May 14th, 2010 | Beauty and Exercise, Eco-friendly, Gifts, Health, products | 1 Comment |
Being pregnant, my clients are always concerned about what they are eating and whether the food is safe or good for the baby. During my second time around, I was concerned about what affects lotions and other skin products would have on my baby. Since skincare products absorb into your skin, you can’t be too careful of what your unborn baby may be absorbing as well. So my last blog entry (informally Pregnancy Skincare Part I) was about the Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil for the belly. I also said I used the California Baby Lotion for my belly and I used it for the rest of my body. It’s a great natural lotion with a light scent, and is paraben free.
During the beginning of my pregnancy I used the Clean and Clear sunscreen moisturizer – really only because I got it for free from a friend who worked at Neutrogena. But I really wanted something paraben free and organic (i.e. safe for me and baby). So after reading reviews, talking to some Sephora representatives, I decided to try Josie Maran’s Protect Daily Sun Protection. Ms. Maran’s skin care line’s main publicized ingredient is Argan Oil and you can view her product ingredient information page for more information on her ingredients. Apparently, Argan Oill started being “trendy” a couple of years ago. Read this review on Argan Oil’s history. The claim is that Argan Oil contains antioxidants, Vitamin E and nourishes and protects the skin.
I tried it on my hand at first and it had a sticky feel. The sales representative at Sephora said it would feel different on my face. So, with that in mind, and the reviews I had read about this product, I purchased it for $32 and tried it out. It does leave light film on the face, but with an SPF of +40, it seems to do it’s job in providing skin coverage and moisturizing. I put a bit of foundation on top after letting it absorb for 15 minutes, as suggested by the product packaging. The ingredient list reads like a chemistry texbook. And since I’m not a chemist, I’m relying on the product’s claims of being organic as well as some basic research on the individual ingredients listed. Check out Treehugger’s recent blog about whether Josie Maran’s award winning products are indeed “green” and judge for yourself.
As for me, I will definitely try her makeup products – as makeup is known for their lack of strict regulations and phthalates. Here is a simple reference to the Environmental Working Group’s Shopping Guide for Safe Cosmetics. Also, Mother Love’s website has a great article on the chemicals to watch for in body lotion ingredients.
May 5th, 2010 | Beauty and Exercise, Eco-friendly, Gifts, Giveaways, baby shower, products | 3 Comments |
Throughout my first pregnancy, I used an expensive stretch mark preventative lotion (not to be named), given to me by a friend who swore by it and her friends swore by it. Isn’t that how we come to get most of our products? I dutifully slathered on the thick lotion on my belly morning and night. I knew there were parabens in it and that it wasn’t “natural”…but I had also seen my mother’s post-birthing belly and knew stretch marks were my destiny – so I needed all the help I could get. Stretch marks formed during the last two months of my pregnancy and were doomed to stay there for almost a year in all their purple striped glory. That expensive cream didn’t do a thing.
Come time for pregnancy number 2 – this time I didn’t use any specific products on my belly. Why put chemical laden lotions on my belly when it didn’t appear to help? When it got itchy, I just slathered on my toddler’s toxin-free California Baby lotion. I knew the stretch marks would soon arrive and probably leave a deeper impression than last time (even though they had significantly faded over time). Then I had a call from Julie of Earth Mama Angel Baby to review some products and participate in a giveaway on my blog. She graciously let me choose the item I wanted to try. Of course, I chose their Natural Stretch Oil! Though I had about 2 months left of pregnancy to go, I hadn’t seen any stretch marks develop and thought – even if this oil doesn’t help, at least its non-toxic, organic and vegan. As soon as I received it, I rubbed it on all over my belly. Usually scented products made me nauseous. Most pregnant women shun products with heavy scents. Though the Natural Stretch Oil has an herbal scent to it, I actually enjoyed the light scent. The best part was the oil absorbed easily and didn’t cling to my clothes or create a slick sensation.
Now for the results: I’m currently almost 2 weeks post-partum…drum roll please…… no stretch marks!!! Okay, so I gained 15 pounds less than my last pregnancy, which may have something to do with it. But based on research, stretch marks will either be there or not. There is really no way to prevent them. So whether the oil helped or not, it was nice to know that I was putting something on that relieved the itchy belly and I knew was safe for my body and for baby. I’d like to think it did do something to prevent the marks from appearing 
.
The product can also be used to massage the perineum in preparation for birth. I had intended to use the oil for this purpose as well because I had a bad experience with my episiotomy the first time, but I really never found the time or willingness to have my husband help me do this. But what a great option! I love it when a product has multiple purposes!
I will post the giveaway of the Pregnancy Pampering Kit in June, which includes the Natural Stretch Oil. In the meantime, if you want to give a gift to a mama with the propensity for stretch marks, tell her not to worry, enjoy the pregnancy and try the Natural Stretch Oil from Earth Mama Angel Baby. I will definitely be recommending this and the other products from Earth Mama Angel Baby to my clients!
And right now, the site is offering $10 for their Mother’s Day Special!
