Skincare has always been one of my top priorities, but I wanted to make a few adjustments during pregnancy to ensure I was using products that are safe for my growing baby. I had previously been using a few products containing salicylic acid and retinol, which I nixed for the time being since they aren’t recommended for use during pregnancy. After a lot of research, I found some products containing pregnancy-safe ingredients that are still effective for fighting wrinkles and keeping acne at bay. One particular skincare company I recently discovered is Maelove, who offers products that are simple, clean and effective. I was originally gifted their clear skin kit and was so pleased with my results and that I could continue using the products during pregnancy. Keep on reading for my morning and night skincare routines, plus the products I’ve been using to prevent stretch marks.
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Morning Skincare Routine
Step 1. Cleanse – I wash my face in the morning with Maelove’s The Refresher, an AHA cleanser. AHA refers to Alpha Hydroxy Acids, which are known to be more gentle on skin. AHAs have mild exfoliating properties, help prevent wrinkles, brighten skin, and most importantly are safe to use during pregnancy. This AHA cleanser has an invigorating minty scent that helps me wake up and my face always feel so clean and soft after I use it.
Step 2. Serum – After cleansing, I pat my face dry and apply 3 drops of Perricone MD Vitamin C serum all over my face using a gentle pressing motion. Vitamin C is pregnancy-safe and great for brightening skin while minimizing dark spots and wrinkles. On days that my skin is particularly dry, I’ll use Maelove’s Love 31 serum since it’s so moisturizing.
Step 3. Eye Balm/Cream – I always use an eye balm or serum in the morning to brighten and depuff my undereye area. I’m currently loving this balm from Tula, and I’ll follow up with this anti-wrinkle eye cream from Esteé Lauder.
Step 4. Sunscreen – The last step in my morning routine is sunscreen. For pregnancy, zinc oxide is highly recommended since it’s a much cleaner SPF ingredient. I love this one from Maelove because it never leaves a chalky white film on my face and wears well under makeup.
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Nighttime Skincare Routine
Step 1. Cleanse/Exfoliate – At night, I’ll either cleanse my face with my usual cleansing cream or this exfoliating scrub, which I use once per week.
Step 2. Serum – Next, I apply this calming serum from Maelove, which contains niacinamide, a pregnancy-safe ingredient to help combat redness and prevent acne.
Step 3. Lactic Acid Treatment – I LOVE this lactic acid treatment from Sunday Riley. It’s what I am using in place of retinol during pregnancy to keep my skin texture smooth and prevent wrinkles. I use it every other night. Lactic acid falls under the AHA category.
Step 4. Night Cream – On nights I DO NOT use the above lactic acid treatment, I apply Maelove’s glycolic acid night cream as the final step in my nighttime routine. Glycolic acid also falls under the AHA category and is safe to use during pregnancy to improve skin texture. The reason I don’t use both the lactic acid and glycolic acid together is just because the ingredients are pretty similar. On nights I DO use the lactic acid treatment, I apply this night cream from It Cosmetics.
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Favorite Pregnancy-Safe Serums
NIA 10 Calming Serum – I use this at night to prevent acne and calm redness.
Vitamin C brightening serum – I use this in the morning (sometimes also at night) to help with brightness, evening skin tone, and wrinkle prevention.
LOVE 31 Precious face oil – Highly moisturizing and luxurious; I love using this during dry winter months. I mainly use it at night since it’s very rich.
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Stretch Mark Prevention
In addition to taking care of my face, I’ve been using a few products to prevent stretch marks as my belly grows. I used this body butter throughout my first pregnancy with great results so I’m going back to it this time, along with this new Bio Oil. In addition to stretch marks, the bio oil can be used for scars, after sun exposure, and even for anti-aging. I apply the Bio Oil in the morning since it’s lightweight and I put on the body butter at night after showering since it’s very thick and can absorb while I sleep.
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