started seeing these nasty things disappear . I was pleasantly surprised . The Cleanance Expert is Retinol-free ( an ingredient pregnant women are encouraged to avoid ) and free of AHAs ( Alpha Hydroxy Acid ) and BHAs ( Beta Hydroxy Acid ). Instead , it contains other ingredients that help exfoliate the skin , keep pores unblocked , regulate sebum production ( did I mention my once dewy complexion had now become more of an oil slick ?) and most importantly , calm the inflammation . Now don ’ t get me wrong , it ’ s not a miracle worker . The spots didn ’ t immediately vanish as soon as the cream touched them ( I wonder if this dream product will ever be invented ?!), but the inflammation went down incredibly quickly . And I found they hung around less , cutting down the time the irritating redness lasted after the spot had gone . My oil slick had turned into more of a slight sheen and my skin tone was gradually becoming one again . So was it worth it , was I impressed ? Absolutely ! And all for the very reasonable price of £ 15 . What more could one ask for ? At 23 weeks with little to no spots , certainly no cystic spots to be seen , I am hailing this experience a triumph over acne . Whilst I ’ m sure my hormones progressively settling down has helped , I have no doubt that the Cleanance Expert contributed to my success . Which leaves me with that ever-pondered question … where
My pregnancy wonder products is this glow of pregnancy I hear so many speak of ? I won ’ t mention the morning sickness and chronic tiredness … ahem .
More Pregnancy Skin Saviours
Compliments of The Spoiled Mama , here are my favourite picks for those other pesky pregnancy skin complaints
Stretch Marks
The Spoiled Mama Tummy Butter For Stretch Marks
A 100 % organic butter that ’ s packed with antioxidants as well as nourishing ingredients helping to boost the elasticity of the skin , keeping stretch marks at bay .
Swollen Legs
( affectionately known as ‘ Cankles ’)
Happy Legs Organic Aloe Leg Gel
I didn ’ t have this product during my first pregnancy and boy did I need it towards the end . I ’ ll be trying it out this time for sure . This organic gel helps aid the circulation in the legs and feet and cools and calms the skin too . Feels even nicer when it ’ s kept in the fridge during Summer .
Dark Skin Patches
( Melasma )
Clear C Vitamin C Serum for Melasma
This is one common complaint I ’ ve never suffered from which is probably because my skin is fair ( I ’ m a Fitzpatrick Type I , or II at best ). Darker skin types tend to develop Melasma and pregnancy is a common time for this to flare up or develop for the first time . Retinol is a popular ingredient to help treat the appearance of Melasma but as pregnant women should avoid this ingredient it can sometimes be difficult to treat . That ’ s why The Spoiled Mama launched their Vitamin C Serum for Melasma . Vitamin C is highly effective for combating Melasma and this product is 70 % organic .
ISSUE # 01 | SUMMER 2016 | SkinHealthMagazine . com 17