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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Event: Support Cancer Research with GAIA Skin Naturals on a Girls Night In

Love catching up with your girlfriends and the ladies in your family? Then why not bring everyone together for a very special event, and raise much-needed funds to help beat women's cancers at the same time?  It's all about bringing women together, celebrating, and raising money to help Cancer Council fight against breast and gynaecological cancers.   When a group of women come together for a girl’s night-in to raise money for cancer research, it’s a powerful example of the great things a local community of caring women can achieve.

On Friday, October 18th, the third annual Emerald Community Girls Night In will be held at the Emerald Performing Arts Centre, once again giving local women the chance to enjoy a great night out with friends while raising money for the Cancer Council of Victoria.

 

 

Proudly supported each year by GAIA Skin Naturals, last year’s event was attended by 260 women and raised approx. $12,000. The efforts of the organising committee were honoured by a research award being named after them: "The Emerald Community Research Award", as well as the opportunity to nominate which clinical trial was to receive the grant.

Head organiser, Stephanie Cox, explains she decided to hold the event after her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. "I felt so helpless and wanted to do something. I saw the campaign for the Girls Night In and realised that this was something I could do to help," she said. "I originally planned to have a few of girlfriends over at my place, but my little idea had wings and with the help of friends and the support of companies like GAIA it has grown to into a major community event."

Local Resident and Managing Director of GAIA Skin Naturals, Michelle Vogrinec, is proud of the company’s long-standing support of the evening. "For us this is all about supporting the local community and all the families who have been touched by cancer," said Michelle. "One of our staff members has been directly affected by breast cancer which has made us even more aware and really brought the issue closer to home."

 

Tickets are available from Ritchies IGA in Emerald or online

Tickets are $10 which includes a glass of champagne or juice and finger food on arrival.

The night will be hosted by Warwick Merry with entertainment from Mood Swings Choir and local artists and there will be refreshments throughout the night, plus the opportunity for a massage and professional beauty treatments provided by HUSH Cosmetics Beauty Studio for a small donation.

There will be raffles, door prizes, heaps of new, second hand items, vouchers and services available in a silent auction that will go on throughout the evening and more donations are welcome. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Cancer Council’s women’s cancer projects. The first 200 ticket holders will also receive a GAIA gift bag.

All sales of GAIA products on the night will be donated to cancer research.

"As wives, mothers, sisters and friends we can turn our compassion from feeling powerless to doing something really powerful by focusing our efforts on funding research," said Michelle.

For further information about the event, please visit the Facebook page or www.emeraldcommunitygirlsnightin.org or phone Stephanie on 0458 995 504.

 

 

And in case you are new to GAIA – the GAIA Natural Baby was born out of a need by Melbourne mum, Michelle Vogrinec, when she couldn’t find suitable skincare products to care for her baby’s skin, who suffered from eczema and sensitivities - so she created them.

Designed to keep baby skin care simple, GAIA Natural Baby provides the basic items to gently care for baby’s everyday needs, without too much fuss. The products are also free from harsh soaps, sulphates, petrochemicals, phthalates, lanolin, talc, mineral oil, propylene glycol, paraben preservatives and artificial fragrance, making them eczema friendly. Not only are the products tailored for sensitive skin, they are made using certified organic ingredients to minimise dryness, calm sensitivities and provide gentle care for your little one’s skin at bath time and beyond.

Other GAIA brands include pure pregnancy, made for men and Skin+Body. And Let me tell you, the products are amazing, the GAIA Belly Butter and Belly Oil saw me though my recent pregnancy without a single stretchmark, and I am loving using the GAIA Baby products on my little baby boy, and the Grapefruit & JasmineBody Wash and Body Moisturiser smells absolutely divine.   

Do you live in the area, and going to attend the event and support this great cause? And please do share the details of this event with your friends.

Have you tried any of the products from GAIA?

Product Review: My Must-Have Skincare Products during Pregnancy

Being pregnant my skin has changed more than I had ever thought possible, and along with the long list of products which are a no-no to use while pregnant, it has been a little bit of a jungle having to venture into a for me, new area of skincare that I’d never previously had explored. Here is a run-down of some of the key skincare products that I've been using during my pregnancy;

 
That itchy skin...

I’ve never before suffered with dry skin and only ever used heavy body butters during winter – but suddenly my skin turned dry and itchy. They say that the itchiness is cause by a combination of the skin stretching and hormones.

