Like many of you, when I had my first baby I researched like crazy for the safest, cleanest, least harmful products to use during baby’s first years of life. I wanted only the safest shampoos, lotions, wipes, and cleaning products for their delicate baby skin.
But for whatever reason, it wasn’t until recently that I took that same care on my own body. You never expect that the products you are using are “not safe.” But unfortunately, in the United States the FDA does not regulate everything and companies continue to use harmful and toxic ingredients in their skin care and beauty products. Last year I decided to make the switch to cleaner beauty products. And now that I am pregnant again, and there are THREE of us using this body, I am taking a careful look at what I am putting both IN and ON my body.
The NOT SO Safe Ingredients for Pregnancy
Retinoids is a very popular ingredient found in anti-aging creams as they are effective at reducing wrinkles and improving skin tone. While research has not proven if topical retinoids can cause problems during pregnancy, we know that oral retinoids taken during pregnancy can be harmful to your unborn child and may cause birth defects. So it is a safe assumption to avoid retinoids while pregnant.
Salicylic acid is another ingredient found in many ant- acne skin products. Again, high doses of this produce in oral form have been shown to cause birth defects. So although you may feel safe to use a topical form of salicylic acid, you may want to avoid this while pregnant as well.
My Top Picks and What IS safe to Use
I take my showers at night and my favorite part of the shower is washing my face with the Counter + Lotus Cleansing Balm. The smell reminds me of a fancy spa or a massage studio, so while I stand there with my eyes closed, rubbing it into my face, I forget for a second that I am at home in my shower that needs to be regrouted. This balm is a makeup remover AND cleanser all in one so there is no need to remove your make up prior to getting into the shower!
After I have cleansed, I follow up with the Countertime Hydrating Essence. It takes the place of a toner but without that horrible burning sensation that some toners give you (I’m look at you Noxzema pads circa 1999). This is also the first product I use each night and morning that has the safer option called Bakuchiol – comparable in function to retinoid but is safe to use when pregnant and without the harmful side effects.
After I cleanse and tone, I “treat” by using one of my two favorite serums. In the evenings I use the Countertime Radiance Serum. It has the Bakuchiol as well as Tripeptide which helps firm the skin and and minimize lines and wrinkles. In the mornings I use the Counter + All Bright C Serum. Vitamin C is safe for pregnancy and this serum really does instantly brighten my skin. I like to use this one in the mornings, especially if I am going to go make-up free that day. At carpool today, someone told me I had “that pregnancy glow” but the secret is, I think it was the serum! In addition to these two serums, once or twice a week at night I will use the Overnight Resurfacing Peel treatment. This has been nicknamed “Botox in a Bottle” and as you may know, Botox has not been deemed safe for pregnancy, so here is the next best solution! I have been using this for over a year and while the crowsfeet around my eyes are here to stay, I really have noticed a difference in the lines on my forehead!
Of course every beauty routine needs a good eye cream and trust me I have TRIED THEM ALL! My favorite which is also safe to use year round is the Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream. It may seem pricer then others but you only need the tinest dot and it goes a long way. One bottle can last almost the entire year. I still have some baggage under my eyes but this eye cream has completely eliminated the dark circles I carried for so many years which is in part due to the Persian Silk Tree Extract.
Last but not least I moisturize. A few years ago I switched from a cream/lotion moisturizer to the Counter+ No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil. I have oily skin. So you would think, why are you adding oil if you are already oily?! But I am telling you my skin prefers it! Lotions clog my pores and sometimes lead to acne, but I have zero issues with a facial oil. It smells like oranges, which I randomly love, it leaves me hydrated, and it gives me a glow. If you have never tried a facial oil in place of your moisturizer, I encourage you to give it a try. You’ll never go back!
Now on to makeup. Since we are still social distancing and I am home with the kids all day, my make up is very minimal. But three products I can not live without is a good concealer, a good mascara, and a good eyebrow gel. I use the Skin Twin Creamy Concealer in the shade Light 1 for any blemishes or dark spots that pop up. I use the Brilliant Brown Gel in soft black and then finish up with the Lengthening Mascara. Both are safe and both make me feel less like a zombie and more like a functioning member of society. A BONUS if I am really feeling frisky is to add the Rose Glow Illuminating Cream Highligter to my cheek bones. But frisky is not an emotion that comes around lately so we will save the “fancy stuff” for another blog post. 🙂
If you ever have any questions about beauty counter or safer beauty products you can always email me at pterzo@gmail.com or here on the blog!
xx priscilla
As always thank you for supporting my family! With any purchase you make through this blog post I earn a small commission which goes towards our infertility treatments/bills. Thank you and sending you much love and many blessings!
