I wrote this post when I was 38 weeks pregnant, and ended up having Margaret at 38 weeks and 3 days. It’s been sitting in my drafts for 6 months now, so I figured why not share it! I hope you find it helpful!
Over the past (almost) nine months, I’ve been very focused on body care. As my body grows, changes, and stretches, so has my skin! For me, that means drier and itchier skin overall, plus some back/chest breakouts, sensitive spots on my belly and sore spots on my legs.
I’ve honed down my routine to include clean options for my specific concerns and wanted to share the best of the best with you here. While we use and love clean products 99% of the time in our home (more on clean beauty here), if you don’t, pregnancy is definitely the time to start making the transition. There is no better time to pay attention to what you are putting in and on your body, as both have an impact on you, your baby and future generations. I don’t say that to be scary – I actually find it incredibly empowering! When we know better we can do better, and if you ever need help with that process please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email or DM.
It is worth noting that every single one of the products listend below are pregnancy safe, non-toxic, have clean ingredients, and are from brands that go the extra mile to be “free from” the biggest offenders.
HATCH Belly Oil
This is my absolute holy grail product! Is it expensive? Yes. But truthfully no oil compares, and I have tried MANY. The applicator dropper also helps ensure I don’t use an excessive amount as a little goes a long way!
So what makes this oil superior than all the rest? The key difference is that this is a quick drying oil, so you avoid residue and that post-application greasy feeling. The botanical blend is designed to help with stretching skin and scars and the key ingredients soothe and heal the driest and itchiest skin. I was SO dry all winter and this kept my entire body soft and supple. If the big bottle is not in your budget, there is a smaller option too! And if you want a more reasonably priced oil, this one is a budget friendly alternative. It’s not quick dry or as ultra absorbent but it still gets the job done!
Mama Stone
If you have yet to try the Body Stone by Kate McLoud, you are missing out. I’m a big fan of the OG stone, and switched over to the MAMA version when pregnant. It’s a solid moisturizer that glides on with the warmth of your skin. And while I love the scent and oil blend used in the daily stone, this version is fragrance free and safe for pregnancy, nursing and postpartum. It’s safe for babies, too! I love that the packaging is sustainable – you use the stone until it disappears and it comes wrapped in a small bamboo box that you refill. The best part is that the application process feels like a sensual spa treatment – it’s a super relaxing and soothing ritual for my growing baby body!
Biossance Squalane Oil
A reasonably priced “do everything” oil that can be used on face, body and hair! Biossance uses sugarcane for their squalane and it’s my favorite one on the market by far. It’s definitely not as absorbent as the Hatch oil (as it it feels a little more oily, which is great for the face at night time but less awesome for the body during the daytime) so I use it even more sparingly. That being said, if you’re sensitive to scents or smells this is a great body oil option because it is completely neutral. I also LOVE the pump application!
Sugarbuff Body Polish
I’ve been using this body polish for years and absolutely love the new(ish) formula. The polish itself is a finer grain but uses the same soft oils with the same fresh Lemongrass scent. I love using this on my legs, arms and belly especially when I’m feeling a little lazy and don’t want to do an entire body lotion / oil / cream routine post-shower. These oils are so hydrating that they stay on and don’t require additional hydration post-shower!
Necessaire Fragrance Free Body Lotion
Unfortunately my favorite fragrance free body lotion (Beautycounter Countermatch) was discontinued so this is the one I plan on using once my stash runs out! Necessaire uses quality (and safe) ingredients in a fast absorbing formula, which is key for me. I also love that they have an unscented line for all of their body products (you can even grab their entire body set). If you’re especially fragrance sensitive, this is definitely worth the investment! I’ve used their other products in the Eucalyptus scent and can confirm that a little goes a long way.
Hatch Down Girl Leg Lotion
Elsa gave me this lotion as a gift early on in my pregnancy and it has been a total gamechanger! I used it somewhat preventatively at night in the early days, but once my third trimester hit I really depend on it. It’s a gel based cooling cream that brings down swelling, soothes and heals tired and sore limbs. The combo of aloe vera, mint and ginger feels SO lovely and calming. I like to use it at night – it helps me relax, wind down and get a better sleep – especially paired with these socks!
Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Castile Soap
This has been my go-to bodywash for years – it’s my personal clean equivalent to Dove fragrance free. Dr. Bronner’s is the OG of castile soap, a basic, low ingredient blend that was super common in simpler days. I also use it to clean my makeup brushes and sometimes the dog! It is a safe and effective blend that can be used for pretty much anything.
Face Reality Wash + Toner
This wash/toner combo was a lifesaver for my body acne! Overall my skin was pretty brutal in my first trimester – lots of acne on my face and body. I’ve dealt with acne for most of my life, so this was not new. I am somewhat fortunate in that mine is the “superficial” vs. cystic type, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating. I simplified my routine and increased hydration and my face calmed by the second trimester. My body, on the other hand, did not. I had little bumps allll down my back, chest and upper arms. During pregnancy, you are somewhat limited in the acids and percentages of acids that you can use, so I sought help from an expert!
My friend Monica showed pictures of my problem areas to her facialist, and she ultimately recommended this combo of pregnancy safe products that truly changed the game for me! I use the wash on my back and chest in the shower and put on the toner right when I’m out. You can only get these particular Face Reality products through a registered aesthetician, so I recommend using Face Reality’s site to find one!
Primally Pure Body Butter
This one was my go-to body product during my first trimester when the temps were freezing and my body did not seem to retain moisture! It is a heavenly butter to oil formula with the cleanest ingredients (safe enough to eat – but please don’t!) and most calming scent. There are other scent options but I prefer the Lavender/Eucalyptus – it was super relaxing for me when I was peak nauseated! These jars are pricey but as with Hatch, a little goes a long way here!
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