Novena Maternal Skincare Bearberry Brightening Moisturizer Review

When I was around three months pregnant, going into my second trimester, I started to notice a difference in my skin’s moisture and color balance. I had always heard of malasma or “the dreaded mask of pregnancy.”

Malasma is a tan or dark discoloration of the skin, particulary in women, more so in pregnant women. It loos like dark little patches of hyperpigmentation around the the upper cheek, chin, lip, nose, and forhead area. It develops gradually and is stimulated by melannocytes produced by sex hormones estrogen and progesterone when skin is exposed to the sun.

Other than cosmetic, Malasma is harmless and free of any other symptoms besides the discoloration. But if there is a way you can help prevent it, during pregnancy or at any time, why wouldn’t you do it? This was my exact thought. I noticed only a small difference, but if I could do all I was able to do to prevent it (just like my theory with stretch marks), why wouldn’t I? And if it didn’t work, so be it- at least I knew I tried.

When I did my research online, I found several “promising” products. They were literally promising a solution or complete prevention. I do not like products like this, who market to the needy with miracle cures. Not for me. I wanted something to “aid” in helping prevent skin conditions and tell me exactly what was in their product and what the ingrediants would do for my skin. Product reviews and outside testimony is important to me as well (and I’m not talking about reviews on the company website)!

I meticulously researched everything when I was pregnant, hours on end. I searched for “skin brightening creams,” “pregnancy creams,” “malasma cures,” “hyperpigmentation creams safe for pregnant women,” etc. You get the picture. I read a ton of “Mommy blogs” who swore by different products. I found a lot were talking about one in particular, whih is where I finally came across a small business website appropriately named novenamaternity.com.

It had everything I had been looking for, safe, somewhat organic skincare safe for my pregnant skin. And it also came with a hefty price (at least for my tight wallet.) But I will pay for quality, when I find it and I found that you can sample their products for $5! Ok, now I was sold. If I could try the products out first without breaking the bank, I would give it a shot.

The product I was most interested in was the Novena Organic Bearberry Brightening Moisturizer. It is 94% Organic and 100% Vegan with a complete list of ingredients on the product page. You can see exactly what you are putting on your skin and know that it is safe (and animal cruelty free for that matter)! Novena is a company who stands behind their products (look for another review on that) and will refund you 100% if you are unsatisfied. So after I ordered my sample, I waited anxiously for it to arrive…

When it came, it arrived in little tiny packs. I think there was a few weeks worth, or that is how long it lasted for me. It says to apply a.m. and p.m., but I only used it in the a.m. on my face and neck, along with a SPF 30 moisturizer when I knew I would be out and about (I applied a good, simple night cream in the evening).

When I first opened it, it looked a little thin. When I put it on, it seemed even thinner, but it was very soft. I was still skeptical. I said to myself, “okay, whatever, it was just five bucks.” After about a week of use, my skin felt so buttery soft. Especially my neck. I swear I would sit there and run my fingers over it in disbelief and then I would make my husband feel it for confirmation that I wasn’t nuts! 1 week and my skin felt like this? Even if it didn’t help with hyperpigmentation, the feeling of my skin alone was worth $5 bucks and even the full price of the bottle!

In the second week, I started to notice my skin looking smoother, more even. When we went home for the holidays, my sister even noticed and commented on how good my skin looked. It was hard to tell whether the product made my skin look so good or I was having that pregnancy glow. Then, I ran out, got lazy and didn’t order any more. Well, hello brown spots under my eyes and nose. Ugh. What was I to do but order the full size. At $35 a pop, I knew it was a good investment, I had all of the proof I needed.

Consistently using it, I honestly believe it helped in preventing more discoloration of my skin and I think it helped smooth or even out the existing ones. The previous brown spots seemed to blend more with the other textures and tones of my skin. I was completely happy with this purchase.

I was so satisfied, my baby is 10months old and I continue to use the Novena Bearberry Brightening Moisturizer. I blend it with my SPF moisturizer in the morning and I use it at night too! It is pricey, but a couple of times a year, Novena will run a BOGO (buy one, get one) special and this Mama loves that. Those specials will provide me with a year’s worth of product and then some!

I cannot say enough about this product, except it is a MUST for pregnant women and a nice luxury for all women. It now comes in a formula for dry/senstive skin, so it has all skin types covered. It not only produces results, but it is safe for your skin and animal cruelty free! Perfect combonation, right? A++ for me.