Ever since I found out I was pregnant, it was like my skin decided to dry up and break out.... everywhere. My sweet little man is sucking the life out of me, literally. I'm a big skin researcher and I'm always on the hunt for something "better". I recently learned that woman put an average of 168 chemicals on their face from soaps to lotions to makeup every day. I haven't gone totally chemical free because I am struggling giving up a few things but I have gotten that number a lot lower.
My acne and redness has been out of control since baby so let me start with my new miracle oil, Frankincense oil. I know it may freak you out, as it did me, to put oil on my face especially when I was broken out, but I was desperate and heard great things about this so I tried it. Keep in mind it is really important you are using a grade A oil so you have the purest oil possible. I'm using Young Living oils because they are some of the purest oils around and come from the Young Living farm. I add 1-2 drops to my evening moisturizer (I use Embryolisse Lait-Creme for my moisturizer) and I'm telling you with in 4 days I noticed my skin had looked less red, less inflamed, and most my acne has calmed down and is not visible anymore. Frankincense oil is used for many ailments some including reducing pain, inflammation, boosting immunity, and even potentially helping to fight cancer. I'm not a doctor by any means but I do a ton of research and I'm in love with this oil. I have occasionally mixed a drop of the Frankincense with the Baobab oil for my face if I'm extremely dry but when I use the Baobab oil on my face too much I get a little congested. Less is more right now for me so I'm trying to use just a few things to calm & soothe my face.
My belly is growing fast and itching, so that means stretch marks are in my future. I'm trying to combat this and have found two incredible yummy products. I'm in love with my friend Dani Kenney's line. Dani is a chef and a mama. Dani started this amazing all natural line while she was pregnant and finding different healthier options. She created this amazing "Beautiful Belly" body butter packed with wonderful oils like Shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa, mango butter, avocado oil, and a bunch of other yummy oils that make my tummy so soft and almost instantly stop the itch. I love adding a drop or two of the Young Living Lavender oil to the mix for a calming and relaxing aroma!
I'm also loving the Baobab oil by Powbab. I have been switching off between the belly butter and this one just for fun and sometimes I will even mix them for more hydration. They are both wonderful. I add the Lavender oil to this as well. I love rubbing both these oils and the butter all over my arms, neck, boobies (they need love too) and my neck. Everything is growing and stretching so it's important to hydrate everything and not do favorites to some parts and not others. I neglect my neck so often and forget how important the neck is... it gives away your age!! So do your hands!
Lips! Oh the lips! The ones on your face. I forgot that everything you put on your lips, you end up eating off throughout the day. I switched my night lip balm to the Henne Organics Luxury Lip Balm. It is magical. Like butter. Probably because it's main ingredient is Shea butter! I love it and it kinda tastes good too. I don't think I need to be eating it but at least I feel safe knowing it's not poison for my baby if I do.
All these products are products I am using by choice not for promotion. They are products I have found through trial and error. I have been using all of these products for months now and have had no allergic reactions but everyone's skin is different so ease your way into anything new. The Young LIving oils can be very powerful at first, especially if you have a lot of toxins in your system. They tend to pull things out so if you break out a little give it a chance it should clear up. Mine didn't break out though and I have extremely sensitive skin. The Beautiful Belly butter is newer on my regimen but I have been using it a few weeks now and I'm totally in love. I will be using this product for life!
Hope this was helpful if you are on the search for something new and natural.