pregnancy & postpartum skincare

This might sound a little vain (#firstworldproblems) but one of the scariest things about pregnancy for me was the no-going back body changes that occur. Not that I have a super model body but knowing that I will never see the belly that I've known for my lifetime after this 9 month period was disheartening.

These were the skincare products I added for my pregnancy after some research. What works for you might not work for me, sadly none of these worked well for me, but maybe you'll be able to enjoy ( or save some $$$).

Clarins Stretch Mark Minimizer $56 | Bio-Oil $15 | Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil $64

I've heard of Bio-Oil forever - to me it's always been known as the "maternity" oil. So I immediately ordered a bottle once my first trimester was coming to an end. Bio Oil is meant as a PREVENTIVE product - exactly what I was hoping for and they expect you to use it as soon as second trimester starts. I went through about 6 oz of this product through out my pregnancy on a daily basis but sadly stretch marks still creeped up on me. Lightly fragranced and not too greasy and enough hydration that I don't need another body lotion.

When Bio Oil wasn't promising -  I sorted a more expensive alternative - the Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil. Which turned out to be just as much of a flop. I did not finish this bottle but besides hydrating the sensitive area, it did little for my stretch marks, just as many popped up. This tonic was much greasier than the Bio Oil and the glass bottle packaging pours too much oil out. At least the glass bottle was easier to clean than the Bio Oil.

After seeing the failure on my preventive measure, I gave up and looked for something that will at least help tackle those pesky stretch marks - and what better than a product called "Stretch Mark Minimizer"??! But this lotion turned out to be another confusion. On Clarins' website it's advertised to "reduce the look of stretch marks", but turns out in the leaflet that came with the lotion, this product was meant to be used as a PREVENTIVE product so to minimize the appearance of stretch marks! So despite using this daily after delivery, all those jagged lines are sitting there on my tummy living happily ever after.

These were the only products that I've used thus far, have you tried any of them? Any other products that you might recommend, please do let me know! At least they look pretty on my bathroom vanity.



Love,

Melissa

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only review products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Additional info can be found here.