The Best Basic Skincare For New (And Pregnant) Moms

Bringing a new life into the world is a magical moment in most women’s lives. In addition to all the changes that occur in your skin during pregnancy, including the pregnancy glow resulting from your skin secreting more oil or change in hormones like estrogen and progesterone, it can also cause dark spots and dry patches.

It can be overwhelming to learn many things. However, it is essential to avoid ingredients like retinoids, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide when pregnant or nursing, but there are safer alternatives out there.

As a busy mom taking care of the new baby, taking care of your skin might seem like a hassle, but not to worry, because you can keep your skin happy and healthy with a few basic products.

Here is a quick and easy basic skincare for new moms (and congratulations!):

1. Cleanser

Washing your face is an important step of a skincare routine because cleansers are designed to clean the face while washing away dirt, makeup, and dead skin. New moms should use a cleanser that can clean and rehydrate their skin at the same time without stripping the natural moisture barrier. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a soap-free and non-alkaline cleanser that can clean, soften, and soothe your skin. It is free of fragrance and can be used without water!

2. Hydrating Serum

Some moms can experience dry skin during pregnancy, so adding some extra moisturizing product will only benefit your skin because it will also help with fine lines and make your skin look bouncy. An affordable and easily accessible option is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, a vegan serum that provides deep hydration and is free of alcohol, parabens, and sulfates.

3. Brightening Serum

When your baby is your priority, you do not need extra dark spots to have to worry about. “Mask of pregnancy” is a common term that refers to dark patches that develop on your skin due to increased pigmentation because of hormones. That is when Vitamin C comes into play, because it can brighten your skin and lighten your existing dark spots. Just remember to use it consistently. Many studies have proven that using a Vitamin C serum like Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum can brighten your skin and help reduce hyperpigmentation.

4. Anti-aging Serum

Among many ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, retinol is one of them. However, Bakuchiol is considered a safer and natural alternative to retinol in firming your skin and evening out your skin tone because it has the same benefits as retinol without any side effects (yay!). Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum can provide you with all the benefits of retinol plus; this also has tremella mushroom, which is excellent for keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized.

5. Moisturizer

Moisturizing your skin is one of the most critical parts of any skincare regime. If you do not have time for all the extra serums and treatments, please moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. Beyond Glow Moisture Boost Cream can provide long-lasting, rich moisture while improving and smoothing your skin texture, so your skin is as soft and smooth as your new baby. It will literally make you glow.

6. SPF

Chemical sunscreens have oxybenzone and avobenzone that are not good for new moms. Switch to a physical sunscreen with ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provides 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays and prevents signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF30 is a multitasking sunscreen (with zinc oxide) and uses ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to protect and hydrate your skin. It works for all skin types and won’t leave any residue.

It may seem overwhelming to have to switch over your skincare routine after having a baby, but you can keep using the products even when you aren’t pregnant or nursing. The way you take care of your baby, set aside a little time to take care of your skin, because you deserve it.