Products for Stretch Marks

DJ1845

Hi ladies,

What products are you using or will you use to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy? I'm aware of the usual suspects (cocoa butter, Mederma, etc) and read that the Therapy bar at Lush does well, but does anyone have any first hand experience? What will you guys be using? 

alkvoelker

From everything I have been reading (and keep in mind that this could be wrong), it comes down to two things: genetics and staying properly hydrated. I am keeping these two things in mind, but I'm trying out Bio Oil (which has RAVE reviews). I'll let you know how it goes. I have some awful stretch marks on my thighs and buttocks from when I hit puberty as a teen and my mom got stretch marks when she had me and my siblings.

jobiann

I've been told there really isn't much you can do for them but some ladies swear by certain products.

kelly321

Unless you're up for gene therapy (not that they've figured out which gene is responsible for stretch marks), anything you do is going to have very little impact, unfortunately. It just has to do with how well your connective tissues stretch, so either you get them or you don't. Cocoa butter and all the other creams are only on the surface and don't have anything to do with the connective tissue, so they can't really have a serious effect, but they are nice for the itchy skin when your belly starts to get bigger, so it can't hurt to use them.

SpecialWife819

My mum has so many visible stretch marks from her pregnancy with me, so I expected to get a lot during my first pregnancy. I drank a ton of water and used cocoa butter from 2 months on (once I got to the third tri I did it twice-right after my morning shower, then right before bed). I only have a couple of marks on my breasts and a few on the back of my hips. Once I was done nursing and lost my baby weight they faded so much no one would ever notice them. I will say I gained about 32-34 lbs and my mum had gained 70 with me. Also, for all I know I could have my dad's genes...I really don't know.

PeonyPumps

I have a bunch of stretch marks from DS. I used earth mama angel baby belly oil and cocoa butter, as well as coconut oil. This time I probably won't use anything. Tbh it happens and I have really relaxed about having to look perfect now. It's not about me anymore and if I have a few marks to signify this amazing child I grew in my belly, then I am happy to have them!

carmenlarue

alkvoelker:

From everything I have been reading (and keep in mind that this could be wrong), it comes down to two things: genetics and staying properly hydrated. I am keeping these two things in mind, but I'm trying out Bio Oil (which has RAVE reviews). I'll let you know how it goes. I have some awful stretch marks on my thighs and buttocks from when I hit puberty as a teen and my mom got stretch marks when she had me and my siblings.

I can SWEAR by it! My mom, and grandmother use it, I got one tiny stretch mark during labor, thats it! My tummy and butt are still in original packaging! yaaa! I give it to all PG friends!  My mother has very bad stretch marks but her and my grandmothers skin is fabulous, so I still swera by it, A little goes a long way! I didnt start using it to late 6 into 7 months.

DJ1845

Thanks ladies! Think I'll scoop some up this week.

PeonyPumps

carmenlarue:

alkvoelker:

From everything I have been reading (and keep in mind that this could be wrong), it comes down to two things: genetics and staying properly hydrated. I am keeping these two things in mind, but I'm trying out Bio Oil (which has RAVE reviews). I'll let you know how it goes. I have some awful stretch marks on my thighs and buttocks from when I hit puberty as a teen and my mom got stretch marks when she had me and my siblings.

I can SWEAR by it! My mom, and grandmother use it, I got one tiny stretch mark during labor, thats it! My tummy and butt are still in original packaging! yaaa! I give it to all PG friends!  My mother has very bad stretch marks but her and my grandmothers skin is fabulous, so I still swera by it, A little goes a long way! I didnt start using it to late 6 into 7 months.

Not to be a total debbie downer, but Bio Oil is a 7/10 on the cosmetic database, in the high hazard category, citing ingredients that are concerning for neurotoxicity, cancer, and developmental/reproductive toxicity.

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/160511/Bio-Oil_Scar_Treatment/