Stretch Marks : oil, cream, or don't bother?

nancysimp · October 2017

Hi ladies,
Sorry if this came up already.

My belly is growing like a champ. I can see and feel the difference of my skin. I bought an oil from L'Occitaine products to help with stretch marks but I know it's all a gamble.

At the end of the day, I will wear my stretch marks proudly because they are my battle wounds from something so beautiful. BUT if I can avoid or limit them, I'd like to try. This is my 1st baby.

What, if anything, are you doing for a routine to try to manage stretch marks? Second time (or more) moms, what are your experiences?

Just curious.

thanks!

Gingermom15 · October 2017

Stretch marks are genetic, you either get them or you don't unfortunately. Keep your skin moisturized with creams or oils to prevent the flaking and itching of your stretching skin. I liked cocoa butter

becausescience · October 2017

Gingermom15 said:

Stretch marks are genetic, you either get them or you don't unfortunately. Keep your skin moisturized with creams or oils to prevent the flaking and itching of your stretching skin. I liked cocoa butter.

^^^ This.

ShawnnaO · October 2017

What @Gingermom15 said. Use whatever moisturizer you want to help the itchiness, but if you're going to get stretch marks, you're going to get them. Scientists haven't actually figured out what causes stretch marks, so all those brands that claim they "prevent stretch marks" are full of BS.

For example, I put lotion all over my body every single day in my last pregnancy. I still got stretch marks on my butt and boobs, but none on my stomach. My mom was the same way, and almost every other woman in my family if you ask.

deleted22152218 · October 2017

@Gingermom15 Said it best! There's no magic cream or oil. It's genetic. I even kind of think that the oils that claim to fade them after pregnancy are a scam, since stretch marks fade on their own anyway.

Oils and and creams are cool for keeping your belly moistorised for optimal comfort, though. The best way to keep your skin hydrated, though, is to up the water intake.

LiveNLove44 · October 2017

One small addition to the genetic component: the rate at which you gain weight can impact stretch marks, too. My mom has many all over, as does my sister, however, they both gained weight quickly and more than recommended (my mom), leading them to have more stretch marks in more areas. I gained slowly and didn't end up with stretch marks on my boobs or belly, nor did I have as many as they do. With that said, I still got some stretch marks, just fewer and smaller, and they're on my already-bigger areas (butt and thighs).

My OB has always recommended keeping the weight gain as moderate as I can (within reason), and doing that will help with the impact of weight gain on my skin. Other than that, I can echo many others and say save your money in the area of creams and oils. They're a money suck and they take advantage of pregnant women's worries, IMO.

nancysimp · October 2017

Thanks ladies! Yup totally aware stretch marks are genetic. I'm growing fast compared to friends...I'm curious about your experiences with the products if you find them helpful or not. I'm sticking with some women are lucky and some not so much. The oil is definitely helping with the itchiness!!

I will up my water intake! I'm horrible with water

lifeisbetteronthered · October 2017

I haven't gained a pound with any of my pregnancies (terrible nausea made it possible, so please don't even consider being envious... it wasn't a good trade), yet I still ended up with stretchmarks across the bottom of my belly. Creams don't prevent them, but helped with the crazy belly itch that came with getting bigger.

alice0218 · October 2017

@lifeisbetteronthered I'm sorry about your terrible nausea. I would definitely not envy you.

FTM so I don't know what works, but I have been using organic coconut oil, like from the jar you buy in the cooking section on my belly and breasts (and hands and lips). It feels very moisturizing and smells yummy. I don't really like the smell of cocoa butter. Makes me feel yucky since it's kinda too sweet and heavy for me. Scent is subjective though. Use what you like.

eta: I also totally believe that you are all right and you can't prevent stretch marks, just moisturize your skin.

becausescience · October 2017

@alice0218 Be careful with the coconut oil, for some people it can actually be really drying.

crunchybiologist · October 2017

I've heard that besides the genetic component, the best thing you can do to try to minimize stretch marks is to stay hydrated. Also a FTM, so I don't have experience in the area, but that was a tip from my midwife.

jerseygirl9090 · October 2017

I know they say stretch marks are genetic so maybe I have my dads skin but my mom got stretch marks with both kids and I didn't the first time. I used body boost stretch mark oil it worked great for me. Edited to add I also gained 45 pounds the first time and lost it all after still didn't get one mark.

