You’re not alone. With so many changes and hormones fluctuating, it is common to experience new skin issues. You may feel your skin becoming more sensitive or responding differently to your usual products. Perhaps your skin is starting to breakout, or you notice more dark spots or pigmentation.
This is a great time to look at your skincare routine and see if any changes can be made to bring skin back to a calm and healthy state.
INTRODUCE A CALMING SKIN ROUTINE
#1 tip is to be gentle. Resist the urge to scrub your face or go crazy with face masks, toners etc. Your skin’s protective barrier is vulnerable and unpredictable.
When suffering from breakouts or sensitivity, we always recommend simplifying your routine to a gentle cleanse followed with an application of calming moisturiser. Avoid any methods of exfoliation and/or face masks while skin is sensitive.
Look for a cleanser with ingredients that will soothe inflammation and remove bacteria such as...
Red reducing Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf juice, and Calendula officinalis (Calendula) flower are excellent for calming redness.
Equisetum arvense (Horsetail) is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and, an antioxidant famous for its wound healing abilities AND is considered to be the best possible tonic for acne and eczema. Take a look at our Vegan Cleanser.
To help repair and encourage a healthy skin barrier, apply a moisturiser after cleansing. Hydration is key for reducing sensitivity and increasing skin health.
Choose a light, moisturiser, like our Vegan Moisturiser, that contains natural ingredients like Sodium hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) collagen promoting Fucus vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) extract and spot-fading Olive derived (Squalane).
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Most skincare products today are safe, however, there are some ingredients that practitioners recommend avoiding.
VITAMIN A
Vitamin A and its derivatives in your skincare, including prescription retinoids.
HYDROQUINONE
This is a concentrate skin lightener that may penetrate the bloodstream, so it is recommended to steer clear during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
SALICYLIC AND GLYCOLIC ACIDS
Although the concentration in topical creams is usually very low, these acids could react with ingredients in other products and upset skin. So, we suggest skipping these.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils contain chemicals that can be absorbed by your body, meaning they have the potential to reach your growing baby. It’s safest to hold off on aromatherapy during the first three months of pregnancy and then get your doctor’s okay - if you want to use essential oils during the second and third trimesters.
With so much to keep in mind, it can be quite overwhelming to shop for all the products you need while pregnant and prepping for baby. So when it comes to skin, keep things simple. Two or three products used consistently (AM and PM), while pregnant, will give you skin the best chance of returning to health and happiness.
Take care and look after yourself during this magically time. And if you have any concerns relating to skin or health issues, please consult your doctor or midwife.
All NEEK products are natural, vegan and pregnancy/breastfeeding friendly.
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