lizard analogy explained below
since pregnancy my complexion has adopted what i’d like to call “lizard skin”. nobody talks about lizard skin, they only talk about that that glow that all pregnant women seem to bask under. not me, my skin went from kinda okay and normal to dry and red, yet also hormonal – seemingly overnight. i’ve never suffered from dry skin before. i panicked. i had to rethink my entire beauty regime. i contemplated dipping my face into a bowl of coconut oil.
instead, i took to the internet. i asked some savvy friends. and i just generally calmed down. that’s one thing i am finding strangely easy to do these days. i just tell myself it’s not worth stressing over, try to kick back and deal with the lizard skin. (also i started drinking more water because clearly my body is a desert right now)
i’d also like to ask you, if you have been or are pregnant, did you experience any weird skin issues? and what did you do? any magic tricks i should know about – please spare no details!
so, this is what i’ve been using. and here’s my way more detailed (and fun!) beauty post.
Body Stuff
1. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula
i used this legendary cream pre-pregnancy, because it is just the best. i basically just put it everywhere after having a shower. it’s cheap, and it has a handy pump thingimajig.
i’m using this because i’m deathly afraid of acquiring even more stretch marks. i already went through all that as a teen, okay? available in SA at Wellness Warehouse.
this stuff just smells amazing. it is also apparently very good for elasticity and all those good things (will report back on this). i slather it all over.
Face Stuff
my lips have also been suffering hugely, i’m basically Chevy Chase in Three Amigos with his lip balm. this stuff is magical, it’s not tinted or flavoured or anything weird, just good old moisturising goodness.
i have been using this for a few years, and enjoy it even more now that my skin is so parched. i actually use this under my usual moisturiser if it’s feeling particularly dry. it also helps with issues of redness and sensitivity. you can buy it in SA from Loading Bay.
6. Ordinary Skincare Co Night Cream
i received this as a sample before the pregnancy, tried it once & put it aside. i didn’t think i needed night cream (yet) and the scent reminded me of what i imagine all grandmas to smell like. but when my skin went rogue i gave it another shot out of desperation, and it REALLY changed my skin. i put it on my clean face at night & wake up in the morning feeling perfectly hydrated. you can buy it in SA at their online shop.
7. Skin Creamery Everyday Cream
this stuff is so good that i’m currently dipping my fingers into the last dregs of the bottle. the ingredients are all natural and you can use it on your face and body.
Cleansers
8. Freeman Avocado & Oatmeal Cleanser
i never really cared what face wash i used until now, a bad hangover from my teen days of just buying any old bottle of Neutrogena or Clearasil face washes. so i had to switch to a more gentle cleanser, but i also really like face washes that feel like you’re getting a proper wash. this stuff is a nice balance between the two. you can get it in SA at Dischem.
9. Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil
i love cleansing oils (spoke more about them in this post). this one just works, and it’s cheap.
Things that make me look less like a lizard
i have been hoarding this stuff, because whenever i see it in stores it gets sold out. just yesterday i bought two bottles of two different shades. that’s when you know something is good! basically it’s like a subtle Instagram filter for your face. it’s not as much coverage as a foundation, so you don’t look too done up – but you don’t look like an angry lizard either. it’s perfect if you’re going into summer, when you generally wear less makeup since it melts off your face anyway. available in SA at Dischem.
11. Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream
if ever i were to brand something a “miracle product” this would be it. it’s one level up from number 10 – basically Photoshop for your face. it evens out your complexion and gives great coverage, while still looking natural. available in SA at Clicks. no lizards here.