Yup. That’s just about exactly what my belly looks like right about now, but not for long! Post-partum belly’s are not one of my favorite things in the world. I had my third child one month ago and I’m hell-bent on getting back into shape.
As if labor, childbirth, after-pains and lochia aren’t bad enough, we are stricken with a misshapen midsection when we are quite possibly the most emotionally fragile that we’ve ever been. If you don’t get post-partum depression from the change in hormones, you’ll get it after you attempt to put on a pair of jeans for the first time after giving birth. (NOTE: Don’t try to put on your pre-pregnancy jeans for at least a month after giving birth.)
Don’t worry though. All hope is not lost! You can actually get firmer, tighter and more toned looking skin in less than 5 minutes a day. There are a lot of creams, serums and lotions that promise to firm up sagging skin. Not all of them work though. Cut through the madness and try one of my five favorite skin-firming products below that I’ve actually tried, tested and seen results from using…
Caudalie Slimming Regimen
Caudalie’s three step program for creating a slimmer, smoother body with increased skin firmness and tone. Ideal for targeting stubborn areas such as the hips and buttocks, The Slimming Regimen is proven to remove up to 1.5 inches off of the thighs over a 28 day clinical trial.
- Step 1.) Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub ($29)
The Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa’s signature scrub with a wine-derived formula that provides strong exfoliation while draining, refining, softening, and nourishing skin as it imparts intense hydration and a satiny finish.
- Step 2.) Caudalie Contouring Concentrate ($35)
This plant-based elixir treats stubborn areas such as the thighs, hips, and buttocks, diminishing the appearance of cellulite and smoothing curves.
- Step 3.) Caudalie Draining Organic Herbal Tea ($14)
A booster for Caudalie’s Slimming Regemin, this tea helps eliminate water and toxins from the body. A delicious blend of five organically grown plants (Red Vine, Blackcurrant, Blueberry, Sweet Orange Peel, and Cinnamon) create a delicious taste while promoting overall wellness.
Buy It: All products are available at Sephora and US.Caudalie.com
Elemis Spa@Home Cellutox Active Body Oil
Detox your body with this beautifully tangy body oil that contains a powerful synergy of detoxifying Seabuckthorn, Sea Fennel, Lemon and Juniper.
- Helps smooth the appearance of cellulite
- Helps to combat the build-up of toxins caused by poor diet, stress and lack of exercise
- Helps to boost a sluggish system, excellent for lethargy
Price: $63.50
Buy It: www.timetospa.com
bliss fatgirlslim arm candy
Who among us hasn’t suffered from a fear of going sleeveless? Well, consider yourself ‘armed’ and ready with our fabulous formula: it’s the only arm-perfecting cream, complete with a massaging applicator, proven to clinically reduce redness while providing a firmer, smoother and more toned appearance. Formulated with a complex of lactic acid, caffeine, white sapphire and moisture beads, it provides optimal results and beautiful, flaunt-worthy arms.
Price: $38
Buy It: bliss spas, blissworld.com, bliss catalog and Sephora.com
AHAVA Firming Body Cream
Firm up for the beach with AHAVA’s Firming Body Cream that combines unique plant extracts and skin-healthy Dead Sea minerals to prevent, repair and strengthen maturebody skin. This silk-textured formula helps reverse the process of aging with a unique combo of active ingredients (Vitamin E, Caffeine, Peptides) and plant extracts (Palm Date, Artichoke, Green Tea Extracts) to recover firmness and improve tonicity of the skin while refreshing and nourishing.
Price: $38.50
Buy It: www.ahavaus.com www.amazon.com www.ulta.com www.nordstrom.com
SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate
Formulated for body zones including the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, knees, and upper arms, this cooling fluid re-inflates skin, resulting in a smooth, tight surface. Unlike immediate superficial tightening treatments, this product targets sagging loose skin from within for long-lasting lifting, firming and resilience.
Price: $75
Buy It: www.skinceuticals.com www.amazon.com and physician offices nationwide
