PREGNANCY SKINCARE

I have never had particularly sensitive skin, but for some reason that all changes when I’m pregnant. It happened last time, and it is happening again. My skin is simply itchy for no reason. So I am doing what I can to use pregnancy friendly and gentle skincare products. And then there is of course also the growing bump, and as the skin stretches more and more, that too gets horribly itcy, and not to mention very prone to stretchmarks also due to the increase in weight. I got through my last pregnancy and a weight gain of over 14 kgs without any stretchmarks worth mentioning, and I am adamant that I’ll do what I can to avoid them again. Here’s a selection of skincare products that I’m using to get me through this pregnancy;

GAIA Nipple Balm*

When I had my little boy I was close to giving up breastfeeding within the first week as my nipples were simply in such a bad state. But I persevered with the pain, and with the assistance of various creams and some medical guidance, eventually things worked out, and I actually ended up breastfeeding him for a year. Now 24 weeks pregnant, I am already starting to feel the ‘pain’ in my nipples, and the GAIA Nipple Balm is already proving a good aid. The organic balm has been designed to moisturise, soothe and protect sore, cracked nipples, and as it is made with pure, edible organic oils such as sunflower and avocado, and does not contain any lanolin, petrochemicals, mineral oil, parabens, propylene glycol or artificial fragrances or pure essential oils so you don’t have to wash it off before breastfeeding. Any residue is perfectly fine for baby to suck off. The thick cream is initially a little difficult to massage in, but once warmed between your fingers it’s a lot easier. And the good thing is that any residue on your fingers doubles as a lipbalm or even massaged into dry cuticles.

RRP: $12.95 – Available from Priceline, select pharmacies and baby stores, and GAIA Online


Vanessa Megan Mummy’s Tummy Pregnancy Oil*


 

I was very lucky that I was very well during my first pregnancy, and apart from bad morning sickness that has now luckily disappeared, so far all is also going well this time. But as the weeks tick on, and my tummy is growing, I can already now feel the itchiness increasing. And again, wanting to do anything to prevent those stretchmarks, I have been slathering my tummy with Mummy’s Pregnancy Oil from Vanessa Megan as I sit in the couch and relax at night.

The Tummy Oil is certified organic and is made using essential oil dilutions at 1%, so it is safe to use during pregnancy. It contains among others jojoba oil, coconut oil, rosehip oil, vitamin E, essential oils of grapseed, tangerine, lavender and neroli – ingredients which combined help support the elasticity of the skin during pregnancy by promoting collagen production. It not only helps provide the skin with intense moisture without making the skin feel greasy or tacky, it also helps to strengthen under lying tissue, tone and tighten the skin, and improve sun damaged skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles and stretch. All while having a having a soothing and calming effect, thanks to the lavender. Then oil is very concentrated so the large bottle will last you quite a while, especially if you as me, only use it on your tummy, and not use it all over your body – which admittedly can be very tempting as it smells divine with its natural fresh floral lavender scent that lingers on the skin for a while.

RRP: $59.95 (200ml) – Available from Vanessa Megan



Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend*

Another body oil that is incredible is this Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend from Elemis. It is free from chemical nasties and contains no parabens, SLS or SLES, DEA, mineral oil, artificial colours or silicones, it is perfectly suitable for use during pregnancy. It has the most divine scent from the camellia and it is a true multi-tasking aromatherapy oil that is not only good for the body keeping the skin soft and moisturised and for helping to reduce the appearance of scars and assist in the prevention of stretch marks, it is also suitable for a lot of other things including caring for your nails and cuticles, to taming and adding moisture to hair and scalp.

During pregnancy during a time you have to give up on so many other things - think anti-ageing products containing retinol, and believe me, most of them do, and not to mention all the foods that are not safe to eat – so it is a nice treat to use such a beautifully oil that leaves a divine scent behind for hours. And besides, the gorgeous red glass bottle looks stunning in the bathroom too!

RRP: $62 (100ml) – Available from FacialCo
 


Sukin BioNatural Skin Oil*

If you are on a tighter budget, then you cannot go past this Skin Oil from Sukin. I have previously declared my love for the Australian budget brand, and you won’t be disappointed with this oil either. The Oil contains Tamanu, Carrot Seed and Rose Hip Oils offer a unique blend of essential fatty acids and antioxidants to help nourish and improve the skin’s appearance including the appearance of scars, stretchmarks and ageing skin. It also contains Vitamins C and F as well as avocado, calendula and vitamin E to hydrate and soften and brighten the skin. It comes in a convenient little pump bottle that makes it convenient and easy to use. And just a few pumps is all that is required if you use it on your tummy only, whereas of course, a little more is needed if you use it all over your body. It starts out a little greasy but absorbs easily leaving the skin feel soft, and with a lovely fruity scent.

RRP: $14.95 (60ml) – Available from Priceline, Select Pharmacies and Sukin Online
 

 Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion*

Aveeno is another one of those budget brand that you just cannot fault. The products are so effective, in spite of the low prices, and that includes this Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion. The thick cream has been formulated with natural colloidal oatmeal and cooling menthol to relieve and protect itchy, dry skin. The cream does take a while to absorb into the skin, but once it has, it is well worth the effort as it leaves the skin so soft and deeply nourished, with no need to reapply, so I like to use it in the mornings after my shower. It has a lovely cooling sensation thanks to the menthol which is lovely when your skin is itchy. I also love the mild and gentle menthol that it leaves behind on the skin.

RRP: $9.95 (225ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and pharmacies




Vanessa Megan Garden Wonderland - Pregnancy Perfume / Morning Sickness Spray*
 

Also from Vanessa Megan is this natural perfume that also doubles as a morning sickness spray. I am a bit of a perfume junkie, and usually wear perfume every day, even when I’m ‘just’ at home, but during my pregnancies I have opted to only use them on very special occasions due to all the chemicals they contain. But this perfume from Vanessa Megan contains no alcohol that can dry out the skin, but is all natural containing a blend of natural essential oils that are considered safe to use during pregnancy. It among others contains essential oils of lavender that has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, mandarin and lemon myrtle that gives it uplifting qualities, spearmint and peppermint essential oil which stimulate the mind it is great for mental fatigue, as well as ginger that is to help with morning sickness and nausea.


I did start using the perfume towards the end of the period I was suffering badly with morning sickness so it is difficult to say how it performed in that way. However, I do love the fresh uplifting citrusy scent – in fact I absolutely love fresh citrusy scents, so I already know that I will continue to use it even after giving birth!! It doesn’t last quite as well on the skin as ‘normal’ perfumes, but as it smells so lovely, I don’t mind reapplying in the middle of the day anyway! I also love that it is not synthetic but rather made from 100% natural ingredients.

RRP: $29.95 (100ml) – Available from Vanessa Megan

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


So there you go, these are some of the products that I am currently enjoying using during my pregnancy.

Do you have children? Which products did you swear to during your pregnancy?


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