By Pat Fernandez
SOME ask what I used while I was pregnant to help keep myself happy and blemish-free.
The first trimester wrecked havoc on my skin and hair (among other things) because of flaring hormones.
My friends from Skinstation advised me to skip my favorite Collawhite and Silver Masque facials when I was able to confirm (nearing the third month) that I was indeed expecting. Horror of horrors, I was also advised to avoid infladerm cream which tamed down skin inflammation and redness and other products with tretinoin and retinol.
In spite of these restrictions, I insisted on having my facials done when zits and blackheads invade my sanity. I happily endured the slight pain as they limited the steam to my T-zone before extracting blackheads. (There are some studies that point out that pregnant women should avoid the sauna.) We skipped the medicated astringent and laser and finished off facials with some Vitamin C Serum.
On my third trimester, I was relieved that I didn’t experience as much skin problems as before. Here are some of the products that helped me at home:
- Dermax skin prep gel cleanser. If they can use it to prep the skin professionally, why not use it at home?
It’s sulfate, paraben and fragrance free so it’s safe for everyday use. It’s even good for other parts of the body that experience occasional breakouts (like my back, arms and chest). I like it because it rinses off easily and leaves the skin smooth.
- Mild shampoo. My mom argued I should cut my hair short; but I was unwilling to let go of my long tresses. (It’s more manageable when it’s long; mid-length hair just fly in all the wrong directions!)
To help keep it long, I let go of my perfumed shampoos. Some formulas in the market are just too harsh and trigger more hairfall and bacne. To compromise, I opt for mild shampoos like Zen Nutrients’ Gugo with Tea Tree Oil. Singing in the shower is a prelude to a great day.
- Burt’s Bees orange facial scrub. I used to make a masque out of nutmeg and cold non-fat milk to tame down the redness of my face (my skin is really sensitive even before).
With this product, I don’t have to do that anymore. Just mix it with a little bit of water and voila! I use this at least once a week.
I finish it off with Burt’s Bees organic toner on my T-zone and some tea tree oil on pesky trouble spots.
- Oatmeal body wash. Hmmm…I just love the scent! It lifts up your mood and makes you feel better about your body instantly!
- Ultra-calming foaming cleanser. This one doubles as a light makeup remover. There are days when you want to skip the cold cream/wipes/makeup dissolving oil.
You just want some fresh lather on your face that you could rinse with cool water. On those days, this product is such a reliable pal.
- Virgin coconut oil. VCO is versatility in a bottle. It’s known to provide natural UV protection and prevent wrinkles. With its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, some take this as a nutritional supplement to increase metabolism and reduce the risk of heart disease.
I use this to moisturize my gums and reduce the occurrence of bleeding now that I’m pregnant. It doubles as my waterproof eyeliner remover too.
- Burt’s Bees handcream. Who could say no to dessert? Sniffing the light scent of almond milk is just uplifting. It’s dessert for the skin
- Creamy moisturizing oil. Contrary to what most people think, oil slathering doesn’t have to be greasy. Aveeno’s lightweight, easily absorbable formula works wonders even when it’s hot and humid.
- Argan oil. I would have to agree when people refer to this as liquid gold. Some brands are too sweet smelling for me; I like Skinstation (in bottle form), Zen Nutrients (in balm form which I also use as my heavy makeup remover), and Color Collection (in lipgloss form). Now that I’m discouraged from using synthetic perfumes, this somehow doubles as my scent at the moment.
There goes my “Lucky 9!”
For those who are expecting this year, surround yourself with people and things that perk you up to help keep you and your baby healthy. When you feel pretty inside out, life could be enjoyable even without alcohol or coffee.
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Patricia Fernandez is a reporter for CNN Philippines. Like this story she contributed via the BusinessMirror Millennials Universe (BMMU) Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Millennial-Universe/435594193285671. Follow BMMU on Twitter via @millennial_U or Instagram (type Millennial Universe). Email comments or story to millennialuniverse@yahoo.com and the editor at dennis.estopace@gmail.com.
1 comment
hi! what kind of mask do they use for the silver mask? is it a serum plus sheet? or a paper mask spread on face