As some of you may have notice, that pregnancy glow does not come so easily to all pregnant women! Let's face it ladies..many of us get a huge spike in hormones throwing our skin around on a roller coaster ride and we have to 'help' the glow along!
The single most important step you should never skip is the proper cleansing of your face in the morning and evening--every day. Even if you wear no make up, dust and residue sticks to your skin which can clog your pores. This happens during the day and yes ladies, while you sleep as well.
During pregnancy your skin is more sensitive, so be sure to choose a gentle make up remover, cleanser, toner and moisturize. Also, if you have acne prone or oily skin, you may have more breakouts in the 1st trimester. Take caution in using acne solutions as many dermatologist do not recommend topical retinoids or salicylic acid during pregnancy.
During my first pregnancy, my skin went for a spin on that roller coaster ride as I didn't know what to expect or how to approach the ride! However, I did a lot of research, finding a solution that worked for me. As I started to notice the nice difference, others did as well; this I knew from the 'oh you have the glow' comments I started to get! Post baby, breast feeding, 13 months later and now 21 weeks pregnant again, my skin is looking better than ever. Below is what I do, but if you have different skin and are not sure so, send me a message and I may can help you too!
1.) First I use a Cold Cream Cleanser which I make myself. I grew tired of trying new things and getting not so great results. (See below for recipe)
I splash my face with some water then apply a very small amount of the Cold Cream Cleanser in circular motions. This may seem a little oily, but you actually need a little oil and it really does work! I gave it a week to prove itself and I'm still hooked!
2.) Next use Clinque's Mild Soap bar. I have used this through my teenage years and still, it seems to be the best soap for that squeaky clean feeling! Note- Be sure to use your fingers or a very soft cloth such as a baby wash cloth! Regular wash cloths can be to rough for your delicate skin especially while in this delicate state. Also, pat face dry with a towel; do not wipe or rub.
3.) Time for your toner! Sometimes I use tried and trusted Rose Water. This can be found at most health food stores. I like to purchase the bottle with the sprayer, or at least the first time so you can refill. Simply spray some Rose Water on a cotton ball and apply to your face in circular motions. This will pick up any dirt or make up that you missed in your cleansing process. If I notice my pores are misbehaving I will use a clarifying toner for acne which I also make myself:
Take an old toner, or make up remover bottle to wash and store your toner. Once it's clean and dry add the following:
1/2 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon rosewater
1 tablespoon vodka Cap bottle and shake to blend.
This makes a 7 day supply. Apply with a cotton ball as you would any other toner. Be sure to refrigerate and use within a week. ( If you're like me and you don't keep vodka in the house, you can buy a small mini bottle or sub with witch hazel, but I really like how this combination works as above)
4) Moisturize!!! A really great moisturizer I have found is Clinique Youth Surge SPF 15 or when really dry or sunburned I will use Clinique Moisture Surge. Having combination skin, my skin is always changing but by now in my mid 20's I can tell what my skin is needing throughout the week.
Also, you can whip up a great gentle night moisturizer yourself:
1 tablespoon apple juice
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1 teaspoon glycerin
Mix all in a saucepan over low heat until combined thoroughly. Put in a small sterile container. This has no preservatives so it last for about 7 days.
5) Under the Eyes - There's lots of under eye creams that cost so much for such a tiny little container! I save finished eye cream jars and stylize them to fill with my own creations which I have found to work the best for my eyes! I switch from the following eye creams:
A.)
Vitamin E Cold Cream Eye Cream
2 teaspoons cold cream (recipe below)
4 vitamin E capsules or 1 teaspoon
Simply mix and store in a sterile container.
B.)
Coconut Eye Cream
3 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons grated cocoa butter
Heat gently in a water bath over the stove or for 15 seconds at a time until mixxed. Be careful not to over heat. Pour in a small sterile jar and let cool overnight.
(Note-coconut oil melts with the touch of your skin so this won't be a thick cream and in the summer time it will be more oily. Apply a very small amount under the eye area with your ring finger)
C.)
Tired Eyes Cooling Jel
1 teaspoon fresh cucumber juice
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon witch hazel
1 tablespoon aloe vera jel
Combine cucumber juice, aloe vera & cornstarch in heat proof bowl and mix.
Heat in water bath over stove until just boiling but do not boil!(or about 1 min in the microwave) Remove from heat and mix in witch hazel.
When thoroughly mixed let it cool completely and then store in a sterile jar (it will be jelly like)
The next day, you will be glad you took a few extra minutes of pampering!!
*Cold Cream Recipe as mentioned above.
1/8 Teaspoon Borax Power
/4 Cup Distilled Water ( or Rose Water)
1/2 Cup Light Oil ( Jojoba, Almond, Grapeseed..etc..)
2 Tablespoons Grated Beeswax
Dissolve the Borax in the water in a glass cup and set aside.
Mix the oil & beeswax in another glass cup.
Place in a pan of water to make a water bath and heat over medium heat until the beeswax is melted.
When the was has melted, bring the borax mixture to almost boiling.
Remove from water bath.
Slowly add to the wax mixture while stirring/whipping.
If it's not thickening you may want put in a blender and whip. It will be light and little runny until it has cooled completely.
Once cooled you will have a basic,lasting cold cream!
HIPPITY HOP!!
Peep Family Set from Sassy Little Princess! I have a set like this on order and I can't wait to get them! The set starts at $15 & you can customize the colors and even have baby rattles added. Also, how about a chick, an owl or an elephant?
