Don't skip the skincare in pregnancy! You may not be feeling your best self, but that's not a reason to forget to pamper yourself. If anything, it's a reason to do more self-care than usual. But if skincare is one of the ways you spoil yourself, then it can become a little bit tricky in pregnancy.
You may find yourself reacting differently to products you used prior to pregnancy, or you may feel strongly about sticking to clean, natural ingredients while expecting. But you don't need to forgo face masks while pregnant.
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Knowing what to look for in a face mask will let you find one that works for you, even if you're experiencing skin changes in pregnancy. From natural ingredients to look for to how to make one by yourself, here's what to look for in a face mask whiel expecting.
It's normal to have sensitive skin in pregnancy, even if you've never experienced it before. This is due to a number of factors including increased hormone levels, skin stretching, and the stress of pregnancy. Some women find that pre-existing skin conditions (like eczema) becomes worsened.
Though not everyone experiences sensitive skin while expecting, it's best to err on the side of caution. Pregnant moms are recommended to use clean, natural ingredients that are less likely to be harsh or irritating on the skin.
When looking for a face mask, prioritize products that are made with sensitive skin in mind. Some of the top natural ingredients to look for in face masks include:
Be careful when adding any new skincare items into your routine in pregnancy, even if it's just a one-time mask. It's a good idea to do a patch test - use a small dose of the product on your hand and wait a day or two to see if a reaction occurs. If your skin becomes irritated, discontinue use.
There are plenty of products on the market targeted towards pregnant moms. But be wary of buying a bunch of products you'll only want to use when expecting. It's better to invest in products that can do double-duty, which is why multigenerational skincare lines are increasing in popularity.
For example, Sephora just started carrying Evereden, a multigenerational skincare line with clean, non-toxic products that can be used on both mom and baby. They offer a wide range of skincare products (including masks) designed for sensitive skin, making it perfect for both infants and expecting mothers. You can use the products on yourself during pregnancy, and then spoil your baby after giving birth.
It's becoming increasingly easier to find face masks made with clean ingredients in stores. But if you want to go the most natural route, make one for yourself using ingredients you have at home. There are multiple benefits to creating your own DIY face masks in pregnancy. It allows you to know exactly what's going into the mask, and you can make just enough without having waste. It also tends to be more cost-effective.
Do a little research to pull up some easy recipes for making DIY masks at home. Be careful to follow storage instructions if you plan to save your concoction and use it more than once. Read our guide on how to make a DIY belly mask from scratch. When your child gets older, you can make a toddler-friendly face mask for them so they can indulge in skincare, too.
Sources: Elle, Beauty Independent, Evereden, What to Expect,