Pregnancy can be hard enough as it is - giving up so many things you love while growing a healthy baby in your changing body. Along with adjusting many other things like diet, one of the skincare products your doctor or health practitioner may ask you to discontinue during pregnancy are active products like retinols. With Botnia, one of the things you don’t have to give up is an incredible skincare routine! 

It’s a time of compromise for your body on so many levels, but you don’t have to compromise using products like our new Well Serum, which is such an exciting way to use a retinoid-like product - with NO compromises. The coolest thing about this new product is that it’s been studied to be pregnancy safe and non-embryotoxic, while other actives like traditional retinols and over-the-counter versions of retinoids are contraindicated for pregnancy for many reasons, including skin rashes and potential birth defects with continued retinoid use while baby is in utero. The algae farm where we source our beautiful algae has gone through clinical testing to ensure its safety for expectant mothers and breastfeeding.

We’re diving into the details of using Botnia’s retinol-like Well Serum during pregnancy and breastfeeding!

Pregnancy Melasma

Also known as the mask of pregnancy, a skin condition that many mamas-to-be might have in the back of their minds as their bodies begin to change. Melasma happens when the skin experiences a change in color with dark spots – usually around the cheeks or forehead – but it can happen all over. Melasma is caused by a hormone change in the skin and an overproduction of the cells that make the skin change color.

The benefits of using our Well Serum in your skincare routine may help reduce the effects of melasma. In addition to your skincare, our recommendation for treating pregnancy-induced melasma is to seek out support from an acupuncturist and your holistic esthetician. And be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat when you’re outdoors. While you may still experience color changes in your skin, it won’t contribute to the change in your skin like a retinoid might. Because our Well Serum isn’t just pregnancy safe, but also safe to wear in the sun as well!

Pregnancy hormonal breakouts

The pregnancy glow is real, and you might be having the best skin of your life during this time. But if you’re experiencing pregnancy breakouts due to hormonal changes, our Well Serum is great for acne and can help to maintain a glowy, dewy appearance while still being safe for baby.

Well Serum skincare routine during pregnancy and breastfeeding

What does a skincare routine look like with our new Well Serum? Botnia’s founder Justine shares her esthetician recommendations for pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe Botnia products. 

Start with a cleanser; we like Gentle Cleanser for its ability to both cleanse and nourish the skin without stripping away the precious microbiome. Take time to massage the cleanser into your skin for about 30 to 60 seconds and enjoy soothing chamomile with deep breaths. 

Follow with Rose Water Toner, which will add hydration back into your skin and features rose and witch hazel to balance bacteria and restore a healthy microbiome. 

Once the toner is dry, add in a quarter sized dollop of Well Serum all over your skin. The sun-safe algaes and gentle ingredients like antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn, rosehip, and red raspberry oils will help to keep your skin clear, glowing and balanced. You can start using this serum once daily, and up to two times daily if needed. For oilier skin types, you can stop here. 

For dry skin types, or in winter months, you can layer in the Daily Face Cream for additional hydration. If you prefer an oil instead of cream, Replenishing Facial Oil is the way to go. For added support for those over 35 and wise skin types, you can use Restorative Face Cream as a final hydrating step. We’re not about labeling anything a geriatric pregnancy – we’re all for pro-aging and aging gracefully. 

This skincare routine is also great for moms of all ages, not just pregnant or breastfeeding moms, especially those wanting to find an alternative to traditional actives and retinoids. Read more about our miracle ingredient algae Chlorella vulgaris and why it’s beneficial for the skin!

If you’re interested in building a custom routine with Well Serum, please take our quick skincare quiz and one of our master estheticians will recommend the perfect products just for you.

Xo,
Botnia