“Pregnancy glow” is a well-known phenomenon most expecting mothers eagerly look forward to seeing. Understandably so – who isn’t looking to achieve that lit-from-within look? If only it were that easy!
“Some women will experience a healthy color to the face during pregnancy from a boost in blood flow,” explains Lisa Mazullo, Clinical OBGYN at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Co-Author of Before Your Pregnancy.
However, increased hormone production and immune system shifts may lead to oily skin, pregnancy acne, and dryness—two words: Major bummer.
Luckily, Silver Mirror is here to provide you with pregnancy-safe facials in addition to some product recommendations that are safe for you and the baby.
Pregnancy-Safe Facial
While experts encourage caution with ingredients when there’s a baby on board, a well-curated prenatal facial like Silver Mirror’s Mom-To-Be treatment is a safe, highly effective skincare solution through every trimester, as well as after pregnancy. This facial addresses a variety of concerns including pregnancy acne or postpartum dry skin on the face. So let’s rejoice: facials and pregnancy can coexist! Silver Mirror has you covered for a pregnancy safe facial addressing an oily face and other concerns.
The unique treatment forgoes electrical devices and penetrative acids while still giving ultimate hydration and balancing the skin – sure-fire ways to beat back new acne crops and achieve the coveted glow you desire! In line with Silver Mirror’s signature treatments, a double exfoliation uses pregnancy-safe enzymes to gently lift away dead skin cells and prep the face. It is an infusion of antioxidants, vitamins, and oxygen. LED light therapy then promotes rejuvenation and blood flow while safely killing acne-causing bacteria. The facial finishes off with a moisturizer and physical sunscreen. This prenatal facial (or postpartum facial) leaves the skin visibly plumper and kickstarts the healing process for any blemishes and damage.
You can say goodbye to pregnancy acne and shift your focus to the exciting change coming into your life!
Once you’re officially a new mom (congratulations by the way), this facial treatment will continue to be your postpartum skin savior. Turn to this postpartum facial directly following delivery and while nursing. Dr. Mazzullo notes that skin changes resulting from pregnancy may persist for up to 6 weeks after birth. Instead of hoping for it, now you can guarantee to have the pregnancy glow.
Congratulations to all the Moms-to-Be on your new journey of becoming a mother! If you’re searching for a facial during pregnancy, we’ve got you covered.
Skincare Tips for a Safe Pregnancy
Now that we have your monthly facial covered, we want to provide you with some pregnant-safe skincare products so you can create an everyday skincare routine that will leave your skin healthy and glowing..
Here are a few skincare tips on what to use and avoid while pregnant and nursing.
1) Sunscreen – Completely Safe and Still Important
If the beach and sun call your name even when pregnant, be sure to use sunscreen every step of the way. Mineral-based sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, are perfectly safe for pregnant women. The difference between chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen is the latter contains 100 percent mineral actives, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Plus, physical sunscreens reflect UV rays, as opposed to absorbing them like chemical sunscreens are known to do. The Supergoop brand has a great mineral SPF moisturizer.
2) Acne Products – Why You Should Avoid All Acne-Focused Products
Due to hormones, many women experience acne and breakouts during their first trimester of pregnancy. It is important to avoid all acne-focused products because of the chemicals. If you must use a face wash, use one that has only 2% salicylic acid. The Sanitas brand is paraben-free, especially the soap-free Beta Clarifying cleanser, and gently strips the skin of the excess sebum.
3) Soy Products – Better For Night-Use
Soy is known to even out skin tone, but not Melasma (mask of pregnancy) due to elevated hormones. Unfortunately, soy makes the dark patches a lot darker. So, lay off on the Soy moisturizers until after you go to bed. Stick to using SPF and keeping your skin hydrated with a serum. The Revision Hydrating Serum is excellent and high in hyaluronic acid. When your skin is hydrated, it is less likely to break out or become uneven.
4) Hair Removers (depilatories) – Opt For Dermaplaning
Hopefully, you’ve been avoiding hair removal lotions before now. It is definitely a no-no during pregnancy. However, here at Silver Mirror, we offer dermaplaning! Dermaplaning during pregnancy is a perfect alternative to other hair removal solutions. Any of our highly-skilled estheticians will use a scalpel to work away at the dead skin cells and peach fuzz on the skin. After dermaplaning, your skin will look great with or without makeup, and skincare products will work a whole lot better. Dermaplaning is one of the best treatments at Silver Mirror for moms-to-be.
5) Makeup – Avoid Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin
Avoid cosmetics that contain retinol or salicylic acid (found in some makeup for acne-prone skin). Many makeup products are marked “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic” – meaning they are oil-free and less likely to clog pores; these are safe and will not affect your baby’s health.
6) Retinoids – Avoid Completely
Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is used for anti-aging and preventing/reducing wrinkles. Pregnant women should avoid this product because a high dose of Vitamin A can harm your unborn child.
7) Salicylic Acid – Opt for Topical Use Only
This is usually found in acne-focused cleansers, toners, and other acne-fighting products to exfoliate dead skin cells. High uses of salicylic acid in its oral form (oral salicylic has been related to aspirin) can cause birth defects. But the topical use of only 2% once or twice a week is considered safe. Regardless, please be careful with salicylic acid at any dose while pregnant.
8) All Trimesters – Safe with Skincare Professionals
A facial during the first trimester is just as safe as a facial during the third trimester if performed by skin professionals. At Silver Mirror, we have carefully worked with the top industry professionals and skincare lines to deliver a safe, enjoyable experience for facials and pregnancy. A pregnant facial, as some call it, should only be provided by the best facial bar.
If you’re a mom-to-be, now that you know what’s safe and what to avoid, go ahead and pamper yourself – we know you need it! Stop by Silver Mirror to receive a high-quality, safe facial to leave your skin feeling refreshed and glowing or use our tips to create a safe, at-home skincare routine.
As with all tips, consult with your esthetician to be sure they fit your skin and body.
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