Current Beauty Favorites: What I’m Using
Here’s The Latest
Let’s Talk Beauty
My beauty routine has been on quite the journey over the past year as I navigated the changes that come with postpartum skin. From switching up my routine through navigating pregnancy, to nursing and hormonal shifts to lack of sleep and added stress, my skin definitely went through a rocky adjustment period after giving birth. I’ve always had a combination of oily skin, but through pregnancy and postpartum, I’ve noticed I’ve fallen more on the dry side. It’s been a while since I’ve shared an update on any new products working for me lately, so I figured I’d share an update on a few gems I'm using and loving right now to look and feel my best during this postpartum chapter.
ONE | Monthly FACIALS
I connected with Jenna over at JLG Med Spa years ago, and we have stayed in touch over the years. She encouraged me to come in and get my skin evaluated. I got a VISIA Facial Assessment Report, which measures your skin pigmentation, pore size, and porphyrins (evidence of bacteria lodged in pores). It also scans UV spots, sun damage, texture, and wrinkles. With this skin assessment, they can compare your skin condition within a similar age bracket and give you an estimated skin age. Thankfully, I was right around my age, but I definitely had some problem areas I wanted to address, including brown sun spots and hormonal acne.
This is when I connected with Laura at JLG for a medical facial. The facial is administered by a medical aesthetician who not only understands the skin but is also trained in advanced skincare and works with your dermatologist to customize and facilitate an effective treatment plan, particularly for you. Laura does such a great job listening to concerns, communicating her suggestions, and coming up with a game plan. I started seeing her in April, and she’s been wonderful at checking in and helping me make adjustments when necessary.
TWO | ZO SKINCARE
Speaking of the treatment plan, I’ve been exclusively using ZO Skincare, as recommended by Laura. ZO Skin Health is a medical-grade skincare line developed by Dr. Zein Obagi, a world-renowned dermatologist. The line utilizes innovative technologies and potent active ingredients to transform skin at a cellular level. Here's why it's been a game-changer for my postpartum complexion:
Many ZO products contain advanced nutrient complexes rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and skin-nourishing minerals. This has been essential for replenishing my skin postpartum when it felt depleted and dull. The nutrient boosts help strengthen and energize skin cells.
The hormonal roller coaster after birth and nursing can trigger excess oil production and breakouts (which happened to me). ZO's blemish control products, like the Daily Power Defense and Clarifying Serum, have been great for regulating oil and clearing my postpartum blemishes. ZO's exfoliating and brightening treatments have effectively renewed and polished away my dull, uneven tones for a total luminous revival.
Overall, the potent formulas are backed by Dr. Obagi's dermatological expertise, making ZO one of the most effective solutions for restoring skin health and vitality postpartum. It has certainly been a slow but steady process, but nearly two months later, I’m starting to see results, and I’m really happy to see it. I plan to do another VISIA facial scan in June to see if/how I’ve progressed. JLG Med Spa was kind enough to offer my readers an exclusive discount code. If you’d like to try ZO Skin Health, you can use caralyn10 for 10% off retail skincare online and in-office (if you’re local to Buffalo)! I’d recommend starting with the gentle cleanser, exfoliating polish, and daily power defense for beginners! I also love the growth factor serum, it smells SO good.
THREE | Cryotherapy Ball
One of my newest skincare obsessions is using a cryotherapy ball - essentially a tool that allows you to reap the benefits of cold therapy or ice massage on the face. I was influenced to purchase this from my friend @annamaegroves! There are so many reasons why I've fallen for this cool little gadget. For starters, the cold massage from the cryotherapy ball helps constrict blood vessels and deflates any puffiness while reducing the look of shadowy discoloration. The cooling effects of the cryotherapy ball act as a natural anti-inflammatory to calm redness, soothe irritation, and take down any hormone-induced facial flushing. It helps temporarily tighten and sculpt the jawline and cheek areas for a more chiseled, depuffed look. It also improves circulation while aiding in lymphatic drainage to eliminate lingering fluid retention and puffiness. Hello, more sculpted, glowing skin!
It's such a simple tool, but it has become an integral part of my postpartum skincare routine. It helps me look more awake, calm inflammation, and give my face an overall revitalized appearance (when I remember to use it)!
FOUR | JANE IREDALE BB CREAM + CONCEALER
It’s been so hard for me to find a medium to full-coverage foundation that has been working for my skin and doesn’t clog my pores. I’ve recently discovered Glow Time Pro BB Cream, which is also available here and I can’t recommend it enough. It is a hydrating formula that glides on without creasing or settling into lines with buildable coverage that still looks like skin. It has broad spectrum mineral SPF 25, which protects from UV damage and is great for everyday wear. I’ve also been loving this concealer, which is also available here. It has a creamy yet weightless texture and doesn't look cakey under the eyes. It is a long-wear formula, so it doesn’t crease or fade throughout the day, and it is non-comedogenic, so it won’t irritate or clog pores. Overall, the Jane Iredale complexion products allow you to achieve a flawless yet fresh-faced makeup look while nourishing postpartum skin. The clean ingredients and radiance-boosting finish make them ideal for that dewy, well-rested mom glow!
FIVE | DOLCE GLOW SUNLESS TANNER
I recently discovered Dolce Glow products, and I’m a huge fan of them. Their formulas provide a very natural, olive-toned color that mimics a healthy tan instead of an orange fake glow. This can help counteract any paleness or dullness. Many of their sunless lotions and mousses contain nourishing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and antioxidants to moisturize and treat skin while tanning deeply. Their tanning mousses and mitt application system make it virtually streak-free and easy to apply an even all-over tan. I also love their self-tanning mist to get hard-to-reach spots like my back! Their ultralight, quick-dry formulas don't leave you feeling sticky or greasy, and the color won't transfer onto clothes or furniture. If you want to give them a try, you can use code CARALYN on Dolce Glow’s direct website for 10% off! You can read more about my sunless tanning routine here.
USE CARALYN10 - SHOP ZO SKIN HEALTH
USE CARALYN10 - SHOP ZO SKIN HEALTH
Thanks for reading!
Whether you're a new mom navigating the unique skin changes of the postpartum period or just looking to refresh your beauty routine, I hope this roundup of my latest favorite products gives you some useful tips and recommendations. From nourishing natural makeup to powerful yet gentle skincare solutions, these are the beauty gems that have been keeping me feeling pampered, revitalized, and glowing during this current chapter. At the end of the day, the key is finding a simple regimen of products you love that make you look and feel like your best self - because confidence and self-care are the ultimate beauty secrets! For more beauty posts, be sure to check out the “beauty” tab of the blog.
xx CMK
