The New Mama’s Hospital Go-Kit: Five Essentials That Deliver
You’ve spent nine months thinking about all the details, prepping the nursery, making your birth plan, reading every article you can find on what to expect, and likely a few on what to pack in the bag you take with you to the hospital for labor and delivery.
There’s the obvious stuff: photo ID, insurance info, hospital forms, birth plan, toothbrush, cell phone, and charger. We can’t add much in that department except maybe: a cozy sweater, nonskid socks, and healthy snacks. But in the realm of personal items, specifically for your skin, we have a short list of essentials that can help keep you feeling like yourself during your brief, life-changing stay in the maternity ward.
We turn our attention to your toiletry bag, where a few strategically chosen items at the ready can help ease skin stresses and give you one less thing to worry about. Here’s all you need for maximum glow with minimum effort.
Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser
It may only be a couple of days, but you don’t want to be washing your face with harsh, drying hospital soap. Pack a bottle of Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser to keep your skin balanced and nourished. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea repairs cellular damage, reduces sebum production, and calms inflammation and redness. As a bonus, this gentle formula doubles as a body wash and shampoo, making it a great space-saving take-along with multiple benefits.
A clarifying swipe of this hydrating and healing formula is always welcome. Following (or even during) several hours of labor might rank as the perfect time. Antioxidant-rich and ultra-refining for even the most sensitive skin, this gently refreshing, alcohol-free tonic blends natural ingredients, including mandelic acid, rosehip oil, green tea extract, kiwi extract, and honey to calm skin, remove cellular debris and oil, and protect against environmental stressors. Use it after cleansing to enhance absorption of serums, or anytime you want to refresh your skin.
In the last weeks of pregnancy, levels of the stress hormone cortisol rise to levels two to three times higher than normal and remain that way for an average of eight weeks post-partum. It’s thought that this is the body’s method of helping a new mother to manage the stresses of her new lifestyle. (Studies show that mothers with higher levels of cortisol respond more sympathetically to crying infants, for instance.) But cortisol is also a factor in collagen degradation. Peptides act as signaling agents for collagen renewal. They also help reduce redness. Use this rejuvenating peptide concentrate to keep skin firm and resilient during this crucial time. We’re pretty sure it will become one of your forever favorites.
Hospitals are notoriously dry. They keep the temperature low to avoid the spread of bacteria, creating a humidity-free environment that dries lips. A balm is a must, but why not a balm with benefits? Maxi Lip softens and hydrates dry lips while also increasing fullness, definition, and your own natural rosy hue. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look your best in your first family photos.
This one is dual purpose. To soothe and renew skin that’s been dehydrated by dehumidified hospital air, and to make you feel just a little pampered and revived. You can use this nutrient-rich cream on face and body to restore suppleness and elasticity. Despite its luxurious feel, it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic.
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