When you suddenly gain a lot of weight – and when the majority of it sits on your tummy, no wonder the skin stretches so much that stretchmarks often appear. I don’t think that there are any 100% guaranteed preventions for stretchmarks, but making sure to keep the skin soft and hydrated is said to help reduce the risk.

To help with both the itchiness and to try to prevent stretchmarks - and at over 39 weeks pregnant I still haven’t got any – I have used a combination of products..


On my tummy...; 

*Gaia Belly Oil (RRP $17.95/95ml) and *Belly Butter (RRP $17.95/150g)

This Belly Oil and Belly Butter from Gaia is truly godsend. Both products have been made without Vitamin A, steroids, petrochemicals or mineral oils, making it very gentle and completely safe to use during pregnancy without any fears of harming the unborn baby. In fact, it is so gentle that it is also recommended for use to smooth caesarean scars. The products contain organic rosehip oil, organic jojoba oil, organic wheat germ oil, to help rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin on the belly, breasts, thighs and bottom areas stay soft and thoroughly moisturised during pregnancy and after to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and avoid new ones from coming.

The Belly Oil is easy to use as it comes in a spray bottle, but it does take a little longer to absorb, so I’ve been using it at night time (to stop myself from scratching my tummy during the night!), or if I’ve been home and just wearing some of hubby’s old t-shirts where any staining hasn’t mattered so much. While if I’ve been going out, and dressed up in my nicer clothes, I’ve been using the Belly Butter as it absorbs into the skin instantly. These products deserve a medal, as I am convinced that the products are one of the main reasons I still haven’t got any stretchmarks!


Palmers Tummy Butter (RRP: $15.69/125g)

This Tummy Butter from Palmers is incredibly greasy, and it is so concentrated that you need to use the tiniest amount, and still it feels greasy! It takes a while to absorb into the skin, and consequently I have only been using this at night time when I’ve been relaxing in front of the telly, and my tummy has gotten very itchy, as it has helped calm it down. And besides, the little boy seems to really enjoy and respond to this massage, so it has become a nightly routine. It has a light cocoa butter scent, and is free from parabens and phthalates, intended for use during pregnancy. It also contains vitamin E, collagen, elastin and lavender to soothe the skin.


On my body, including thighs and bum...;

*Clarins Stretchmark control (RRP: $90/200ml)

I’ve never ever been as heavy as I am right now, and no longer being able to do any vigorous exercise, of course I have been worried about developing a severe case of stubborn cellulite on my thighs and bum.

The Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother limits fat storage and activates fat destocking to reduce the most stubborn cellulite and block the formation of early cellulite at its origin. And it works to not only visibly reduce cellulite, Body Lift Cellulite Smoothers specific active ingredients reinforce the skin’s firmness, micro-circulation and hydration and has an immediate lifting and tightening effect.


I love how the Cellulite Smoother absorbs into the skin immediately, leaving my skin feel soft and smooth, and I love the slight tingling and warming sensation, as the cream works to tone and tighten the skin. And at 39 weeks pregnant, and the heaviest weight I’ve ever been, the little bit of cellulite I already had before I got pregnant, hasn’t gotten any worse, and I am yet to see any new cellulite appear, so to me this is an absolute wonder cream.

All over my body...;

*Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil (RRP: $69.95/100ml)

Although I have been lucky and most of my pregnancy weight gain is sitting on my tummy, and hasn’t ‘spilled’ out to the rest of my body, I have naturally a little weight all over, I don’t think that can be avoided. And to avoid stretch marks from creeping in and ensure that my otherwise normal skin – which suddenly during pregnancy has gotten a lot drier, - has remained moisturised, I have been using the Clarins Tonic Body Treatment.

The body oil has the most amazing and relaxing natural scent, which however quickly fades. The oil feels so luxurious to use, and it absorbs into the skin instantly, and unlike other body oils, it doesn’t leaving behind any greasy feeling. Rather it immediately gets rid of any dry skin, and leaves the skin feeling so soft, smooth and thoroughly moisturised, and after just a few days use, I can really telly that my skin both feels and looks nicer, and appears more toned. And it helps soothe any itchy skin immediately too. And again, I am yet to see any further stretch marks, so this is another miracle product.


