Preventing stretch marks?

Swimmer27 · May 2014

Hi, haven't gotten any stretch marks yet but as I'm getting bigger every day, I think I should start using something to prevent (if possible) future ones. I'm looking into cocoa butter, but was wondering if there's a difference b/w the oil and lotion? Does one work better than the other? Can you put it on your boobs too? Or do you recommend a different product?
Thanks!

JustCricket · May 2014

sadly there isn't anything to prevent them. you either get them, or you don't. But I found anything with vitamin E or cocoa butter helps ease the pain/discomfort that you can get from the stretchmarks

mrsdanielleM2010 · May 2014

I got some stretch marks when I went through puberty & my mom had a ton with each pregnancy so I have been anticipating more now, but so far, only on the side boob. At my appt the other day the nurse complimented my belly and said to keep doing whatever I've been doing. I don't know if it's which products I'm using (body butter from the body shop & an oil from motherhood maternity) or that I'm basically massaging my skin every day, or that I wouldn't get them even if I did nothing... But I'll keep at it and keep my fingers crossed.

brittneyandadam · May 2014

Like PP said, you can't prevent them...but stretching skin can be uncomfortable. I just make it a point to lotion up every morning. I like Aveeno...and yeah, you can use any kind of lotion, including cocoa butter, on your breasts.

bethybeach · May 2014

I don't think you can prevent them but I do think keeping hydrated with water helps my skin in the winter time, so I am sure it doesn't hurt keeping the skin hydrated which helps the skin stretch easier. So I do cocoa butter at night and try to drink water.

rlyttle · May 2014

I use Palmers cocoa butter in the little tub that has a thick butter constancy. With my last pregnancy I got a few very small marks on my boobs, but not on my belly. My mom only got 2 right under her belly button with my oldest brother, but he was 11lbs!! I just try to drink lots of water to keep my skin hydrated, use the cocoa butter, eat a healthy diet, and take vitamins. I agree that they are probably not avoidable if they are in your genes, but I'm going to keep doing a few things to make my skin as healthy as possible. GL!!

Oh, and yes you can you cocoa butter all over, not just on your belly. I'm a buttered up mess every night when I get in bed. Good thing my DH doesn't mind.

Beedeck · May 2014

Unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do about them. I didn't have any with my last pregnancy until I pushed the kid out. After labor I took a shower and saw a few on my hips and lower belly that were not there pre-baby (the day prior).

ashaw512 · May 2014

I use an organic argon and coconut lotion. Smells delicious! Stretch marks are not preventable like PPs said its genetic. Coconut oil helps reduce the appearance and itch argon oil replenishes moisture to help your skin stretch. I got it from boutique but they also sell the same stuff as tanning lotion for the tanning bed.

megs2011 · May 2014

I only got a few near my belly button with the twins. My boobs however are a mess with them. I grew huge. I'm really hoping to avoid them this time. They are genetic so you really can't prevent them if you were meant to get them. I use Palmers to keep any dry skin/itching at bay and just cross my fingers that I don't get them.

autumnbride07 · May 2014

I got one small stretch mark with my first pregnancy (this is my third) and I have been using Josie Moran's Pure Argan Oil. I find that it helps my belly not feel itchy and has actually faded the one stretch mark I have so that I can't even find it anymore! Love that stuff!

Ivorytower2 · May 2014

I like these suggestions. I've been using Spoiled Mama oil and body butter, but I can NOT stand the smell anymore. It's so nasty. I might look for the coconut oil. Anyone know where I can find it?

pshaortao · May 2014

I've read that it's genetic so I'm not even bothering to get cocoa butter or anything of that sort. I've asked my mother and she hardly got any if at all. My sister and I on the other hand have gotten a couple of small stretch marks from when we gained weight in college. We didn't even see anything until we both lost the weight.

marina3203875 · May 2014

I wouldn't say it genetic, honestly! It's all about you & your individual body. All what I know is that you should use it as earlier as possible, some tell at the very beginning of a pregnancy when nothing is showing off yet.
Some books mention that oil is much better then a cream/butter but I tried it & I didn't like it so I just use a cream and a butter. Can't remember what it's called but it something cocoa... And oh, I supposed not to have one (if its related to generic) but in case I use it (not always, as I get very

egencs · May 2014

A few friends of mine swear by a lotion called Mustela double action stretch marks... even though it's expensive ($47 for a large 8 oz tube) I bought it and have been using it all over since my bump popped.. Apparently it helps strengthen your skins elasticity but of course I have no clue if that's true at this point. I figured since my friends claim they didn't get stretch marks it wouldn't hurt to try it! I use it on my chest as well since they are already large and I'm sure will only get bigger! You can buy it online or I believe they sell it at Target as well.

egencs · May 2014

Oh and one more thing.. I'm not to crazy about the floral scent but am dealing with it in hopes that it's actually working!!

AnyMax · May 2014

marina3203875 said:
I wouldn't say it genetic, honestly!
*snip*

LTMama · May 2014

Yeah lotions won't do anything to prevent them. I have the same pattern as my mom after my last pregnancy - stretch marks on boobs and thighs (from puberty), none on my belly.

They do help keep you from getting too itchy as your skin stretches, though. I make my own whipped shea/coconut/cocoa butter and that keeps my skin moisturized and not itchy.

JustCricket · May 2014

just a friendly reminder... that you get genetics from both of your parents

so just b/c your mom had or didn't have stretch marks doesn't mean you're not going to get them.

peanutbuttervibes · May 2014

JustCricket said:
just a friendly reminder... that you get genetics from both of your parents so just b/c your mom had or didn't have stretch marks doesn't mean you're not going to get them.

This. Also, just because your sister didn't get any, doesn't mean you won't!

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