Baby Bump Confessions: Skin care I used during my pregnancy

I can't believe its been a little over 3 years since I was pregnant. December 13, 2011 holds a special place in my heart. It was the day I gave birth to my son, Jayden Blayze. It feels like it was just yesterday when I was carrying him in my tummy. Crazy how fast time flies.

As a first time mom I am constantly meeting other new moms & moms who are expecting. More than often I get asked what products I used during my pregnancy to prevent stretch marks. Stretch marks are caused by your skin stretching as you gain weight in pregnancy. It usually happens around the 2nd-3rd trimester when your body grows faster than your skin can keep up with. Unfortunately stretch marks are said to be hereditary so some prevention creams may not work for everyone. However, I do believe it's good to always keep your skin hydrated regardless if your trying to prevent stretch marks or not.

During my pregnancy, I used a variety of hydrating products. The rule for me was to constantly moisturize my skin as it got bigger & bigger & NOT to scratch when it got itchy. As the skin stretches you'll notice intense itchiness. Moisturizing your skin will help tame that problem. I moisturized every morning right when I got out of the shower while my skin was slightly damp. And again right before bed. Focus on the areas that are prone to stretching during pregnancy - belly, butt/thighs & boobs.

I used mostly L'Occitane (lohx-see-tahn) products! L'Occitane offers high quality beauty products and fragrances. I worked right next to a L'Occitane counter during my pregnancy so I was constantly around their products, selling it & often being educated. The L'Occitane reps were very sweet and helpful when ever I had questions.  

I'm obsessed with L'Occitane's Almond Supple Skin oil ($42) This is probably my ultimate favorite product! It doesn't feel greasy on & has an amazing scent. I literally could bathe in this stuff, it smells so good!  I usually pair it up with their other Almond products - L'Occitane Almond Shower oil ($25), L'Occitane Milk Veil ($40). The firming & beautifying milk veil always left my skin looking radiant. The organic 100% Shea butter is also really good to have for softening really dry areas. 

I also used Mother's Special blend ($15)
This safe all natural skin toning oil is a great alternative to the L'Occitane oil. Keep in mind it does not have the same scent. Mother's Special blend is affordable & can be found at your local Whole Foods, The Vitamin Shoppe or on their website. 


Ingredients - Almond oil, Coconut oil, Coconut butter & Vitamin E

And lastly, I used Vaseline's Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant with pure cocoa butter. This Vaseline product is super affordable and can be found pretty much at any grocery store. I believe you can even get the entire Cocoa butter line at your local Costco. Initially, I got this product so I could share it with my other half because he kept getting into all my good lotions/creams. He has extremely dry skin & has always used  products with cocoa butter to help with hydration. 
We both liked this product.
The Vaseline cocoa butter scent was nice and the product itself left our skin feeling nicely moisturized. 
 

Hope this helps all you mommies out there who are looking for skin care products! These are the main products I used during my pregnancy that helped keep my growing bump nice and hydrated. If you want more info on product description, ingredients, etc there are clickable links that will direct you to each site above. 


Again, stretch marks can't solely be prevented through skincare products so don't be discourage if you have them & can't control them. The key during this time is to constantly nourish & hydrate your body while you are carrying your little one. Don't forget — You're beautiful in the skin you're in & your little one adores you. All of you. 

Xo