CONTENTS:
- Pregnancy: Choosing the Right Skincare and Beauty Routines
- Taking Care of Your Breasts and Breastfeeding Your Baby
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Treatments to Gift Yourself or Receive in a Spa
Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, now is the perfect time to take care of your skin. Sometimes dry, oily, or acne-prone, your hormones put it through a lot. A pregnancy mask may appear on your face. On your body, tightness, itching, and even eczema can develop or worsen. And of course, the well-known stretch marks may appear on your belly. To pamper your skin, switch to a slow beauty routine, use the most natural products possible, and check out this list of beauty and wellness treatments that are compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pregnancy: Choosing the Right Skincare and Beauty Routines
As with the rest of the female body, your skin undergoes numerous changes throughout pregnancy. Dermatoses, keratoses, blemishes, hyperpigmentation... To help keep it beautiful and healthy, adjust your beauty routine using targeted pregnancy care products and cosmetics.
5 Commandments for Taking Care of Your Skin While Expecting
Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate again
To hydrate your skin properly, start by preventing dryness. To do this, opt for ultra-gentle, soap-free cleansers or a superfatted soap. Daily use of a moisturizing cream will make all the difference. Remember to apply it to your face and body, including your breasts. Don’t forget the beauty benefits of mineral water. To get the most out of it, rotate brands—providing different minerals and trace elements—and drink about 50 ounces of water each day.
Prioritize Natural Products and Pregnancy Safe Cosmetics
Pregnancy is truly the ideal time to clean up your beauty routine. Say goodbye to deodorant loaded with aluminum salts; instead, choose an organic deodorant suitable for pregnant women, and do the same for nail polish. While pregnant, it’s also not recommended.
Instead, say hello to pure plant oils, shea butter, and flower waters (hydrosols), all of which are excellent beauty allies during pregnancy.
Worth noting—and to keep in mind after your baby is born—a rosewater hydrosol (Damask roses) can help restore nervous and hormonal balance and is also soothing. It is known for guiding women toward greater serenity postpartum.
Avoid Ingredients Harmful to Your Health
Pregnant, you are carrying your baby. As a mom, you may choose to breastfeed. In both cases, you and your child are deeply connected. For both your sakes, avoid ingredients with harmful or questionable health effects.
- Endocrine disruptors: phthalates, parabens, triclosan, BHA, BHT… found in certain hair products, shampoos, styling products, and also nail polish.
- Mineral oils: Petrolatum, ceresine wax, vaseline, Mineral oil... They’re mainly found in greasy products like lipsticks and body balms, as well as some hair products.
- Alcohols: alcohol or denatured alcohol can often be found in perfumes or hair dyes.
- Formaldehyde: found in many makeup products, shampoos, conditioners, body washes…
- Sodium laureth and lauryl sulfate: present in many foaming products. These include shower gel, shampoos, conditioners, but also facial cleansers, liquid soaps, and toothpaste.
Be aware that most essential oils are contraindicated throughout pregnancy and in young children. It's best to avoid using them, at least for a while.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Wide-brimmed hats and SPF 50+ sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection are essential throughout your summer pregnancy to prevent sunburn, dark spots, and the pregnancy mask.
To stroll around worry-free, you can choose a high-SPF sunscreen suitable for children and/or organic. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice, or use brands with mineral filters rather than chemical ones. Nonetheless, prefer staying in the shade and a cool environment whenever possible.
Products to Include in Your Mommy-to-Be Beauty Kit
A Gentle Cleanser for Intimate Hygiene
Moisturizing Creams and Oils for Face and Body
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Skincare for Oily Skin
Tip: Store the bottle in the fridge before use for an extra-refreshing experience.
An Organic Solution for Dry Skin
A Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
Taking Care of Your Breasts and Breastfeeding Your Baby
“Breastfeeding doesn’t hurt and doesn’t damage your breasts.” While this phrase is often repeated, it doesn’t always reflect moms’ actual experiences. Nipple pain, cracks, or fissures—these small discomforts can quickly become a real problem and may even prevent latch-on or continuing to breastfeed.
To care for your breasts before, during, and after breastfeeding, again rely on simple routines and natural, fragrance-free products.
Every day in the shower, simply wash your breasts with plain water. There’s no need to soap up between feedings, as this may dry out your nipples and mask your unique scent from your baby. Lastly, let your chest air dry.
What Solutions Are There for Breast Discomfort or Pain?
If you experience pain or discomfort, certain products can support your breastfeeding journey while caring for your breasts.
- Pure lanolin nipple cream is a staple for breastfeeding moms. Natural, moisturizing, and healing, lanolin comes from sheep's wool. HPA® lanolin cream, Lansiloh®, and NUK Care breastfeeding balm are all great options.
- Natural oils like sweet almond or argan oil, applied as a massage, help prepare breasts for breastfeeding. Known for their moisturizing power, they should be organic whenever possible. For example, Néobulle’s nipple protection oil combines soothing chamomile, healing lavender, calming calendula, and purifying grapefruit.
- Applying cold compresses, a few drops of breast milk (which has healing properties) to the nipple after feeding, or hand-expressed milk can also help ease pain.
It is worth noting that most breastfeeding pain can be alleviated by adjusting your position with the baby. A lactation consultant or your midwife can provide valuable advice.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Treatments to Gift Yourself or Receive in a Spa
Throughout pregnancy, especially as your due date approaches, and even more so afterward, the need for self-care only increases. Besides the treatments you can give yourself, don’t hesitate to ask your partner to pamper you or consider visiting a spa for a well-deserved wellness break.
At home, enjoy a relaxing break and a warm bath while treating yourself to gentle self-massage on your chest, décolleté, belly, and legs. Also consider a soft back, scalp, neck, or foot massage. Instant relaxation is guaranteed. Weleda, Mustela, and Clarins all offer oils safe to use during and after pregnancy.
At the spa, you can enjoy a full facial treatment for glowing skin, a draining massage to lighten the sensation of heavy legs, or even hair removal (without hot wax), which is sometimes tricky to do by yourself—especially in the third trimester.
Always remember to mention that you are pregnant to avoid belly massages, strong pressures, or unsuitable products. Organic treatments often contain essential oils, most of which are not recommended during pregnancy. Lastly, saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzis are discouraged until after birth.
Pregnancy brings intense hormonal and physical changes. Followed by breastfeeding, it requires every new mom to draw on all her strength at every stage. Using suitable products, giving yourself wellness moments, and prioritizing your own needs whenever possible: these are key to a serene and fulfilling pregnancy and birth experience.
Additionally, boost your beauty routine by adjusting your diet (depending on your cravings, morning sickness, and pregnancy restrictions) and ensuring good-quality sleep until your baby arrives.
Which Cosmetic Products Should You Use During Pregnancy?
While pregnant, stick to natural and organic-certified care products and cosmetics. These do not contain endocrine disruptors, chemicals, or controversial substances that could be harmful to you or your baby. Plant oils, hydrosols, and soap-free cleansers are especially suitable.
What’s the Best Facial Care Routine for Pregnant Women?
To take care of her face, a pregnant woman should first and foremost moisturize daily using an appropriate cream or a natural plant oil. In summer, it is also important to apply a pregnancy-safe sunscreen each day (SPF 50+).
How to Care for Your Breasts While Breastfeeding?
The skin of the chest, like that of the belly, stretches during pregnancy. To care for it, use a hydrating and nourishing plant oil such as avocado, wheat germ, coconut, or borage oil. Also, choose to wear a suitable bra and end your shower with a cool-water spray to help firm your breasts.
