This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby/pregnancy-related products--(skin care is kind of an "everyone" thing, though, so I didn't separate out FTM/STM questions.) Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product. Feel free to comment on these threads throughout your time at the board, not just during its week in the spotlight, if you discover something new/are new to the board.
This week we're talking.... Skin care! The Bump has a great post about Best Pregnancy Skin Care Products, so check that out--but also feel free to let us know what works/has worked for you!
You can use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to.
For all...
Re: Product Spotlight Series: Skin Care!
That being said...(and I realize I’m a huge hypocrite 😆)...an old coworker recommended this for stretch marks. I used it everyday starting at about 12 weeks and 2x a day from like 25 weeks on. It’s expensive ($30, and I needed 2 or 3 bottles), but it felt nice, wasn’t too smelly and I liked it.
I don’t wear makeup so I have nothing to add there. Lol!
In regards to stretch mark prevention, I use Trilastin lotion beginning around week 14 (I'll probably start it sooner this time since I'll show quicker). It smells amazing and keeps my skin feeling smooth so I don't get itchy! That's what really gets the stretch marks going. I also drink collagen mixed in water every night before bed. That helps with skin elasticity and keeping joint pain at bay later in pregnancy.
Married 8/16/13
BFP#1 DS 11/13/16
BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18
BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
Married 8/16/13
BFP#1 DS 11/13/16
BFP# 2 MMC dx @ 13w 10/30/18
BFP# 3 Preemie DD born at 38w (IUGR) on 8/28/19 weighing 5.5lbs. Our little miracle
And for for my belly and hips, I used a coconut sugar exfoliator, and then: The Honest Company Organic Belly Balm. I kept that stuff on my belly all of the time, and it made me so much more comfortable. I did not get stretch marks, but that may have been the luck of my genetics.
The Belly Balm needs to dry before putting on a shirt that could be stained by oils. I often wore cotton tanks under my clothes so it didn’t matter.
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
I am kind of obsesive when it comes comes to my make up routine. It actually started with my first pregnancy. I felt like I looked huge so I should at least try to make my face look good. lol 😂
I got some pretty bad stretch marks last time but I am going to try to be better at moisturizing and such to help prevent new ones this time.
As for make-up, I’m rocking my Burt’s Bees chapstick like a champ. 😂
How does/has it changed during pregnancy (this one or another)? Not at all really. I cut out my retinol, but all the other products I use are pregnancy safe. For makeup, I switched to Beauty Counter foundation instead of Fenty Beauty.
What are your fave brands/products/why? Skin Ceuticals is obviously my favorite, but I also like SkinMedica and Ole Hendriksen. I use Orgins occasionally. The triple lipid cream above is definitely my favorite product that I always have on hand. My holy grail favorite product is their Phloretin CF, but I can't justify that price every three months. It worked magic on my acne and helped with my scarring so much. I've tried other brands and they just don't compare. I did like Paula's Choice okay though.
Anything else you'd like to add!
My number one piece of advice for fellow hormonal acne sufferers is to not skip a toner. They are so important to help rebalance your skin. Also, tea tree oil is magic!