When to start slathering on the cocoa butter?

thecoopster · May 2015

Hi everyone,

This is my first pregnancy. I'm 16 weeks along today and starting to feel pretty stretched around the mid section... Just wondering when people recommend starting on the moisturizing to try to avoid stretch marks??? Any favorite products you recommend? (I know there's not really a way to prevent them completely, but I read that staying hydrated and lotioning up often can help)

kmd91 · May 2015

I've taken the route of "it's never too early." Even if it does no good, it never hurts to have moisturized skin. I've stepped up my moisturizing routine since I found out I was pregnant to get in the habit. Sure, I hear it does no good and you'll either get stretch marks or you won't, but I'd rather do what I can to avoid them, and if I get them at least I know I tried.

VexyMommy · May 2015

Anything that moisturizes well should work. I've mixed coconut and vitamin E oil.

Emmarua · May 2015

I always moisturise straight after the shower, which is most days anyway - but lately I've started to moisturise again at night with Nivea Hydrating lotion, I let that dry and then I apply some baby oil just to keep the moisture in! I don't know if it will do any good but like the PP, I think I might as well do what I can to prevent, at least then I've tried!! I also think its just as important to hydrate from the inside out - when I up my water intake I notice my skin so much clearer so it has to do be doing something good!!

KayDollaSign · May 2015

Start now is my suggestion. I'm 15 weeks and have already started to moisturize.

Laura&brad1 · May 2015

I've been doing it since I found out

emmybean123 · May 2015

I started when I noticed a small bump around 14 weeks :-) using palmers stretch mark massage lotion and it's amazing. It's lightened my previous (already white) stretch marks from being overweight! Making my bump much cuter. I don't know if it will prevent new ones but I have high hopes for it keeping them light and elastic and helping them fade afterwards! X

Abonsut · May 2015

I've already started (around 12 weeks, just in case). I second the palmers line (they have a few). My mom sent me a "mommy care package" and included a few tubes.

plus, you kind of smell like a brownie afterward!

babypeach15 · May 2015

I use the Palmer's Tummy Butter, it is a bit greasy but I use it before bed.

kateliznelsen · May 2015

I started at 8w with my first and I still got tons of stretch marks. I gave up with #2 & 3. They will fade, most of mine weren't noticeable after a couple years between 1 & 2 (6.5 year gap), but #3 will only be 25 months younger than #2, so it hasn't been long enough for them to really fade that much.

VexyMommy · May 2015

kateliznelsen said:
I started at 8w with my first and I still got tons of stretch marks. I gave up with #2 & 3. They will fade, most of mine weren't noticeable after a couple years between 1 & 2 (6.5 year gap), but #3 will only be 25 months younger than #2, so it hasn't been long enough for them to really fade that much.

From what I understand getting stretch marks is mostly genetic luck of the draw like most other skin issues.

vrossolille · May 2015

Yes, I do put lotion on everyday. Always have for as long as I could remember. But I do not have any stretch marks. I gained 6olbs with both my kids o and am fairly small. My mom doesn't have them my grandma doesn't have then my cousins don't have then. I really do believe it's genetic makeup.

daniellej1012 · May 2015

I started at 12 weeks I use bio oil every morning and evening before bed and through out the day if I'm feeling dry or itchy I use Palmers cocoa butter

joannk29 · May 2015

I started since i found out

maura+c · May 2015

Same as the other ladies.. It's never to early to start. I use Mama Mio which is a bit expensive, but really worth it! Good luck in finding what works best for you

nessytessy · May 2015

Just like the others here, I started around week 12 with Bio Oil. I apply it twice a day, in the morning and again before bed. So far I like how soft it makes my skin feel. I don't know if I am just overly hopeful but I had a few stretch marks on my thighs prior to pregnancy and since I've started this regiment, I see them lightening up which is pretty neat.

urby87 · May 2015

babypeach15 said:
I use the Palmer's Tummy Butter, it is a bit greasy but I use it before bed.

I have the Palmer's, too. It is greasy, but it smells awesome.

thecoopster · May 2015

Thanks for all the tips ladies! All good information

kdsmith43 · May 2015

Unfortunately the stretch marks are genetic. I slathered coco butter and vitamin E oil religiously with #1 and it did me no good. This time around I am using rose ointment and gentle baby essential oil, hopefully it keeps them to a minimum.

wedding crazed · May 2015

I have been putting it on since I found out. This is my 4th pregnancy. I had no stretch marks with my first 2 babies, got a few with my 3rd as she was 9 lbs. 8 oz. and it was unavoidable. I would disagree about it being genetic since I didn't get any with my first two and only a few with my 3rd, mom and sis both have a lot of them. I would go out and suspect my exercising the whole pregnancy, drinking a ton of water, and gaining within recommended weight is more important than oils and creams, but I use them anyway just in case. Good luck!

brettworkes · May 2015

I use Bert's bees mama bee tummy butter. And I like it although it is unscented. It would be nice if it smells good but I like it all the same

TallyKyle · May 2015

I use a mix of essential oils probably 3x a week right after I shower.

rubirubi89 · May 2015

I started around 10 weeks and have my husband do it for me since I cant stand that cocoa smell on my hands. He loves putting it on my breast so everbody wins!!

coffeymg · May 2015

I have been using burt's bees, too! I don't have any on my stomach but have had a couple on my boobs which have literally gotten huge.

tayzav · May 2015

I've continued to use Palmers Cocoa Butter Oil since I had a MMC in November. I knew I would eventually get pregnant again so I just made it part of my routine. Who knows if it'll help but I'm doing my best to help prevent it lol. I've also recently purchased two of the Palmers lotions to lather on during the day. Just because the oil can be sticky (I haven't noticed any staining) I generally use it in the morning while getting ready and before bed.

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