A Breastfeeding-Safe Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin Post-Pregnancy
In June, I welcomed my second daughter into the world. While my second experience with pregnancy was more trying than the first, I still count myself as one of the lucky ones in the “pregnancy glow” category. Even though I wanted to puke all day and my back and ankles suffered, I was fortunately blessed with well-behaved skin, thicker hair and healthy nails. However, I learned from after having my first daughter that these pregnancy benefits wouldn’t last. That’s why I promised myself I’d do my best to maintain the glow...#momife stressors and all.
Time is very precious these days, so it’s important to keep my skincare routine short and sweet. And since I’m still nursing, all my skincare has to be breastfeeding safe. Here’s my morning and evening skincare routine!
Morning (1-2 minutes)
NATURIUM Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% ($16)
I’m a sucker for serums. I love them the most. This one goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. Niacinamide is the perfect ingredient for my skin because it targets uneven texture, excess oil, and congestion.
KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream ($28)
The last thing I want is a heavy moisturizer in the morning. I live in Florida (hello, humidity!) and have a history of acne. This moisturizer is exactly what it sounds like: a cool drink of water for your face.
MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++ ($19)
On the days I leave the house, I’ll apply this sunscreen. It’s super lightweight and gives great protection at SPF 50.
Evening (5 minutes)
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($12) + PMD Clean ($99)
I call this my holy grail combo. I’ve been using these products for a few years now and I credit the gentle cleanser and facial brush for turning my skin around. It gets all my makeup off easily and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($9)
I’ll occasionally use this toner if I feel I need an exfoliation boost. I do not have sensitive skin, so I like to use this alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) two to three times a week to help with texture. I don’t love that it dries with a slightly sticky texture, but since it’s not my final step in my routine, I don’t mind it as much.
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum ($72)
This is my current alternative to Tretinoin because it’s pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe. I really like this serum. It’s lightweight and makes me feel fancy, like most Biossance products do. I imagine it would be a great product for somebody that’s normally sensitive to retinol because it doesn’t cause any sensitivity or flaking.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($16)
This lotion is super lightweight and contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides. It does a great job retaining moisture until morning, even during the colder months. It’s another one of my tried-and-true holy grails for oily, acne prone skin.
PMD Silversilk Pillowcase ($99)
I’ve recently started sleeping on this silk pillowcase and I love that it keeps me cool through the night and helps with any creasing on my facial skin while I sleep. It also contains silver, which is anti-bacterial. Added bonus: less hair frizz in the morning!
Ritual Essential Postnatal Vitamins ($35)
I also noticed that my prenatal vitamins brand, Ritual, released a postnatal version of their vitamins, so I’ve been taking those consistently. They taste great and sit next to my toddlers vitamins, so I don’t forget to take them each morning.
It’s been six months and I have no complaints. When I’m done breastfeeding, I’ll add in some of the more powerhouse skincare ingredients like Tretinoin, salicylic acid, and more. I now look forward to the day that my skincare efforts are able to join forces with a full night of sleep.
