Interview
Skincare Wardrobe:
The Mommy-to-Be Edit
Pregnant. Oh! A season filled with anticipation, transformation, and change – in your skin, your body, and your mind.
Swedish podcast host and author Nadia Kandil is expecting her first child and shares her thoughts on pregnancy, the small rituals that bring calm to both body and soul, and, of course, the Rudolph Care favourites that have earned a permanent place on her bathroom shelf and become her go-to shortcut to a little extra self-care.
You’re expecting your first child. How has pregnancy changed your perspective on life so far?
Where do I even begin? It has been such a… real experience. I see my body in a completely different way. I’ve never felt more grateful for it or more amazed by what it is capable of.
Pregnancy has been an incredibly humbling experience. At the same time, it has made me feel sad about all the times I thought my body wasn’t good enough. That I should be thinner, exercise more, or compare myself to others. Looking back, it almost breaks my heart that I ever thought that, because my body is exactly as it is meant to be.
Another thing that has surprised me is the feeling of losing control over my energy. Normally, I can always push myself a little further or ignore being tired, hungry, or needing to rest. Now, my body is in charge, and I have to listen to what it needs. It’s both scary and incredibly exciting.
Has there been a mental or emotional shift during pregnancy that surprised you?
I wasn’t prepared for all the emotions that come with pregnancy. You can prepare yourself, to some extent, for the physical changes, like nausea, but the emotional side has been much more overwhelming.
That goes for both the beautiful emotions – the immense gratitude and happiness – and the emotional rollercoaster that pregnancy has been.
What does self-care look like for you during this season of life?
For me, it’s all about having that moment in the evening when I can slow down and cleanse my face. I really take my time. It feels like washing the whole day away – like taking off the mask.
I might put on a podcast, enjoy a long shower, or use a facial scrub. Those small rituals are what bring me a sense of calm.
Have your beauty habits or priorities changed since becoming pregnant?
Not really. I’ve always had a fairly minimalist approach to skincare. I’d much rather have a few really great, clean products than follow an eleven-step routine.
That said, I do think a bit more about what I put on my body now that I’m carrying another life.
Which skincare products are staples in your routine?
I always come back to the same products: Firming Perfector Serum, Firming Therapy Rich Cream, and Açai All in One Eye Cream.
I also love a beautiful cream blush and a neutral lip gloss. And then there’s one little luxury I can’t live without: I love carrying Mist Delight with me wherever I go.
Which Rudolph Care product are you loving the most right now?
Firming Therapy Rich Cream is without a doubt my favourite. It works beautifully on its own, but also together with a serum and underneath makeup.
When I travel, I don’t always bring my full skincare routine, which is why I love Firming Therapy Rich Cream. If I have that with me, I honestly feel like I have everything I need.
Now for the fun part. Create your ultimate Rudolph Care ritual – one that brings calm, comfort, and a little indulgence.
I’d start with a long shower, followed by Mommy & Me – the most wonderful balm, whether you’re pregnant or not.
Next comes the Açai Facial Scrub Mask. After exfoliating, I like to leave it on for a little longer as a mask. Then I follow with Firming Perfector Serum, Açai All in One Eye Cream, and finish with Firming Therapy Rich Cream.
What’s your best advice for other first-time mothers-to-be?
I’d actually love to receive that advice myself. Unfortunately, I don’t have any to give just yet. Haha.