How To Get Glowing Skin When You’re Pregnant

When you’re pregnant you’re either in the glowing skin camp or the complete opposite. Pregnancy hormones can create havoc with your skin, but thankfully today Frances Thrasher, founder of the organic, oil-based skincare line, Kindred Skincare is here to share her tips for how to get the best skin while you’re pregnant! 

….and more of our favorite skincare products for when you’re pregnant right HERE! 

What are some common skin issues that women who are pregnant may experience?Pregnancy is a wonderful time of joy, anticipation and elation. There is increased blood volume creates the rosy glow of expectant mothers. But sometimes the body struggles to adapt to these changes in the body and hormones. Acne, rashes, stretch mark and spider veins are just a few of the skin problems women have to deal with during pregnancy.

 

What natural, botanical ingredients should expectant mothers be on the lookout for when dealing with issues like breakouts, uneven skin tone, and dry skin? 
There are many botanicals that can help with problem skin and achieve wonderful yet gentle results. Organic oils and butters are very effective for repair and hydration. The natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil and tamanu butter are effective against acne, rosacea, and general dermatitis. The willow bark oil in our Polish Cleanse is a natural source of salicylic acid to help clear up acne blemishes. Our Blemish Cleanse and Intense Moisture are fantastic for cleansing, minimizing acne and rosacea, and moisturizing without irritating dermatitis. The clays and botanicals in our Clay Mask help treat acne, gently exfoliate, and remove redness.

 

We often hear about the “pregnancy glow.” What tips do you have for achieving a glowing complexion? 
The initial glow occurs due to an increase in blood volume to support mom and baby.  So to keep that glow healthy, hydrated, and “bump-free,” cleanse with either of our gentle oil cleansers, exfoliate regularly with Polish Cleanse and Clay Mask, then stay hydrated with any of our facial moisturizers.

 

Masks are all the rage these days, great for self-care, relaxation and relief for the skin. Tell me about some of the preservatives used in masks that expectant mothers may want to avoid. What masks are best for them to use?
Clay masks are a fantastic way to exfoliate and refresh the skin, but many masks have preservatives to prevent bacterial growth. Triclosan, Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Propylene glycol are extremely prevalent in US cosmetics. These are preservatives and additives that can irritate the skin and potentially make their way through the umbilical cord. To be safe it is best to avoid any products with these substances. Instead of a ready made mask, choose a dry clay mask that you mix prior to use. Our Clay Mask has ready-made packets that you mix and apply to face and neck. Our mix of botanicals and oil will gently exfoliate, remove redness, and soothe itchy skin.

 

What are some natural exfoliators that mamas-to-be can use to buff away dead skin cells and smooth out dry skin?
Exfoliation is very important to prevent bacterial growth and to increase the effectiveness of moisturizers. But caution must be used in choosing the correct type of exfoliant. If the exfoliant is too sharp it can create micro crevices where bacteria can grow. Exfoliating with our gentle Polish Cleanse, using citrus peel and fig seeds, twice a week can help create a healthy polish without any fear of tearing delicate facial tissue. Polish Cleanse is also wonderful to use all over the body to exfoliate while simultaneously moisturizing!

 

One of the most common skin issues with pregnant women is stretch marks. Are they every fully avoidable? What types of skin products can women use to address stretch marks? What about products that soothe the itchiness that comes with stretching skin? How soon into the pregnancy should you start using certain products or oils to combat stretch marks?
Plum kernel oil is fantastic source of vitamin E, and mongongo oil is a deeply penetrating and nourishing oil, which that is why we use them in our incredible Body Oil. Daily massage of the belly and chest can help reduce the risk of stretch marks as you are stimulating lymphatic fluid. Plus, using a safe and moisturizing oil like our Body Oil can relax the mind and soothe the body. Regular gentle exfoliation with Polish Cleanse and Clay Mask (yes, on the belly and breasts) can relieve any itch and resolve any dermatitis.

 

Which essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy? Are there any that are not safe, and if so, which ones? 
Essential oils have become very popular to alleviate common ailments. Yes, botanicals have amazing properties, but like all medicine, one must use caution to determine the proper amount that is appropriate. Most importantly, essential oils must always be diluted with a carrier oil at a percentage of 5% or less.  

The following essential oils have been generally determined to be safe during pregnancy when properly diluted: bergamot, black pepper, chamomile (German & Roman), clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, majoram (sweet), neroli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, orange (sweet), tea tree, and ylang ylang. 

There are conflicting reports on whether certain oils can create uterine contractions, therefore, caution should be used when using the following essential oils: wormwood, rue, oak moss, mugwort, camphor, parsley seed, tansy, pennyroyal, and hyssop.