Becoming a mother is a milestone achievement and navigating the physical and lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming. To help make skincare woes one less thing to worry about, we’ve put together our tips for navigating skin concerns that may pop up.
To start, we asked Rhiarna, the owner of Caci Taupo and with baby number two on the way, what her top skincare tips are for maintaining her skin during pregnancy.
It can be tricky maintaining your skin without advanced treatments during pregnancy. Personally, my main skin concerns are melasma (which is really heightened during pregnancy) and seeing frown lines now that my botox has worn off! Dehydration has also been a lot more present too.
To focus on doing what has been best for my skin (and baby!) I have been strictly using these products:
- Skinsmiths Gentle Cream Cleanser (AM & PM)
- Skinsmiths Ultimate Renewal Serum (AM & PM)
- Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (I use this all over my concerned pigment spots and I really do think it has been helping!) (PM).
As far as in clinic treatments go, I have been trying to regularly have the Murad Hydrating Facial to help aid with my hydration levels. So far, I can see my skin is responding well to this regime until I can safely introduce more advanced treatments/products in due course.
Pregnancy Safe Skincare
It can be tempting to avoid using anything during pregnancy, especially as the abundance of information on the internet can lead to more questions than answers. But look no further, we asked Linda, our National Skincare Trainer at Caci, for the run down on pregnancy safe skincare routines and treatments.
Skin sensitivity can increase even if your skin is not typically sensitive, causing it to be more reactive not only to skincare but also to things like food and climate.
To help keep your skin calm, try the Skinsmiths B12 Multi-Cleanser. It's enhanced with Vitamin B12 and prebiotics that provide relief for stressed skin and lock in moisture. If your skin is feeling sensitive, try the Murad Heartleaf Soothing Face Cleanser. This cleanser is gentle, non-stripping and immediately calms, soothes, softens and refreshes sensitive skin without leaving it feeling tight.
A hydrating and calming serum like Murad’s Revitalixir Recovery Serum can help with reducing skin sensitivity, under-eye puffiness, dark circles and smooths stress-lines.
Acne or breakouts are common due to hormonal fluctuations, even when you might never have had a pustule (small, puss-filled bumps on the skin) before. They can appear around the jawline or cheeks and can look inflamed, additionally, you may notice your skin getting oilier.
To combat this, mix in the Skinsmiths Enzyme Polishing Powder into your cleanser or add water to gently exfoliate and refresh dull and tired skin. Follow up with Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel to balance the oils and lock in moisture.
The most common complaint we see is pigment, melasma and uneven skin tone due to hormones. To target uneven skin tone, reach for the Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum as it helps to remove dead and dull surface cells to reveal more radiant, brighter skin. You can also try the Skinsmiths PRO Strength Niacinamide. Activated by Niacinamide (aka Vitamin B3), this restorative elixir targets uneven skin tone while refining and smoothing skin texture.
SPF is a must! Try the Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50 or Skinsmiths Daily Mineral Defence SPF 40 to protect the skin from heat.
You can develop more facial vellus hair (commonly known as Peach Fuzz) or see a darkling of vellus hair on the face. This is common in pregnant ladies due to hormonal changes. Talk to your Skin Therapist about a Dermaplaning. It has multi benefits of not only removing the peach fuzz, but also gently exfoliating surface dark spots on the skin – enjoy instantly smooth skin and the better absorption of skincare products.
Pregnancy Safe Treatments
While there are lots of no-no treatments, focusing on boosting hydration can help calm the skin and reduce any redness. Here is our fave pregnancy safe Caci treatments for when you need a little ‘me’ time.
Sonophoresis Skin Infusion (with no current)
For an ultra-hydrating, non-invasive treatment that is safe for all stages of pregnancy, try our Sonophoresis Skin Infusion. We do tweak it a little by removing the current for your safety. Try the Hydrating infusion to plump and hydrate or stimulate collagen production, firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines with our Collagen infusion. Enjoy an instant glow with no downtime!
Hydradermabrasion (with no current)
For a gentle exfoliating treatment that deeply cleanses and hydrates, try the Hydradermabrasion. This treatment is perfect for those looking to combat dryness, breakouts and congestion. Like the Sonophoresis Skin Infusion, we also tweak this treatment by removing the current for your safety.
Skinsmiths B12 Hydrating Facial
For the ultimate rest and relaxation moment, try the Skinsmiths B12 Hydrating Facial. Melt away your stress and skin woes with an instant moisture boost and strengthen your skin barrier. An enzymatic exfoliation under steam softly dissolves dead skin cells, while the Skinsmiths B12 Hydrating mask locks in hydration. Walk out radiantly refreshed!
Level 1 peel
Reveal a fresh-faced glow with no downtime with our Level 1 Peel. This potent yet gentle peel uses Glycolic Acid plus Liquorice extract for smoother, soothed skin. For an extra hydrating boost, use the Murad toner to prep the skin. Perfect for those who aren’t experiencing skin sensitivities and are wanting to brighten and smooth the skin.
Dermaplaning
This non-invasive, safe exfoliating treatment uses a sterile surgical blade to gently remove dead skin cells and vellus hair (aka peach fuzz) on the skins surface. Dermaplaning instantly smooths the skin texture and allows better absorption for skincare products which help them work more effectively. Reveal a smoother and brighter complexion.
Want to talk more about safe skincare?
If you know to know more about what treatments and skincare is right for you and your skin, book a free consultation at your local Caci Clinic today.
Botulinum toxin injections are prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botulinum toxin injections have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if botulinum toxin injection is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for your botulinum toxin injection and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your doctor or go to www.medsafe.govt.nz . Botulinum toxin injections lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals.
