Pregnancy Mask Sucks, So Here’s Some Tips and Tricks Using Products From The Sephora Holiday Bonus Event

Again, before we get into this, pregnancy mask isn’t something that ONLY happens to pregnant women. It’s something that happens to everyone. Since the age of 17, I’ve had a pregnancy mustache, so I know this first hand. In fact I’m a pro at it- LOL.

Most pregnant women know between the very swollen ankles, the weight gain & 27389 trips to the bathroom to pee, there’s another fun thing that happens in pregnancy…& that is the MASK.

Now like I said this isn’t just during pregnancy- it can happen to anyone so I figured we needed to inspect the latest & greatest for preventing hyperpigmentation.

SO TA-DA, my top 3 tips to deal with pregnancy mask, but like I said these tips are also extremely relevant for anyone who struggles with hyperpigmentation in general.

( If you’re wondering about the science behind it, it’s because of hormones. Basically, hyperpigmentation is caused by a surge of estrogen & can come out anywhere from your cheeks to your upper lip. Fun shit ! Because nothing like waking up, looking in the mirror & seeing a bunch of new brown spots you never knew you had ! ).

Before we get into these tips, you should also know that I avoid the sun like the plague. You’ll find driving gloves, pink visors & tons of SPF in my house/car/office- but still, the mask is there.

Most ideal part? BOTH of these products can be purchased at Sephora during the Holiday Bonus event- happening now to November 11. Festive!

You should know the offer is for all beauty insider tiers. Rouge members get 20% off, VIB members get 15% off, and Insiders get 10% off their purchases in store + online.

just use code HOLIDAYSAVE. If you aren’t a beauty insider head to Sephora (link) to sign up. Insiders get tons of fun goodies: free makeovers, discounts and promotions. Very on brand if you’re a beauty junkie like moi.

( * Disclaimer: some limitations apply )

Let’s get to it:

THE SKINNY CONFIDENTIAL’S TOP 3 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH PREGNANCY MASK:

♡ Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum:

I got this serum after Tiffany Masterson, the founder of Drunk Elephant, came on The Skinny Confidential HIM & HER Podcast ( if you haven’t heard it yet, it’s a must– episode here ). She said that this is THE BEST product when it comes to hyperpigmentation. Not only is it a super potent Vitamin C day serum, it’s also mixed with Vitamin D, so it contains tons of antioxidants & VERY MUCH brightens the skin.

I’m such a big fan of Drunk Elephant because their products are straight to the point & my skin feels super hydrated after each use. This serum stays activated on the skin for 72 hours & it’s not irritating. Like no synthetic ingredients, dyes, or silicones & there’s nothing drying in it so it’s ideal for pregnancy.

To get super specific, at night I like to mix this with another amazing product. I like to use a dime-sized amount of this, & a dime-sized amount of the Kiehl’s serum ( don’t worry, we’ll go over that next ) & then finish off with a mist. For daytime I like to use the Drunk Elephant serum alone. As I mentioned, it stays active for 72 hours on the skin so there’s no need to apply it again at night, but I do it anyways. I’m extra sometimes- so sue me.

This serum is really going to improve the signs of photoaging ( premature aging because of the SUN ), so this means it will improve uneven skin tone, dullness & firmness.

Trust me, this is one that you’ll keep buying over & over again. It won’t be sitting in your back drawer collecting nasty-rat cobwebs. If you’re skeptical, just check out the reviews on Sephora’s website. I’m such a big fan of reading real, true reviews from all types of people before I buy a product. Anyway, people rave about this & say that it’s helped with their melasma so much. Overall my skin feels smoother & PLUMPER which we love.

♡ Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Remover:

This is a magical facial serum that contains Activated C & it really zones in on correcting dark spots. At the same time it brightens the skin, so you’ll feel brighter, tighter, plumper skin. When you’re pregnant you already feel radiant, but put this on top of your skin, & it’ll look even better.

Specifically, this serum is for dark spots & dullness. It’s filled with:

Activated C: a Vitamin C derivative that reduces the appearance of dark spots & prevents new dark spots from forming. It’s quick absorbing & will even your skin’s tone & clarity.

White Birch Extract: derived from sugar & can restore hydration & nutrients in your skin. It’s a potent, active ingredient & works with Activated C to even out your skin tone.

Peony Extract: an antioxidant that fights free radical damage. It works with Activated C to improve skin clarity.

Not only is this going to decrease the melasma, it’s going to prevent it. We love a preventative measure over here. This is one of those products that you need to implement into your routine, it’s not just a one & done type of thing. Use a dime-sized amount every night & rub it in upward motions ( never pull your skin down ) on your face. This is usually my last step in my skin care routine before I mist. Also, it comes in a little dropper so you won’t overuse the product.

You should also know that this can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. So if you have scars & brown spots, this is a great multi-tasker.

So those are my 2 pregnancy safe skin care recommendations that you should definitely try if you’re looking for something effective & CLEAN. These 2 serums both have the Clean Beauty stamp from Sephora. Obviously Sephora is such an authority in the beauty/skin care space so you know you’re getting the scoop. There’s so much info on the site & reading the reviews is always fun.

WAIT !! There’s one more tip.

♡ Sunscreen, Hats, No Hot Yoga, & Ice:

These are some little random hacks that have made all the difference. I’m a fan of tiny habits that make up big successes, & these do not disappoint. LEMME TELL YA.

First off, you guys already know, wear your sunscreen & stay out of the sun. Caffeinated sunscreen is my RIDE OR DIE. It protects your skin but also pulls it back so it really tightens you up. As far as sunscreen for the body goes, I’ve been loving Supergoop. You just spray it on & then move on with your day. QUICK & SEAMLESS.

Always count on me to be wearing pink driving gloves too. I don’t care if I look obnoxious. When you’re driving your hands are completely in the sun, so it’s a no brainer that they need to be protected. Think about how much we drive in the sun- those tiny habits !! They count !!

Hats !! They’re in my daily rotation. You’ll find them all over my car, in my handbag & at the office ( I’m a big hat kinda girl & I love a huge visor ). This is probably the best tip for hyperpigmentation. Cover up, ya know?

You’re not supposed to really do anything hot when you’re pregnant which means no hot yoga, saunas, & hot tubs are kinda out of the picture. But if you have hyperpigmentation you should avoid these things anyways. The heat can really bring out the brown spots & I totally noticed this when I was doing a lot of hot yoga.

You guys know I love to steam my face, but pregnant or not, I only do it about once a week. BUT ICE. Bring on the damn ice. My ice roller is always in my skin fridge because it really helps even out your skin tone over time.

So those are my tips for fighting pregnancy mask. Hyperpigmentation gets so much worse when you’re pregnant, but this too shall pass.

Use clean products, protect yourself from the sun, cool that face down & don’t stress too much about a sun mustache. We’ve all been there.

( Sidenote: if you’re on birth control, it can really bring out the melasma/hyperpigmentation, so be sure to talk to your facialist or dermatologist ).

With that, I’m off to apply my serum medley & a cooling mist !

Would love to know any of your tips or tricks when it comes to pregnancy mask. TELL, TELL.

x, lauryn

+ if you’re looking for a mist, check out 3 of my favorites.

++ how to find the best lymphatic drainage massage in your area.

* this post is in collaboration with Sephora. as always, all opinions are my own.

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