Best Skincare Tips for Expecting Moms: Keep Your Skin Glowing

As a doula, my mission is to support and empower families through their fertility, birth, and postpartum journeys. At TENDER.LY, I provide compassionate, inclusive, and personalized care for all my clients. This includes creating customized birth plans, offering guidance on pain management techniques during labour, and providing infant support. I also assist with newborn care education, teaching parents how to soothe and bond with their baby. 

Whether through hands-on help during labour, emotional support during challenging moments, or educational resources to empower you, my goal is to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

Pregnancy is a wild ride — not just for your body but for your skin, too! Hormones are all over the place, and suddenly, your skin may feel like it’s having a mind of its own. One day, you’re glowing; the next, you’re dealing with breakouts, dryness, dark spots or stretch marks. As a doula, I’m here to help guide you through this beautiful (and bumpy times) journey with tips to keep your skin feeling fabulous.

Stretch Marks: A Bad Rap for a Good Cause

Let’s start with the infamous stretch marks. As your body grows to accommodate your little one, your skin stretches—it's a badge of honour! We are done hiding and fixing our stretch marks. But we want you to feel comfortable, and the change in our bodies can sometimes feel tight and itchy. To keep your skin elastic and hydrated, it’s all about moisturizing. Look for creams and oils packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E. 

Our community is loving De La Heart Love Your Belly Balm, France Laure Elasticity Stretch Mark Formula - Aqua Laure and Druide Pur Shea Butter.

Pregnancy Glow (or Not)

Everyone talks about the “pregnancy glow,” but what if your skin missed the memo? Hormones can cause acne, dryness, or even patch dark skin, like melasma!). Don’t stress! The key is to keep your skincare gentle and straightforward with products that hydrate and balance your skin without harsh chemicals. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for mega hydration) and vitamin C (for brightness) are great pregnancy-safe choices.

Speaking of chemicals, there are a few things to avoid while pregnant. Retinoids, salicylic acid, and some essential oils are best left on the shelf. When in doubt, check with your doctor or dermatologist.

Self-Care = Skin Care

Here’s the fun part: your skincare routine can double as a self-care ritual! Take a few moments every day to slow down and pamper yourself. A light face massage with a hydrating serum can do wonders for your skin and mood. If you’re into it, you can even turn your moisturizing routine into a mini meditation—rub in that belly butter while taking deep, calming breaths and reminding yourself how amazing your body is!

So, whether you’re glowing from the inside out or dealing with a few bumps along the way, know that your skin’s journey is just as unique as your pregnancy. Embrace the changes, pamper yourself, and keep that self-care routine going strong!

Your doula, 

Alix