*Lanolips Herbal Treatment Body Oil (RRP $18.95/60ml)

The Lanolips Herbal Treatment Body Oil is a Ultra Pure Grade Lanolin oil with pine and eucalyptus oils to create a specialist treatment oil for stretch marks, scars, dehydrated skin & rough skin. The rich, nourishing oil keeps the skin moist and supple, providing the ultimate level of skin elasticity, during times of rapid growth such as pregnancy. Also contains violet leaf, coriander & copaiba balsam – leaving skin soft, silky, fragrant & healthy, and it has an absolutely amazing and natural gentle scent from all the natural ingredients.

It comes in a small hard plastic bottle with a flip lid, which makes it easy dispense just a few drops at a time. The bottle may look small for a body oil, but it is so concentrated that just a few drops is more than sufficient, so the small bottle will last you forever. I’ve been using this body oil all over after my shower, and it absorbs quickly leaving the skin feel incredibly soft and deeply moisturised. This oil is fantastic value for money, and a great alternative to body lotion.



*Johnson’s Baby Lotion (RRP $5.49/200ml)

When I have been using a body lotion on my increasingly sensitive skin, I’ve been using the Johnson’s Baby Lotion. Yep, it is not just for baby skin, it also perfect for adult skin. This moisturiser is so super gentle that it is gentle enough to use on a newborn baby, leaving a thing protective film on the skin, while being soothing and moisturising.

The body lotion which comes in a cute pale pink bottle has a pleasant gentle scent. The moisturiser is light and very easy to rub over the skin, and it absorbs into the skin immediately, without leaving the skin feeling greasy. And it instantly leaves the skin feeling thoroughly hydrated, a feeling that lasts all day. And it is so gentle that it doesn’t irritate even the most sensitive of skin, but rather it has an instantaneous soothing effect. I’ve made sure to stock up on this for our little baby boy, and lucky it comes at such a bargain price, as I am enjoying using this myself too!!


Pigmentation

Another thing many pregnant women often experience during pregnancy is an increase in pigmentation due to the change in hormones. I usually love being outdoors during summer, but this year, being pregnant I just couldn’t stand the hot weather we’ve been experiencing here in Melbourne, so consequently being less outside in the sun, than I otherwise would during summer has no doubt benefited my skin, as while I have seen a slight increase in the pigmentation, this is still not major. Sadly many of the conventional products targeting pigmentation are a big no-no during pregnancy, so I have been using


Kosmea Rosehip Oil (RRP $24.95/20ml)

The Kosmea Rosehip Oil has without a doubt helped me avoid me getting the 'mask of pregnancy'. In spite of thinking my combination skin wouldn’t like using a facial oil, my skin is loving it, and it is almost as if the oil production in my skin has normalised, and my skin is no longer as oily. In saying that, it is still too oily for my skin to use during the day, as it simply makes my makeup slide off, so I’ve only been using it at night time before bed. You can read my full review of the Kosmea Rosehip Oil here.


*Clarins White Plus Intensive Brightening Serum (RRP: $95/30ml)

The Clarins White Plus range is a relatively new skincare range from Clarins, targeting dull skin, and reduces dark spots and prevents their reappearance. It is super lightweight serum enriched with natural extracts of alchemilla, red sandspurry, gink-go biloba and white tea, and it has next to no scent. It absorbs instantly into the skin, making it feel incredibly soft and smooth and with a matte feel.

After just a few weeks of using the serum I started noticing larger pigmentation spots that I’d had for years, start to fade and give my skin a more even skin tone and a healthy glow – and that in spite of the up-hill battle with cream would have had in a period of likely pigmentation increase! This is truly amazing, and I look forward to seeing the results the serum will give after I’ve given birth and it has more favourable conditions to work its magic!!


Fragrance & Well-being

I always wear perfume. Always! And if I leave the house having forgotten to put some on, I feel as naked as not wearing my watch. It is simply a habit that I would not be without. Some girls have a signature perfume, - not me…there are simply too many great perfumes out there, to limit what I wear to just one, or even just a few. But I also have to be honest, and admit that while I’ve been pregnant, I have cut down dramatically on the perfume I use. In fact I have only been wearing it for very special occasions, simply because they say that perfumes generally are so loaded with chemicals, that I thought they surely wouldn’t be the greatest for our unborn baby boy either!

But on the few occasions where I have been wearing a perfume, I’ve wanted it to be special – and then I’ve turned to Clarins Eau Dynamisante..


