Canadian brand Marcelle has always been known for their perfume free and hypoallergenic products. When I found out I was expecting it was a pleasant surprise to discover the Marcelle for Thyme Maternity skincare line geared specifically for expecting and new moms!
{Marcelle For Thyme Maternity Skin Care}
Skin Care Challenges for The Expecting Mom
Besides the typical challenges of being an expecting mom, skin care can be on the top of your list. Our skin is constantly changing every few years anyway; so add pregnancy into the mix and your skin care regimen can leave you confused!
Some of the challenges many expecting moms face:
- dryer skin
- breaking out
- dull skin
- new skin sensitivities
- darkening of skin
- sifting through un-recommended ingredients
My skin didn’t seem to change all that much (I still break out!) BUT my skincare routine still had to change since there are many active ingredients that are deemed “unsafe” for pregnant women. I DO want to point out, that there aren’t many tests or data to reference out there on how certain ingredients can affect an unborn baby – obviously it wouldn’t be ethical to conduct these tests! So if you are expecting and wondering about specific products or ingredients please do your research and speak to your doctor, midwife or other health care provider!
Use Gentle Skin Care Products For Your Face
When in doubt, use gentle skincare products with no active ingredients. This is always the safest approach!
While not specifically part of the Marcelle For Thyme Maternity line, the Marcelle face cleansing cloths and eye makeup remover are great choices for removing your makeup at night while being gentle to your skin.
It’s SO important to moisturize your skin both day and night. The Marcelle For Thyme Maternity facial moisturizer ($25.95) is designed to help perfect skin by protecting it and boosting that glow by helping to prevent chloasma which is better known as “mask of pregnancy”. This moisturizer can be used throughout your entire pregnancy and afterwards too.
Body Products for Before The Baby Arrives
While there isn’t a proven method to prevent stretch marks from happening (often it can be hereditary, so ask your mother if she had any!) it still doesn’t hurt to keep your growing belly, breasts and thighs as moisturized as you can!
I’ve been using the Marcelle For Thyme Maternity body oil ($19.95) after every shower anywhere stretch marks are prone to occur. I love how it absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave me feeling greasy. My skin also feels really moisturized all day and I personally haven’t had any issues with “itchy skin” which I know many pregnant women complain about.
For added moisturizing and protection against stretch marks I’ve been layering the Marcelle for Thyme Maternity Stretch Mark Cream ($29.95) on top of the oil and for other parts of my body. This product helps to improve skin elasticity so hopefully stretch marks won’t occur. It also moisturizes and adds an extra layer of protection against dry skin. This is especially important if you’re growing rapidly in the colder and drier months!
Body Products for After The Baby Arrives
Once the baby has made its appearance, your skincare may take a backseat! While I can’t say yet how my routine will change, I’m hoping to keep up the skincare routine with the Marcelle For Thyme Maternity Lifting and Firming Cream ($25.95). Since my body will still be changing quite a bit after the baby is here, this cream should help to promote firming and elasticity in the skin keeping it supple during the sure to be stressful new stage of my life!
It’s a very personal decision, but if you are expecting and planning on breast feeding then I would suggest picking up a nursing balm to have handy. The Marcelle For Thyme Maternity Nursing Nipple Balm ($15.95) is made with food-grade ingredients so it’s safe for you and baby and is lanolin-free. I plan on packing this into my hospital bag so I have it on hand!
Don’t Forget To Treat Yourself
I’ve heard it so many times before: “your life will change drastically with kids”. I know that’s a fact but I plan on making a conscious effort to not lose track of who I am! And part of who I am is includes my love of makeup.
Although I’m positive I likely won’t have time for a full face of makeup, I still want to treat myself and make sure I feel good about myself – it’s important for self-care and to be the best mom I can possibly be! I’m hoping to at least be able to apply a quick dusting of mineral powder a coat of mascara!
If you’ve had kids or are expecting, what are some of your favourite pregnancy skincare products? Have you checked out the Marcelle for Thyme Maternity line yet?