Mediaplanet had the pleasure of speaking with singer/songwriter and mom-to-be, Rachel Platten. We asked the Fight Song star how she’s kept her skin beautiful during the different stages of her pregnancy.
Mediaplanet: Let’s get right into it! Do you prefer a full glam look or an all-natural approach to make up?
Rachel Platten: I prefer to be all-natural, especially because I’m pregnant and super cautious about what I’m putting on my skin. But I won’t pretend that I don’t like going all out occasionally and remembering that I can also rock some false lashes and contour even with my baby belly.
What products or treatments are a staple in your skincare routine?
I apply face masks regularly — twice a week or more — and often go to sleep with a thin layer of a hydrating mask instead of a moisturizer. I also have a five-step routine (cleansing, toning, using a serum, moisturizing, and using sunscreen) that I do every morning and night no matter what. It’s a form of meditation for me and reminds me that even when I’m crazy busy there’s always time to breathe and love on myself a little.
How do you maintain your glowing complexion?
Honestly, I try very hard! In addition to my daily routine, I get regular facials (or give myself mini facials when I don’t have time), drink a crazy amount of water, eat healthy foods, and wear hats almost every time I’m in the sun. As cheesy as it might sound, I really do love taking care of my skin and I put a lot of effort into maintaining it.
It’s amazing how such a small action can rewire your brain to feel empowered and nurtured.
Did you struggle with any skin conditions growing up?
Yes! When I was around 22 and moved to New York City, I was so stressed with trying to make it in music and didn’t have money for products and it all showed on my skin. I also wasn’t eating very well. I found that my diet has a major impact on whether or not I’ll break out.
How has your skin changed during your pregnancy?
During my first trimester I felt like I was back in my early 20s with these random hormonal breakouts on my face and on my chest. I tried getting more facials and that helped, but I also stopped wearing makeup except for when I was doing performances. Eventually, my hormones calmed down and my skin evened out. Now that I’m in my third trimester, my skin is back to normal and I’m grateful.
With the media being such a strong influence in today’s social climate, how can women remain positive about their self-image?
I think the most important thing we can do is to love ourselves fiercely and remember that we are enough, just as we are. There are so many examples of unhealthy, unachievable beauty standards being set by celebrities and social media influencers, but there are also other examples and role models we can look to as positive examples.
I started following a lot of body positive Instagram accounts — the confidence and inner light shared by the women on those accounts have been infectious. They helped me to love my pregnancy curves and slowly change the ideal I’d set for myself of what was beautiful.
In addition, I think we can remember how powerful we are by giving — giving compliments, our time to charities, and random acts of kindness. We can feel sad and powerless when we only focus on what we don’t have or don’t want, but we can easily shift this by switching that focus to what we have to offer! In my opinion, nothing is more beautiful or attractive than a woman who knows her worth and power.
What advice do you have for new and expecting moms on maintaining healthy skin as their bodies change?
My advice would be to try to take it all in stride, whether you’re a glowing goddess or broken-out, stressed out, not-sleeping mess. I’ve been both people and I’m learning to allow it all and not to be hard on myself. The dip in self-esteem I experienced when I was breaking out certainly didn’t help my skin recover in those early months. It wasn’t until I started loving myself again, connecting with my baby, and allowing the ups and downs of pregnancy that my skin started to reflect that return to self-love.
Why do you think it’s important for women to love their skin?
It’s a way to show ourselves that we deserve self-care and love and that we are worthy of the time and extra expense it might take. Just a couple of minutes can make me feel so nurtured — even on a day when everything has gone wrong. If I spend a little time breathing deeply in the mirror and massaging my temples and cheeks as a facialist might, I feel so loved. It’s amazing how such a small action can rewire your brain to feel empowered and nurtured.