*Clarins Eau Dynamisante Treatment Fragrance (RRP: $65/100ml)

You see, Eau Dynamisante is no ordinary fragrance, it is a treatment fragrance, that helps keep the skin soft, smooth and moisturised, and help tone and revitalise the skin, and of course at the same time, it has a lovely fresh feminine spicy yet citrusy scent – and if there’s something I love, its citrus scented products! It is such an uplifting and refreshing scent, and it lasts all day, while still being very subtle.

 Eau Dynamisante was launched in 1987…yeah, that right, how many fragrances are still going strong and are as popular after that many years on the market!! Shows that it really is a true classic.

* Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 
 

So there you have it, some of key products that I’ve been relying on to get me through my pregnancy. And I’ve loved them all so much that they are sure to stay on my favourites list!


What about you, have you tried any of these products? And if you are, or have been pregnant, which products did you rely on during your pregnancy?

Product Review: GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Butter

39 weeks pregnant now and counting down the days…. And still doing what I can to prevent the unsightly stretch marks on especially my tummy. Throughout my pregnancy I have been vigorously moisturising the skin on my stomach several times a day to avoid the skin getting so itchy that I scratch it to bits – and well, hopefully at the same time, avoid getting too bad stretch marks. Here are my thoughts on the *GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Butter;

 

What They Say: 
"Rich and intensive organic butters and oils maintain the suppleness and elasticity of your changing skin. May reduce the possibility and appearance of stretchmarks during and after pregnancy."

RRP: $17.95 (95ml) – Available from Priceline, select Chemists and Health Stores and major baby stores, and Gaia Skin Naturals Online

What I Say: 
I recently tried the GAIA Belly Oil, and absolutely love it, it is such an amazing product. So of course I was also excited to be trying the GAIA Belly Butter, having big expectations.

GAIA was launched in 2002 with a line called GAIA Natural Baby, created by mum Michelle Vogrinec after her baby developed eczema when he was just 8 weeks old. With no products suitable for the sensitive baby skin, a range of gentle non-irritating products was developed. Subsequently other ranges, including the GAIA Pure Pregnancy has been developed. Common for all the GAIA ranges, they have been made without any of the ingredients known to irritate the skin or suspected of being harmful, so consequently the products do not contain any sulphates, petrochemicals, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol, phthalates or artificial fragrances. I love the sound of that!

And in addition, the company is Australian owned, and the products Australian made, without being tested on animals. Even better!!

The GAIA Belly Butter has been made without Vitamin A, steroids, petrochemicals or mineral oils, making it very gentle and completely safe to use during pregnancy without any fears of harming the unborn baby. In fact, it is so gentle that it is also recommended for use to smooth caesarean scars.

The Belly Butter is deeply moisturising and nourishing, it contains pure cocoa butter and organic shea butter, both well known for replenishing skin’s vital moisture, maintaining suppleness and reducing the possibility and appearance of stretchmarks. It also contains organic rosehip oil, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E, which are rich sources of vitamins, essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants to help rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin on the belly, breasts, thighs and bottom areas stay soft and thoroughly moisturised and assist with skin elasticity during pregnancy and after to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and avoid new ones from coming.

The GAIA Belly Oil comes in a bright (and very girly) hot pink tube with a flip lid, making it very easy to use. And I love that it has been designed to stand on its lid so that the cream drops down as you use it, making it possible to completely empty the tube.

I have mainly been using the Belly Butter on my tummy, and just a dollop is more than sufficient, as is quite concentrated. And unlike most other body butters, after a quick massage the Belly Butter is completely absorbed into the skin, with no greasiness or stickiness in sight. So no need to worry that it will make your clothes greasy or stained from the oil either. And my skin is left feeling soft and thoroughly moisturised.

I don’t normally have sensitive skin, but for some reason, and I think I’ve heard that this is pretty normal, since being pregnant, my skin has suddenly gotten sensitive. However, the Belly Butter has very calming effect on the skin and soon after applying the cream, any itchiness is gone.

The Belly Butter has the most gorgeous and calming scent, from the essential oils used in the oil, including lavender, mandarin, tangerine and frankincense. It is just beautiful, but without being too strong or overpowering. And once absorbed into the skin, this scent does fade quickly.

I have been using the Belly Butter (along with the GAIA Belly Oil) for several months now, and I’m very happy to say that I have still not noticed any stretchmarks, and I am convinced that the Belly Oil and the Belly Butter have has a significant part in that.

