
But, don’t worry, we’re here for you and your skin now and anytime you need us during this next part of your very special journey. And we will be here after your pregnancy since your skin is with you lifelong. I'm going to share many tips and several product recommendations. And we’ve got some things for your sweet new baby, too. Not every product works for every pregnancy, so pick and choose carefully for your needs.
 
Since it starts with the letter ‘A’ let’s address it first. Yup, Acne. It’s hormonal, it’s emotional, it’s acne. You might say, why me? Well, while everything else is changing and shifting in your body at this glorious time, your skin wants to be a part of it as well.
 
Of course, acne is a condition that is predisposed for certain people. Are you thinking, lucky me? Well, it is another challenge but, with proper care, a clean skincare routine will be one more thing you can use to get ready for the little one. Because you are going to want to treat your skin like a baby’s, some of the tips I will share here will be great for baby care, too. 
 
So, your skin is starting to tell you that your body is changing. You used to break-out a little but, now you are beginning to experience a new level and you don’t know what is safe to do. The concern over your new one’s safety is not just your natural motherly instinct, it is real. Many of your doctors prescribed acne remedies will be off your list for the next 9 months and if you breast feed even longer. So, what’s a new mom to do?
 
Here is a Tender Skincare To Do List that will hopefully swaddle you in helpful information that will enhance not detract from this wonderful time in your life. Embrace the moment, it is yours. Soon enough you will be sharing most of your moments with a new little miracle.
 
The effects of practices that make an overall difference will be reflected in your skin and how you feel overall.

Tender Skincare To Do List

Sleep

The time our bodies heal. Of course 8 to 10 hours is recommended but, with body changes some women find this hard to do. So, take naps. Naps are being touted more every day for their impact on our overall health and well-being.

One of our Sally B’s products that I find helps sleep is our Eco Body Lotion, Lavender scent. And if your feet are swelling, try it there, too.

Water

You may feel the need to use hotter water hoping that will rid your skin of all its problems. The best thing is moderate temperature water also called, tepid. This is a great baby bath temp as well. They say to test it with your elbow, but you probably already know that tip. Did you know that too much water can dry and dehydrate your skin? So don’t overdo exposure to water. This can irritate already sensitive acne prone skin. If your chest and back are flaring too then limit bath time to 10 minutes, if you can.

Our Tamanu Luxury Facial Cleanser is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial and our customers rave about how much this product remedies much of their acne condition.

Exercise

Of course, as a mental health professional and knowing the impact our emotions have on our skin, I am all about emotional well-being. And exercise is certainly one of those things that ensures our emotional balance. It will also make you feel better about yourself because you were able to do more than you thought you could, or reinforces what you already know and keeps parts firm and you feel stronger.

You may really like our Tinted Moisturizer, if your acne is creating more redness than you want to see. And you may feel more comfortable if you apply our Tinted Moisturizer to tone down the color and have some protection if you are outside in the sun. It is a great compliment to your sunscreen and neutralizing your skin color will emphasize that natural glow that people see in women when they are pregnant

Meditate

OMMM, is a good way to start but, so is saying, “Thank You.” If you are new to meditation or in the midst of learning but, can’t quite get to the calm in the eye of the storm, KEEP PRACTICING. This is going to be so helpful when your baby comes. When you are centered they will learn to be as well. At a time when hormones are shifting and shouting at you, there is no better time to begin this practice.

You may want to incorporate your body care into your meditation and add Eco Body Lotion, Lavender scent to your routine to help you meditate even more effectively. Soothing, calming, refreshing, relaxing brings you to the Ahhhhhhhh you are looking for.  

Facials: DIY or Professional

Both are highly recommended. See a licensed professional especially if extractions are needed and if you just want to take a break and get a boost in your daily care. Professional facials are incredibly helpful because of the level of care they can provide beyond what you can do yourself. Ask if the Esthetician you are seeing is well-versed in working with the special needs of new moms. They must know what NOT to use on your skin and they should interview you thoroughly before performing any service.

Take your trusted Sally B’s products with you. This way, the professional will learn about what works for you. And you may help them by introducing them to a product they and their other clients will benefit from. It’s always nice to do something for somebody else.

DIY Facials - Here we go!

Healthy Skincare Practices you can do at home.

1. Gentle Cleansing and Toning

Start with tepid water and our Tamanu Luxury Facial Cleanser. Wet your face. Apply product to your ‘clean’ hands and then gently massage (think of the delicate pressure you will use to stroke your baby’s face) in small circular movements for 30 seconds to a minute. When using a cleanser that has active, helpful ingredients, the time it is on the skin is really important, not the pressure you use. Pressure will add to inflammation and we want to help calm your skin. So, to get the most from your facial cleanser delicately apply it and let it do what it does. While you are doing this, use your meditation skills to see your skin, smooth, healthy and well. Finish off by lifting away unnecessary skin cells and soothing the skin with our Fruit Acid Toner with a soft cotton pad.

2. Use Plenty of Antioxidants

Use products with plenty of antioxidants and a touch of natural retinol replacements (check with your doctor) to balance skin. Citrine Complete Botanical Treatment, Peptide Booster Serum and Antioxidant Skin Boost hydrate and remove dead skin cells and keep your oil production under control while also encouraging healthy collagen development.

3. Apply Masks

Calm down your skin with our B Green Mud Mask. Naturally soothing ingredients including the green clay itself will calm your skin when you apply and leave it on as directed. Mix it with honey, avocado, water or leftover green smoothie. Then take it off with medium temperature water and a face cloth. The face cloth acts as a gentle method of exfoliation. Use delicate pressure and do not overly agitate your skin.

4. Leave-on Care Daytime and Nighttime

All of our products are soothing and hydrating so, we make sure that what you leave on your skin not only protects you during the day but, at night we are working for you as well. It may not make much sense to use an oil when sebum which we call ‘oil’ is one of the contributors but, the truth is using light natural oils can help. Acne prone skin struggles to hold water. To keep water hydration at a level that balances the skins behavior oil is over produced. Products help to control inflammation and protect from bacteria that are common to acne. Our B Quenched Facial Oil has a high concentration of organic black cumin seed oil which has both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which work to help counter redness and soothe irritation and minimize the bacteria that causes acne. B Quenched can be applied by itself or added to our other products like our Antioxidant Serum for Daytime and Nighttime.

5. Prevent and Protect

Don’t forget to protect your delicate eye area with Sally B’s Intensive Eye Repair. Even if you don’t need to repair anything yet, you want to protect this area and around your eyes from natural changes related to facial movement. Since you are going to be doing a LOT of smiling and cooing, and we are guessing you will be a little sleep deprived, be sure NOT to forget about this step. And add a little touch-up and spot cover to your glow with our Tinted Moisturizer with some extra special ingredients that will keep your skin healthy and safe and give you a little extra glow when you are tired.