My Preggy Skin Essentials

When I was first pregnant (with Gabbie) I was too excited to hoard and try on different products that’s specifically made for pregnant women. I could distinctly hear my wallet softly crying as I splurge on products I was too excited to try. Now that I’m pregnant the second time around, I know better. While it is very tempting to yet again spend a good amount of money on pregnancy products, I’ve come to realize my body just wants what is natural and basic. So I’m sharing my pregnancy skin essentials which I find to be effective yet easy on the wallet.

left to right: Olay Total Effects, Physiogel Cleanser, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, St. Ives Blemish & Blackhead Control Scrub, Bio Oil, Nivea Cream. Not in photo: Celeteque Facial Wash

Most of these products have been my staple even before I was pregnant with Gabbie. It was only now with my second pregnancy that I was able to try and use them while pregnant so far, I have my OB’s approval.

I love that most of these products are natural and safe to use even when you’re expecting.

Did I mention all of these are affordable?

That’s the best part!

My go-to moisturizer. It never fails to moisturize my very dry skin. Although I’m not keen if the anti-aging side of it works on me nonetheless my face never had any allergic reaction to it.

Whenever I feel my face all dried up and dirty, I lather on Physiogel cleanser and wipe it away with cotton. This has become my “toner” since I haven’t found the perfect toner for my skin. My face is softer and feels cleaner too.

My favorite lotion of all time. It moisturizes skin leaving a velvety feel but non-greasy. I also love Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Moisturizer and Cleanser which I also find effective for me but they’re quite pricey for everyday use if you’d ask me. I love everything about Aveeno, how natural yet effective this brand has become for me even their baby line which Gabbie loves. Now I’m tempted to buy them but maybe after I’ve finished my existing moisturizers & cleansers first.

The one and only facial scrub that I know which was introduced to me by my sister. I never really liked scrubbing before mainly because I feel like my skin gets irritated and dry even more. Only to find out that scrubbing helps relieve dry skin by exfoliating dead skin cells *naks, lakas maka-genius ng explanation* So I tried it, soon after I feel incomplete without using it at least once a week (maximum 3 times a week with a day interval). Since I’m prone to blemishes and have blackheads, this variety from St. Ives works best for me.

Meet my NFF (new found friend) Bio Oil. I’ve been reading tons of reviews about this brand since late 2010 but never really crossed my mind to try it sooner since I still have my olive oil spray back then. So when I finally had no more oil left to use, I asked a friend who was visiting in the the States to buy me Bio Oil. It is said that it can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars and uneven skin tone. I’ve only been using it for a month and I’m actually loving it. Although the claim to lessen the appearance of scars & stretch marks aren’t obviously seen within a months use, that’s not really the reason why I bought this product. I tried this to see if it can help uneven skin tone, so far so good. It also works as a good moisturizer so I guess it’s worth stocking up and finding this product outside The Philippines.

A classic product that is known by many and has lived up to expectations. I remember seeing this in my mom’s dresser and even tried it when I was a kid. Nivea Creme is my all around moisturizer. I use it wherever moisturizing is needed- my face, my hands, my feet, my elbows and knees. It’s so handy that  I bring it along with me whenever I’m out of the house and in sudden need to moisturize.

Celeteque is a local brand that I have come to love particularly their facial wash. I am now more keen when it comes to giving attention to my skin because I’m not getting any younger so having a rigid beauty regimen is a must. Thankfully, Celeteque Facial Wash has helped me with my dry skin. I like that it has NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) that doesn’t give you that squeaky clean feeling after every wash, instead you’ll feel your face is cleansed just right leaving you with a moisturized skin.

My skin is particularly prone to dirt and pimples now more than ever so trying on different products was my immediate solution. I have at least two variations of cleanser, moisturizer and lotion that way I can effectively asses if the products work for me or not. So far, what I’ve mentioned above have been working well for me. Although the inevitable hormonal pimples are present every now and then, I could say I’m happy with my pregnancy skin care essentials.

I know most women especially pregnant women find it irritating to slather and pile up on lotions and moisturizers during summer (I for one am one of them) but with a dry skin like mine that can get even drier, I definitely need these products to protect my skin and even delay any signs of aging.

As for the dreaded pregnancy boo-boos such as stretch marks, varicose and popping veins I’ve actually tried on a few different products that claim to prevent them. Sadly, it’s not very much effective for me no matter how much I religiously used it on my first pregnancy. I’ve eventually learned that in the end your genes and hormones will determine if you’re one of those lucky girls who will never get a stretch mark or a varicose vein during and after you’ve given birth. Nonetheless, there’s still no harm in trying but for a second timer like me I’m sticking to what’s natural yet easy on my wallet.

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