Mommy Beauty Regimen

When I got pregnant, zits started to pop out like grasses on our backyard! Of course I started to panic because I never experienced that and I DON'T WANT!!! Oh well, when a woman is prego there's a shoot up of hormones for the entire 9 months which causes the infamous "break out". 

Panicky as I was, I braced myself together and tried to find a remedy for my visually non-stimulating state.  

For the reason that I am pregnant, I only want the safest products to touch my skin. Here are the chemicals to watch out for that might be present on your regular skin products.

Retinoids

These powerful substances, found in some anti aging moisturizers, are lauded for helping reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone. Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that speeds up cell division (quickening your skin's renewal) and prevent skin collagen from breaking down. There is no strong evidence to show that retinoids ingredients are harmful when used on the skin. It is advised by doctors to avoid during pregnancy and nursing.

What to check on the label:

• Differin (adapelene)
• Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin)
• Retinoic acid
• Retinol
• Retinyl linoleate
• Retinyl palmitate
• Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)

Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is another no-no for pregnant women.This mild acid is used to treat certain skin disorders, including acne, and you can find it in a number of skin products, such as cleansers and toners. BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is a form of salicylic acid and is used in some topical exfoliants to reverse signs of aging.

Do not confuse yourself with Alpha hydroxy acids, sometimes listed as AHAs, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, they are safe.

What to check on the label:

• Salicylic acid
• Beta hydroxy acid
• BHA

Don’t panic. If you realize you have used a product that contains one of the potentially harmful ingredients noted above. Simply stop using the product now and pick one with known-to-be-safe ingredients.

- motherhood.com.au

Now, to mommies (even the single ladies), I want to share my beauty regimen.

My regular shower times are during the morning and evening but sometimes I have 3-4 repetitions in a day, depending on how hot the 24-hour sauna in the Philippines is. LOL

I recently tried a new facial cleanser foam from Pond's. It's called Perfect Matte Oil Control. I have the oiliest skin ever made (i think. LOL) and it frustrates me a lot. I thought I wanna give this a shot and so far, it lessened the oil on my face. *whew* 

Claims: 

This cleanser for oily skin is designed to work deep down and lift dirt, oil and make up from your pores with specially-formulated mild and tiny beads. 

Ingredients: 

• Myristic Acid
• Glycerin
• Water
• Propylene Glycol
• Potassium Hydroxide
• Stearic Acid
• Glycol Distearate
• Lauric Acid
• Decyl Glucoside
• Glyceryl Stearate
• Polyethylene
• Perfume
• DMDM Hydantolin
• Silica/ Cl 74160
• Polyquatemium-7
• Disodium EDTA
• Butylene Glycol
• Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
• Capryloyl Glycine
• Sarcosine
• Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract

How to use:

Wet your face. Apply to face and neck then gently massage. Rinse off. In case of contact with the eyes, rinse with water.

Price:

17php/ sachet (approx. $0.40)

Other info:

• 10g.
• Made in Philippines

Then I apply this Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for all skin-types. 

Claims:

This gentle, soap-free cleanser was originally formulated for dermatologists, specifically for cleansing of even the most sensitive skin.

• soothing, non-irritating cleanser ideal for face, hands and body
• helps skin retain the needed moisture
• rinses easily and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy
• mild enough to cleanse a baby's delicate skin

Ingredients:

• Water
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Propylene Glycol
• Sodium Lauryl 
• Sulfate Stearyl Alcohol
• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben

How to use:

Without Water- Apply a liberal amount of cleanser to the skin and rub gently. Remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin film on the skin.

With Water- Apply cleanser to the skin and rub gently. Rinse.

Price:

97php (approx. $2.25)

Other info:

• 60ml
• Made in the Philippines

Load up Myra-E Facial Moisturizer. 

Claims:

• Vitamin E enriched
• Softens and Moisturizes
• Hypo-allergenic 
• Dermatologist-tested

There's no ingredients written on the plastic bottle, I threw away the box I guess. hee hee!

How to Use:

Gently apply on face and neck after cleansing. For best results, use morning and evening. Can be used under make-up.

Note: I don't use this during day time because I have oily skin, Cetaphil leaves moisture in and there's a 24-hour sauna in the Phils.

Price:

50php+ ... I forgot. (approx. $1)

Massage Palmer's Cocoa Butter in Original Solid Form over my tummy, back and breasts--- strechies prone areas!!!

Claims:

Helps smooth and blend unattractive marks and scars. Tones skin. An excellent all-over-the-body moisturizer and after tanning butter. Widely recommended for stretch marks  during and after pregnancy. Ideal for deep moisturizing including overnight treatments. 

Ingredients:

• Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) extract
• Mineral oil 
• Microcrystalline Wax
• Cocoa seed butter
• Dimethicone
• Fragrance ( Parfum)
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Carotene

Price:

395php (approx. $9)

Other info:

• 100g
• Not tested on animals.
• Made in U.S.A.

I don't like this original solid form because it's sticky, I will buy the cream next time. The cream dissolves right onto the skin so it doesn't leave a sticky-yucky feeling.

Lastly, put Myra-E Hand and Body Lotion to complete the regimen. 

Claims:

Helps keep your skin healthy, soft and smooth to touch. Safe and effective for all skin types. Non-greasy and ideal for everyday use. 

Ingredients:

• Water
• Glycerin
• Cetyl Palmitate
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Dimethicone
• Steareth-21
• Mineral oil
• Lactose/Mannitol
• Cellulose
• Hydroxypropyl
• Methylcellulose
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Acrylates/ C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
• Stearic Acid
• DMDM Hydantoin
• Iodoprophyl Butylcarbamate
• Fragrance
• Disodium EDTA
• Titanium Dioxide
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Cl 77492

How to use:

Apply onto your skin particularly on dry areas. Use after every shower or bath. For best results, use daily, in the morning and at night.

Price:

37php (approx. $.085)

Other info:

• 100ml
• Store below 30 degrees Celsius 
• Made in the Philippines

See? The regimen should not be complicated at all! You just need to maintain cleanliness and moisture on your skin. I will also add avoiding eating a lot of greasy and fatty food.

I hope I helped you out with this dilemma, lovelies!

Catch ya later, lovelies!

xoxo,

Geline and 'lil jellybean

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