~ a special guest blog by Jaime Pereira of Glow Jar Beauty~
Pregnancy is an incredibly exciting time in a woman’s life, and the last thing you need to be worrying about is your skincare products. When I was pregnant with my first child, I started really looking into what I was putting in and on my body. Years later, this led me to creating a line of skin and body care products that would protect the integrity of the skin barrier naturally and safely.
As you are getting ready to welcome the new member to your family, you may see some changes in your skin. Some women who struggle with acne can see a positive change, while in others pregnancy can cause a flare up.
Also, the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can cause other skin concerns like Melasma - this condition can also become better or worse during pregnancy. So, you're probably feeling more anxious about how to deal with your skin during this fascinating (and challenging!) period, but we're here to make everything clear!
Which ingredients should I avoid?
If you are using the following products, it is recommended that you discontinue use until you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding. Of course, please ALWAYS consult your doctor or dermatologist with any skin concerns or questions about which skin care products are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
For a short time, you should say goodbye to your "anti-aging" friends, especially prescription retinoids.
There is no proven link between hydroquinone and birth defects, yet this ingredient is highly absorbed by the body, and is suggested to stop its use while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Look out for the below formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in various skin, body, nail and haircare products.
1. bronopol5. imidazolidinyl urea
6. quaternium-15
7. 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
You should avoid products such as strong peel or acne medications.
They contain Avobenzone and Oxybenzone that can potentially disrupt the mother’s hormones.
Skincare Safe Routine
Less is more in this case and to put it simply: avoid all “ANTI AGING” skincare! To hold more moisture in the skin, try the Glow Jar Hydrating Rose Toner.
Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize-
If you wish to add a treatment serum I would look at a multi weight hyaluronic Acid, an antioxidant-rich serum like Vitamin C, or using a low concentration AHA lactic acid twice a week.
Can I get a facial?
Absolutely, but look at getting a relaxation facial versus using stronger treatments that can potentially lead to irritation or inflammation.
Acne Breakouts
If your skin is oily, combination and acne-prone, you want to make sure you are using an oil-free moisturizer, non-stripping cleanser and a non-pore-clogging mineral sunscreen.
What about Melasma (mask of pregnancy)?
Melasma is a condition is which dark spots and patches appear on your face, including the upper lip and cheeks, due to excess production of melanin via high levels of estrogens in pregnancy. The best course of action in decreasing the severity of Melasma while pregnant is to wear an SPF 30+ broad spectrum mineral sunscreen EVERYDAY. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and even try a tinted version! Also, avoid exposure to constant heat which can trigger hyperpigmentation.
Stretch Marks
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Try Glow Jar Beauty- Pineapple Body Oil on your growing belly daily.
***
Overall, keeping your skincare routine simple will reveal calm happy skin and focus all your energy in every moment (minus morning sickness) of this special time in your life. Treat yourself well and treat your skin simply.
XO and thanks for reading!
Jaime Pereira
Mama, Entrepreneur, Skin Health Coach
www.glowjar.ca
@glowjar_
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In September, Torin was referred to a Pediatric Endochrinologist in order to receive endochrinology clearance prior to his surgery in Chicago. After discussing the ongoing management and the stability of his Hypothyroidism diagnosis (a very commonly-seen hormonal disorder in individuals with Down syndrome), we debated whether to schedule an ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) Stimulation Test at the Pediatric Daycare Unit at Victoria General Hospital to check Torin's adrenal response to stress.
About a week after the stim test, we received a call from Torin's Endochrinologist. Much to their surprise, Torin's cortisol levels barely changed AT ALL following ACTH administration. He was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency, also knows as Cortisol Dependency.
It's a HUGE relief that this condition was caught prior to Torin's liver surgery. We quickly begin daily oral Predinisone treatments to help manage his cortisol levels, and we have a modified emergency plan in place that involves immediate intramuscular injection of steroid hormone in the case of a medical illness or emergency. Such an emergency could be a severe head bump, a fever with vomiting, a broken bone or a car accident. The injectable steroid will help Torin's body cope with the stress associated with a traumatic event, keeping his blood pressure and blood sugar levels stable. It could absolutely save his life in the case of a severe trauma.
We also have a modified plan in place for the surgery to fix his Portosystemic Liver Shunt in Chicago at Lurie Children's Hospital this November. He will receive an increased "stress dose" or oral Prednisone (steroid) in advance of his surgery and prior to invasive tests or general anesthetics. Throughout his procedures and surgeries, his cortisol levels will be closely managed and he will receive IV doses of steroids while unconscious.
We are so relieved to be armed with this new diagnosis and with better knowledge of how to help keep Torin safe and healthy: both during his day-to-day activities, and throughout his upcoming international medical treatments. As always, we are extremely grateful to have access to such exemplary healthcare in our city, as well as amazing medical specialists to help manage Torin's health and wellness.
We are sharing our son Torin's medical diagnosis and treatment plan, in the hopes of garnering awareness for our small business and our family as we navigate this complex medical journey. Torin's path ahead is challenging, but his family, friends and community are working hard to rally around him and ensure that we are able to support, care for, and reassure him every step of the way.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out over this past year to offer words of concern and deep caring for our special boy, Torin. Thank you for the phone calls, home visits, meals, offers of childcare help, texts, reassuring hugs and smiles, DMs, and heartfelt chats at the shop counter. Thank you for choosing to make a purchase at our family business when you are able, for referring a friend or family member that's expecting, and for sharing a positive experience on social media or leaving a Google Review to help others discover Momease Baby Boutique - your continued kindness and ongoing support is truly heartwarming.
nicky
September 30, 2021
Very useful info – thank you!