Positively Glowing: Skin Care During Pregnancy

Breakouts and melasma are common problems during pregnancy. Both are the products of hormones that go into overdrive as your body is in full baby production mode.

Androgens, the hormones responsible for oil production, are stimulated by testosterone. The increased hormone level means an increase in sebum production, which in turn means more clogged pores and breakouts.

Estrogen and progesterone hormones stimulate melanocytes during pregnancy, which can result in the dark patches of pigmentation on your cheeks, chin or forehead known as melasma.

What makes treatment tricky during this time is that some of the go-to treatments (including retinoids) are not recommended because they can potentially cause harm to your developing baby. Don’t worry mama, we’ve got some recommendations for the perfect pregnancy-safe regimen for nine months of beautiful skin and beyond.

 

Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser morning and night

Cleansing is the first step in any successful skin care regimen. To fight hormone-induced breakouts and pigmentation, a cleanser formulated with gently exfoliating and naturally brightening mandelic acid is your top pick.

Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash is a gentle antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory cleanser that suppresses acne-causing bacteria, promotes cell turnover, and encourages even tone without stripping or over-drying.

Use a Toner To Refine and Renew

Alpha hydroxy acids, which aid cell turnover by encouraging the sloughing off of dead skin cells, are safe for use during pregnancy and can help clear and control breakouts and boost brightness. Use an AHA-based toner to refine pores, clear away excess oil, and prep skin for better absorption of additional treatments.

For glowing, resilient, breakout-resistant skin, try Vivant’s 3% Mandelic Acid Toner, which combines naturally brightening and anti-bacterial mandelic acid, with lactic acid and witch hazel in an ultra-clarifying cocktail.

For sensitive skin, antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory Skin Nourishing Toner formulated with mandelic acid, rosehip oil, and calming niacinamide and green tea extract is your glow-to.

Serum Is Your Friend

Just because you’re avoiding retinoids, there’s no reason to avoid serums altogether. In fact, exactly the opposite is true. Serums are skin-savers of the first order, formulated to target specific issues with highly concentrated active formulas.

Use Vivant’s Pure C + E in the morning to bolster your skin barrier and provide a brightening boost. This vitamin C & E therapy relies on the powerhouse antioxidant duo to stimulate collagen production, fight free radicals, inhibit melanocytes, and strengthen the skin barrier against acne-causing inflammation.

Target breakouts and discoloration with Vivant’s 8% Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Serum, a multi-tasking formulation that gently exfoliates, brightens, and boosts collagen production. Mandelic acid is a natural melanin inhibitor, making it ideal for fading hormonally-induced melasma and it’s safe for all skin tones. Use this morning and night.

Get Some “Me Time”

Keeping stress down will help keep skin calm and smooth. Relax and indulge in some clear skin therapy with a detoxifying and nourishing mask. Vivant’s Algae Soft Mask is an exceptionally restorative and clarifying blend marine minerals, amino acids, sea proteins, and polysaccharides to renew above and below the surface.

Adjust Your Diet

You’re likely already paying more attention to your diet during this time and that’s a good thing, both for baby and for your skin. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, and healthy fats like avocado and nuts. Avoid refined sugars and processed foods and be sure to stay hydrated.

 

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