SKINCARE IN MY STOCKING

Pregnancy nearly ruined my skin. Seriously. By week eight of my pregnancy, acne was sprouting up in places I didn’t know acne could even live. It bothered me way more than any other pregnancy symptom or weight gain. Thus launched my six-month mission to find the best pregnancy safe products to combat raging full body acne. Yes, I said full body and, no, I’m not exaggerating. 

I immediately reached out to friends for advice and recommends, and made my way to Sephora where a very nice employee spent HOURS with me going through products that were pregnancy safe, mostly things labeled, “Clean at Sephora”. I just started trying everything under the sun. (Don’t worry, I double checked all of them with my OB.) I learned so much about skincare in those six months, including but no limited to the fact that hormonal acne is more stubborn than Satan himself. But all that research lead me to develop a fabulous routine that’s helped me get clear and glowing skin. I don’t like wearing makeup, so it’s nice to finally have skin I can show off instead of cover up.

Click the images below to shop the products that magically transformed my skin - all of which would make excellent stocking stuffers this year. You can also check out my Amazon Storefront for easy ordering. Hoping that La Mer makes its way into my stocking this year!

BOSCIA BLACK CHARCOAL WARMING FACE CLEANSER:

For a deep clean! In the height of my acne battle, I used this twice daily. Now that my skin is under control, I use Simple Moisturizing Face Wash daily and the Boscia once a week to deep clean before my mask. Also, for the record, I don’t believe in those fancy scrub brushes. I firmly believe sometimes less is more when it comes to skincare - grab a washcloth.

CLEAROGEN ACNE LOTION WITH BENZEL PEROXIDE:

This product was recommended to me by an aesthetician at the Beauty Park Med Spa in Santa Monica. It was truly the ONLY pregnancy safe ointment that resolved a good portion of my ance. Clearogen also makes a foaming cleanser and toner that I like, but I found if I used all three together it dried out my skin far too much. I stuck with my Boscia and this acne lotion.

SKINCEUTICALS CLAY MASQUE:

I tried nearly 20 different pregnancy safe masks before landing on this bad boy, and I still use it once a week in my normal routine. It feels amazing, is not a peel off (ugh those suck) and helps with breakouts and brightness. Pro tip: If you have stubborn pimples, I will spot treat my face and leave it on those overnight – zaps it right up or drastically shrinks it.

AVENE EAU THERMALE SOOTHING CREAM WITH SPF

This is an A+ staple I cannot live without. Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING evens out my skin like this moisturizer. Plus, it has an SPF, which, if you do nothing else for you skin in life – wear sunscreen! I didn’t find this during my pregnancy; she’s been ol’ faithful for years.

LA MER EYE CONCENTRATE

This is the good stuff. Now, there is no question La Mer breaks the bank, and I honestly think there are better moisturizers out there for much less. However, this eye concentrate is worth every penny. I put it on at night after I wash my face, and I swear the next morning I look younger. I SWEAR OKAY? When I can’t get my hands on this, I go for the Avene Physiolift Eye Cream, which is also an excellent de-puffer.

DRUNK ELEPHANT LALA RETRO WHIPPED CREAM:

I am currently a Drunk Elephant fanatic. I have not tried a product of theirs that I don’t like, however, I am particularly enamored with this phenomenal moisturizer. Nothing feels better going on my face at night, especially during these dry winter months. I’m also a fan of their Protini Polypeptide Cream and their B-Hydra Intensive Hydration/Anti Wrinkle Serum. All of their products are pregnancy safe, except for one… which we’ll talk about later.

AQUAPHOR:

Aquaphor is the most underrated beauty product out there. I use it for literally everything: chapped lips, under eye wrinkles, my baby’s diaper rash, etc. I once used it for my husband’s intense sunburn in Mexico and it disappeared the next day. Seriously, is there anything Aquaphor can’t fix? Their new body spray is absolutely next level - especially good for the dry, winter months.

GOOD GENES BY SUNDAY RILEY:

Listen up, every one, this is the MVP of my skincare routine. You cannot use it while pregnant or nursing, but the second I started it regularly post baby, my skin truly has never looked better. My night time routine is now: Simple Moisturizing Face Wash, Good Genes, La Mer Eye Cream, LaLa Retro Whipped Cream – and I swear it has transformed me.

DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. SUKARI BABYFACIAL:

Remember when I said there’s only one Drunk Elephant product that’s not pregnancy friendly? Here she is. This is like an at-home chemical peel that’s not too harsh on your skin. I have extremely sensitive skin and was scared to try it, but I’m so thrilled I did because it’s out of this world. I only use it once a week (never with my Good Genes) followed by their hydration serum and the (previously praised) Lala Retro Whipped Cream, and it’s truly a godsend. Since I started using it my acne scars have almost completely disappeared.

KORA ORGANICS NONI GLOW FACE BALM:

This is a super fun product/trick I stole from Lily Aldridge’s pregnancy skincare routine. It’s a really great extra layer of moisture and the perfect amount of glow - I put it just under my eyes at the top of my cheek bones.

TARTE AMAZONIAN CLAY BB TINTED MOISTURIZER:

I am not great with makeup. Maybe someday I’ll learn, but for now, it frustrates me and I just don’t have the time or patience to deal with it, which makes me a BB cream fanatic. Truly I have three different ones on rotation with different levels of coverage. This one is a pretty light coverage that is perfect for the beach or a day of errands for me. Highly recommend.

IT COSMETICS CC OIL FREE MATT CREAM WITH SPF

This is what I’m currently wearing on a regular basis. It has anti-wrinkle qualities and mama will take all she can get of that anti-wrinkle action! It’s technically medium cover, but from someone who doesn’t wear tons of make up - this is pretty full coverage for me.

SUPERGOOP 100% MINERAL SMOOTH AND PORELESS MATT SCREEN:

I love to glow, but hate to shine… if ya feel me? This is the perfect sunscreen that nicely evens out my skin tone and gives me a little filter with intense sun protection. It’s the first product by Supergoop I’ve tried, and I’m dying to get my hands on some of their others. Anyone have suggestions for what I should try next?

BARE MINERALS BLEMISH REMEDY CONCEALER:

I have three of these sticks in different locations (car, purse, bathroom) so I’m never without one. It not only covers up any unwanted face devils, but also shrinks them! One of my necessities!

BOTOX & FACIAL TREATMENTS:

I’m a massive fan of both. Botox is the most effective tool I use for wrinkle prevention and the occasional facial can really bring your skin care routine to the next level. If you’re in the L.A. area head over to Dr. JoAnna Nguyen, a board certified plastic surgeon and badass mama who can help you with the best personalized treatments. She is truly amazing. Click here to contact Dr. Nguyen!