Having been pregnant and breastfeeding for almost 4 years straight really has put a cramp in my style when it comes to skincare. I really love the idea of all natural skincare but I haven’t actually been able to find great products that work. I’ve only been able to use the natural and over the counter brands because being on the hard stuff while procreating is a bad idea … which, I suppose, is reasonable.
I worked for a plastic surgeon, Dr. Mills in Laguna Beach, for some time before starting A+B Consulting and received a very proper and thorough education on what to do and what not to do to my face and skin while enduring the aging process. #1. Wear Retin-A, #2. Use Hydroquinone and #3 Apply a zinc/titanium oxide physical block sunscreen.
When I’m not with child or sustaining a child through my body lol I like to use a product called “The Potion” by Dr. Mills in Laguna Beach. It’s a mix of Retin-A, hydroquinone and a hydrocortisone to calm your skin while the other two disrupt it. It’s a beautiful combination. Of course, you want to use this in the fall and winter months since it requires that you’re out of the sun. I’ll do a future write up on all my favorite products – the hard stuff. It will require that I’m done breastfeeding though because it’s been awhile and I need to re-acquaint myself. Look for that in the fall 🙂
As of late, I’ve relied on items that are over the counter. To be sold over the counter, the ingredients can not be medical grade. We don’t want that. You want skincare that can penetrate the dermis of the skin, not just the epidermis. However, if you don’t want medical grade or can’t use medical grade, these products have become some of my favorites.
If you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, or have some other medical reason why you can’t use medical grade then ok. Otherwise, SEE YOUR DERMATOLOGIST or aesthetician at a plastic surgeon’s office for the good stuff. I see locally, Megan Morris, at Dr. Ambe’s office in Newport Beach. She is amazing, very very conservative but gets the job d o n e ladies and gentlemen.
Product Review ::
I discovered Sunday Riley bc they did all the makeup backstage for The Row fashion show in NYC for Fashion Week right when they launched. I really liked the packaging and heard good things so I started using their famed Juno and gradually ended up trying the entire line. My favorite product is their Good Genes serum.
Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment is formulated with high potency, purified grade lactic acid that immediately exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, revealing smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin. Fine lines appear visually plumped while the skin looks more radiant. With continued use, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthier-looking complexion. Perfect for all skin types and all ages, this treatment is enhanced with licorice for brightening, Good Genes clarifies, smooths, and re-texturizes for instant radiance.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates
Backstage at NY Fashion Week, Sunday Riley combines two pumps of Good Genes and one pump of Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser for a “flash facial.” Leave on for one to 10 minutes for an immediately radiant, deep detox facial. This product is cruelty-free.
Pretty much every “cool” pretty girl I know sees Dr. Colbert in NYC for their skincare. He has a famous “TriAd” facial that women swear by. I haven’t been able to see him myself because again, refer back… been pregnant and bfeeding for what feels like an eternity. However, he has his own product line and I love love his night cream. I have dry skin so I will use it during the day also, but it’s a miracle worker for night. You wake up young, gorgeous and supple.
The ingredients:
Purified Angelica Sinensis A plant first recorded in 400BC, it’s been treasured for centuries as a highly effective anti-inflammatory.
Glucosamine Promotes the natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid, leading to better hydrated, “plumper” and more youthful skin.
African Shea Nut Butter Provides essential hydration. Calms irritation and visibly improves skin’s softness and pigmentation.
Every night I apply a lip conditioner. I have used the same MAC lip conditioner for years because it is tried and true and inexpensive!! However, Dr. Lancer is amazing and also has his own skincare line, so I added this puppy to the lineup and I have to say, I’m into it. Now, let me preface by saying, I actually don’t like it when lip glosses and balms do that burning tingly thing to make your lips plump because it doesn’t feel good!! No wonder they plump up… you’re irrittating them to death! Everyone wants “bee stung” lips but goodness gracious I don’t actually want to feel stung to death. This is not exactly free from sting/burn so if you hate that, which I kinda do, skip it, but if you want to look extra pretty after you wash your face, this is for you. It keeps your lips looking pouty and also keeps them smooth which is kind of the entire point.
These puppies are just that. In addition to Retin-A and Hydroquinone, every girl needs some glycolic in her life. There’s a Biomedic Purifying cleanser that I love because it has glycolic in it but these pads are great to swipe over your skin after the shower and before a serum/moisturizer combo. These exfoliate, even your skin tone, supports collagen production and reduces the signs of hyperpigmentation. You don’t use these every day, they tingle for sure and make your skin a bit sensitive but to me, I love that because I can feel its working. Hurt me so good haha. Sadly, these are not safe for pregnancy and bfeeding so… see the Tata Harper products below if that’s you.
Dr. Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel::
So, I started using these and quickly stopped because you don’t want to use Retinol or Glycolic when breastfeeding – Lactic is Ok only. These are awesome though. hehehe. I really did not want to stop using.
” This pro-strength ferulic and retinol peel rapidly retextures the appearance of skin and supports natural repair for your best complexion ever, while a replenishing moisture complex keeps skin in perfect balance. Multitasking while you sleep, this advanced treatment supports collagen production, reduces the look of wrinkles, and restores the feel of firmness so you can wake up to a remarkably smoother, firmer, and radiant complexion. ”
Who wouldn’t sign up for that?
Tata Harper – I have used everything in this line and I do like it if you are pregnant/breastfeeding. I love love the floral essence to spray your face after putting on your makeup so your skin looks like skin and not makeup, I love the purifying cleanser with the little beads, I’ve used the serum, moisturizer and eye cream also and honestly, they’re just so so but some of the best when you want to be pure as the driven snow.
Origins No Puffery Eye Gel– Keep this in the fridge, put on after the shower for a few minutes while you brush your teeth then wipe off. Totally helps with puffiness which as I age gets worse and worse and with every kid gets worse and worse lol. Very affordable and I can actually see a difference. It’s not a blepharoplasty in a bottle or anything but worth $20 or so for sure hands down. I’ve used it since I was in my teens!! Thank you Nicole Funk for introducing me to it way back when you used to work for Origins!! And those gumballs… if you know, you know.