When I started this journey of planning to bring forth a wee mini-me, my first thoughts were 'what was I was putting on my skin'?
As you will be aware, our skin is our body's largest organ, and it was drummed into us at nursing college to ask ourselves “would we pour that down our throats?” when considering skincare products.
DURING PREGNANCY:
So with the thought that my future baby would absorb anything I put on my skin, I started researching all my food, drinks and products. Fortunately I knew that our products at Hark & Zander were 100% Natural, as I had already started that journey in 2018 because of my own skin’s reactions to synthetic chemicals.
The effects of pregnancy on skin seem to be different for everyone, with some having a beautiful radiant glow and others experiencing rashes, redness, acne, irritation or generally dull skin.
I found that the HempTonic Face Oil was perfect to use throughout the whole pregnancy - I applied a few drops morning and night. Then once we released our HempLavish Nourishing Body Oil, I switched onto that also. Both kept my skin in beautiful balance throughout and I was greeted everyday with comments on how 'gorgeous and glowing' I looked.
For those of you who are worried about what you can safely use on your skin while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you can be assured that all of our products are 100% naturally sourced. They don’t contain fillers, toxic additives, artificial colours, fragrances or synthetic preservatives. So they’re safe for you and baby. Read more about what is and isn't in our products here.
BREAST FEEDING:
Having recently become a mum to my wee miracle, Isabelle Grace, both my life and skin have really changed.
I have found now that I am breast feeding, my wee girl is draining my body of oils for her growth and development.
My body has stayed just as glowing and nourished, as the oils in our HempLavish Body Oil are richer for the body, however the HempTonic which is perfectly balanced for the face with anti-aging properties, is now not quite enough unless I use more - from twice a day to 3-4 times a day.
My face had suddenly gone from perfect balance to feeling a bit on the dry side, so I decided to try a face cream to go over the face oil. People would still say my skin looked so good, but I could feel the difference. We know our own skin right?
I initially fixed this by purchasing expensive day and night creams to apply over the oil. Both were beautiful, but it made me expand my thoughts about our existing range here at Hark & Zander, now that in my own skincare routine the products we had were not enough.
We already had day and night creams in the pipeline, and we had been researching recipes and samples for the past year, but it suddenly became more urgent. So I am very excited to say our team have worked extra hard and we have the most amazing HempRestore Good Night Cream and HempBright Face The Day Cream coming in the new year (which I get to use every day now)… LOVE!
BABY ISABELLE:
It is a blessing to spend each day with Isabelle and watch her grow. Aren't babies pure miracles?!?
Luckily for me she is a very adaptable child too, who takes travelling in her stride and is (mostly) happy to pose for her photographer mother on demand.
Because of the issues I had experienced, I didn't want to use soaps on her delicate baby skin. I used a baby bath gel that I had been given on her first bath, and my hands were left so dry! I thought no, even I don't want that on my hands! So from then on I have added 2 squirts of HempLavish into her bath each night. And once a week I wash her hair with a totally natural coconut bar that I was gifted… no soaps.
She is now nearly 6 months and she has had no nappy rash, no broken skin, no cradle cap, no rashes, you get the point... She has amazing skin. Healthy and balanced, not stripped. Just like it should be.
MY TIPS:
So with my above personal journey, here are my top Hark & Zander tips for using each of our products during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
HempLavish Nourishing Body Oil
HempLavish really is a miracle product! It combines the powerful properties of organically grown Whanganui Hempseed Oil with other natural botanicals including nourishing superstars, Apricot Kernel Oil and Macadamia Nut Oil.
If you experience dull, dry or even cracked skin during or after your pregnancy, it will soothe and repair your skin, leaving it beautifully soft and radiant. It is great for minor skin irritations and suitable for all skin types. I rubbed it on my tummy during pregnancy and it works wonders on reducing stretch marks!
Because it is concentrated, remember you don't need much.
I wet my hands, and then use a few pumps of oil. The water makes the oil go a long way and the oil locks the hydration in. Another way is to rub the oil into slightly damp limbs when out of the shower, just don't get oil on the floor!
As discussed, I also pump a few squirts into Isabelle’s bath water* instead of using drying soaps and massage a few drops onto her wet skin after her bath. I never use it concentrated on Isabelles baby skin, but as she gets a bit older I will be more ok with this.
* Always do a patch test on babies skin first.
Not only will HempTonic give you back your pre pregnancy glow, but it also saves you precious time during those sleep deprived and busy first months of motherhood.
HempTonic is a 100% natural dual-action antioxidant cleanser and moisturiser which will nourish, repair, and restore balance to your skin!
Simply place 3-5 drops of oil on your palms and gently massage into your face and neck both morning and night. If you are breastfeeding, you might need to apply a bit more often, until we release our day and night creams for you in the new year.
The great thing about HempTonic is it does not make your hair greasy, a great extra help when washing your hair every day is not on the agenda. I used to joke in the early months that if I washed and brushed my hair in the same day, I was having a good day, ha!
HempPurify Emulsifying Oil Cleanser
The newest addition to our range - HempPurify is an absolute game changer for anyone experiencing super dry or flaky skin. Its rich, concentrated formula means it easily removes makeup (even hard to remove eye makeup) while replenishing your skins moisture. I use this each evening in the shower to wash away the day.
It won’t strip your skin of its natural oils and it contains nature’s skin-toning and moisture-locking oils, like Grape Seed, Avocado and Macadamia, to improve complexion while leaving your skin clean, supple and hydrated.
I then follow this with HempTonic, and HempRestore, ready for bed!
And for those Toner lovers, we are also working on a real gem. This one is taking a while as if the recipe isnt perfect, we wont release it. Watch this space!
ARE YOU PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?
We’d love to hear your stories and feedback of using Hark & Zander during pregnancy and breastfeeding too.
‘I absolutely love your products. They’re life changing! Both my husband and I have been obsessed since discovering you at Christmas. Just recently discovered I’m pregnant and have been loving the HempLavish on the tummy so far.’ Sophie
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Kirsty xxx