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

As always, if you like what you see, leave a comment below!! Make sure you follow me on bloglovin' or GFC (see buttons at the right of this page) so you don't miss any upcoming posts! And of course, don’t forget to enter my giveaway….details on the top right of this page!


If you are pregnant, or have had kids, what did you use during your pregnancy to avoid stretchmarks and soothe the itchy tummy? Have you ever tried any products from GAIA? And if so, what is your favourite product?
                                                                                                                         

Product Review: GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil

One of the sad ‘side-effects’ of being pregnant is that when the skin on tummy stretches so much that it starts to get itchy, as well as the stretch marks starts to appear. Currently 32 weeks pregnant, I am vigorously moisturising the skin on my stomach several times a day to avoid the skin getting so itchy that I scratch it to bits – and well, hopefully at the same time, that I avoid getting too bad stretch marks. Here are my thoughts on the *GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil;
 

What They Say: 
"GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil promotes skin elasticity while your belly is stretching to accommodate your growing little one".

RRP: $17.95 (95ml) – Available Gaia Skin Naturals Online, Terry White Chemists, Priceline, major baby stores, independent chemists, and health stores.

What I Say:

Having never before used any GAIA products, I decided to look into the company, and was so pleasantly surprised when I discovered that the company was launched in 2002 with a line called GAIA Natural Baby, created by mum Michelle Vogrinec after her baby developed eczema when he was just 8 weeks old. With no products suitable for the sensitive baby skin, a range of gentle non-irritating products was developed. Subsequently other ranges, including the GAIA Pure Pregnancy has been developed.
And common for all the GAIA ranges, they have been made without any of the ingredients known to irritate the skin or suspected of being harmful, so consequently the products do not contain any sulphates, petrochemicals, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol, phthalates or artificial fragrances. Big bonus points from me!!

And in addition, the company is Australian owned, and the products Australian made, without being tested on animals. More bonus points!!

The actual GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil has been made without Vitamin A, steroids, petrochemicals or mineral oils, making it very gentle and completely safe to use during pregnancy without any fears of harming the unborn baby. In fact, it is so gentle that it is also recommended for use to smooth caesarean scars.

The Belly Oil contains among others organic rosehip oil, organic jojoba oil, organic wheat germ oil. These ingredients are all rich sources of vitamins, essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants to help rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin on the belly, breasts, thighs and bottom areas stay soft and thoroughly moisturised during pregnancy and after to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and avoid new ones from coming. 

 

The GAIA Belly Oil comes in a small bright (and very girly) bottle – and unlike other body oils it has a pump, which makes it so easy to use.

And just a few sprays on say the tummy is more than sufficient, so it is very concentrated, so in spite of the small bottle, it will last you quite a while. And after a quick massage the oil is completely absorbed into the skin, with no greasiness or stickiness in sight. So no need to worry that it will make your clothes greasy or stained from the oil either. And my skin is instantly left so soft, and subtle, and any itchiness is gone.

The Belly Oil has the most gorgeous and calming scent, no doubt from the (pregnancy safe) essential oils used in the oil, including lavender, mandarin, tangerine, frankincense and spearmint. Just divine, and without being too overpowering. And once absorbed into the skin, this scent does fade quickly.

I have no used the Belly Oil for well over a month, and as my tummy is still growing, it is too soon to say if it has helped prevent stretch marks. But I do know that while I don’t normally have sensitive skin, while being pregnant my skin has suddenly gotten sensitive, and the Belly Oil has in no way upset it further – in fact, I feel that using the Belly Oil has a very calming effect on the skin and just a quick spray with the oil and any itchiness is gone too.

In spite of being called Belly Oil and intended for use during and after pregnancy, I also think that it is very suitable as a treatment oil for anyone with sensitive skin, during weight changes or simply as a preventative measure.

I am seriously enjoying using the Belly Oil so I have no doubt that I will repurchase this and will continue using it for the remainder of my pregnancy as well as afterwards and fingers crossed I can avoid too many insightful stretchmarks. I highly recommend that you try it too!!

Want to try before you buy....well you can - just go to the GAIA Pure Pregnancy Facebook page and request a sample. Too easy!

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


 And stay tuned, I will be posting a review of the GAIA Belly Butter shortly..
If you are pregnant, or have had kids, what did you use during your pregnancy to avoid stretchmarks and soothe the itchy tummy? Have you ever tried any products from GAIA? And if so, what is your favourite product?



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