My Pregnancy Safe Skin & Hair Care Routine

It seems like all the good stuff is off-limits when pregnant. Water slides, wine, sushi, deli meat, rollercoasters, and freakin EVERY SKIN CARE PRODUCT UNDER THE SUN!

Not being able to use any kind of retinoid during pregnancy just wreaks absolute havoc on my hormonal acne-prone face.

Now, it goes without saying that it's a small sacrifice to pay. It is all worth it in the end, and I would do it a million times over if it means having my babies, BUT I don't have to sit there and enjoy the live version of connect the dots on my face!

I am currently on my 5th pregnancy, and the only pregnancy glow I get is from the oil and sweat secreting from my pores 24/7. BUT, I think I have found a routine that actually works and is safe to use while pregnant. (Of course, please double check with your doctor though.)

See, I use to spend $15 here on this skin care product and $25 there on that one. Individually, nothing was ever too expensive, but I soon realized these inexpensive items really added up every month. On top of that, they never seemed to work well.

Then one day I said, "Screw it! Clearly, buying every raved about product under the sun has done absolutely nothing, so why don't I just stop?" And I did.

So I did a little research on face wash and moisturizers. Given most acne medicines are deemed unsafe during pregnancy, I didn't even bother with it. I also learned that many topical creams could cause more breakouts as they dry out the skin. If you dig deeper, you will find that the best thing you can do for your acne is to keep your skin hydrated rather than dry it out.

So instead of spending $15 here and $20 there etc. I decided to take that money and invest in two quality moisturizers, one for morning and one for night. Not going to lie, there was definitely some sticker shock with these products, but once I started using them, I saw such a difference in my skin and was immediately grateful I took the plunge and got the products. I ended up spending the same as I did back when I bought more affordable products since the quantity is much less now.

My last four pregnancies resulted in acne like I had never experienced before. Not only was it all over my cheeks and chin, but it went down my neck and behind my ears. While that has a lot more to do with hormones rather than having a good skin care routine, I can't help but wonder if this new skin routine has helped given I am barely breaking out this pregnancy.

Also, it's important to note that I changed to this skincare routine when I was postpartum and breastfeeding with my fourth. I saw a change in my skin then and continued to see it when I got pregnant again with my fifth. So this skincare routine is based on my experience during postpartum, breastfeeding, and being pregnant.

Below are the products I use and my routine, but please check with your docotr to make sure they are right for you during your pregnancy.

A.M. Pregnancy Skincare Routine

• Rinse face with cold water and pat dry with a clean face towel (I use these)
• Apply AM moisturizer to face, neck, decollete, and hands. (This moisturizer is on major sale right now if you do Subscribe & Save on Amazon!)
• I use these applicators to get the moisturizer out of the jar so I am not sticking my fingers in there every time. The eye roll one is amazing in the AM as it is cold and helps with depuffing my under eyes.
• Let dry by using this handheld fan to speed up the process
• Apply this sunscreen
• If wearing make-up, I use these products

P.M. Pregnancy Skincare Routine

• Wash your face with this bar soap
• Wash it again
• Use these face cloths to dry and lightly exfoliate the skin (if not doing a mask)
• Three nights a week, I will apply this clay mask (it's on Amazon too!) and it has made a massive difference in my acne. Pro tip: Apply the clay mask on a damp (not wet) face. This will prevent drying, and it's actually how clay masks are supposed to be applied.
• Apply Aquaphor under the eyes while the face mask dries. This will keep your under eyes hydrated and act as a barrier for the mask so it doesn't get on the delicate skin around your eyes.
• Rinse the mask off and use a clean towel to dry
• Apply PM moisturizer to the face, neck, decollete, and hands. (This moisturizer is on major sale right now if you do Subscribe & Save on Amazon!)
• Seal in that moisturizer with a nickel-size amount of Petrolatum jelly.
• You should be going to bed looking like a glowy slug.
• Use this satin scrunchie to keep your hair out of your face.
• Then I take my vitamins. I swear these supplements have been the biggest game changer for my skin and hair. I love them because the vitamin regimn changes as you progress through pregnancy and postpartum, to ensure you are getting the proper nutrients for every stage! They are offering 20% off with code HORTONLANE20
• Then rest that beautiful face on this satin pillowcase. Pro Tip: Change your pillow case every two days. It makes a world of difference! Pro Tip #2: Ensure your laundry detergent isn't causing breakouts. This happened to me a while back, so I switched to this one (it's safe for baby items too!) and saw a difference in my skin once I made the switch!

And that's it! It is quick, doesn't require a lot of products, and has made a world of difference to my skin!

Bonus Item for When You Are Not Pregnant

When I am not pregnant, I add a retinal to my routine. I have been using this $12 cream since I was in junior high, and it's the only reason my acne was under control during puberty. Back when I used it, you could only get it by prescription, and it was a little pricey. Now it's available over the counter for under $20!! I swear by it when not pregnant! And if you know me, you know it's a product I haven't been able to use in a while, because I am always pregnant! Lol!

Hair Care

These four items are what I use on daily basis but if you really want to up your hair care game, I highly suggest you check out my blog post on postpartum hair care products. These products made such a difference in my postpartum hair loss and I have continued to use them throughout pregnancy. Below are the items I use every day.

• I wash my hair with this shampoo and conditioner. After seeing how many moms recommended this product, I decided to give it a go, and oh my goodness, does it live up to the hype! I apply the shampoo to my scalp and then use this scalp massager to really get it lathered. This comb helps stimulate blood flow while getting rid of any dead skin on your scalp. It has helped me tremendously with my hair growth.
• After washing my hair, I towel dry it, then using my fingers I apply a Biotin serum all through my damp hair starting at the roots and working my way down. This combination has made a dramatic difference in the volume of my hair.
• I have had my share of trying different prenantls and These prenantals (get 20% off with code HORTONLANE20) are by far my favorite and I swear it has made my hair so much better throughout both pregnancy and postpartum!

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