[Deleted User] · October 2017

I fully plan on having stretch marks galore - I got so many when I went through puberty. I've started using Bio Oil on my abdomen, breasts, butt, and thighs. I'm hoping it will keep me more comfortable and also have hopes that it will potentially help heal them more quickly/possibly make them less terrible.

hollyk224 · October 2017

Honestly, I don’t think there’s any way to know if you’ll get them or not. I’m a STM and with baby #1 I was SO sure I’d get horrible stretch marks because my mom had/has them from 2 pregnancies. I bought the Palmer’s cocoa butter and used it occasionally. I managed to make it through that pregnancy with no stretch marks at all (I definitely don’t think it was the cocoa butter - I didn’t use it much at all). I was shocked. So far, things are going the exact same way as they did the first time. Crossing my fingers that I get lucky and manage to escape them again!

npkat · October 2017

Im anticipating getting a ton. I already have them on my inner and outer thighs, butt, back of arms by armpit and even on on ny calves where the leg bends. And this is all just from growing and all, I’ve never been overweight, i’m just that prone to them. I’ve already began oiling up as often as I can with a product I found on amazon, so we shall see.

chasingroygbiv · October 2017

I’ve always used Bio Oil and need to actually pick some up this week. I can’t say for sure that it does anything stretch mark wise, but it helps my itchy/dry belly and I like the smell.

[Deleted User] · October 2017

FWIW - for anyone reading this, stressing out about it, do yourself a huge favor and relax! If you DO get stretch marks they will heal and get way smaller and in some cases disappear entirely. I still have stretch marks on my breasts and the back of my calves from puberty and I only know because I can sort of feel a slight texture difference in my skin. Even if they are quite visible try to remember that they don't make you ugly or gross - they are just a record of your journey growing a human.

cford08 · October 2017

@nancysimp all my co-workers have sworn by Bio Oil, which I use twice a day. I'm a FTM too so I'm curious to see if I get stretch marks. I have some on my chest already from puberty but they're not very noticeable. Hoping any future ones are the same way.

savedbygrace1213 · October 2017

With DD I used burts bees body butter religiously and ran out at 38 weeks. At that point I had zero stretch marks. I thought I was golden anyways because my mom doesn't have any and she even had twins. I carried DD to 41.5 weeks and they popped up all over my lower belly like crazy in the last 3 weeks. Sooo.. I don't know if that would have happened anyway? (I assume so.) Or if I got them because I ran out of the body butter at the worst possible time!

LiveNLove44 · October 2017

@triplejplus1 I used BB's Belly Butter, too, and it smelled great and helped with the itchy belly!! I only used it once a day, if that, and probably not as religiously as I could have. I think our bodies do so much stretching for each day at the end that the stretch marks were probably inevitable for you, but I'm sure the BBBB helped a little by keeping your skin moisturized a bit more, too. I loved the price of BBBB compared to almost everything else at the time I got it (2013)!!

nancysimp · October 2017

Thanks for all the input ladies! Who knows what will happen...its all up in the air. Easing the itchiness, smelling fabulous

,and pampering our skin doesn't hurt either way...whatever the outcome.

I appreciate all the recommendations and opinions!

As per my original post, I will be proud of them. It has been a bit of a bumpy road to get pregnant. I removed a few cysts, cleaned up some endometriosis due to pain and the effect it had on daily living. Literally had to hold onto something if I stood for more than 10 mins. Surgery was best decision. I have a few scars and want to try to take care of this 38 yr old body as best as possible. Will try! Cool as a cucumber if a moisturizing routine doesn't get me far. C'est la vie (this is life). Lol

justkeeptrying · October 2017

I gained 70lbs with DS. My mom and sister have stretch marks from their pregnancies. To say I have stretch marks is an understatement. I like to say that my stomach looks like I was mauled by a bear.

But seriously, I don't care. I wear my stretch marks with pride. Did I wear bikinis before I had DS? Yup! Am I wearing them now? Nope! Do I care? Nope! I'm proud to be his mommy and wouldn't change my stretch marks for anything. It's really not a big deal!

For the record, I wasn't consistent about putting on lotion. I'm trying to be better about this time, more so for the itch that got so bad in third trimester (and I'm already feeling this time ugh). But the stretch marks are there. It can't get any worse lol

crossfitbabybump · October 2017

Very well put @antoto !

gazelle319 · October 2017

I had surgery a few years ago and back then my doctor recommended using vitamin E, like the vitamin E cream that comes in a tub (not just regular lotion that has vitamin E in it), and massaging it into my skin to help my scars fade. I have heard from friends that if you also take the capsule form of it as a supplement it helps, but that's something I would definitely ask your doctor about. The cream helped with my scars, so I guess it's something that might also help with stretch marks (assuming it has healing/elasticity benefits to skin generally).

vflux33 · October 2017

I know it may not help, but I've been using Burt's Bees Belly Butter.

@antoto @chasingroybiv @cdford08 Oh man I hate being the chemical scaredy-cat of this BMB, but you guys might want to run your choices here through EWG's database to see what's in it. At least one of these products, Bio Oil, which you guys mentioned, has a high score (bad), especially in the category of developmental and reproductive toxicity:

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/160511/Bio-Oil_Scar_Treatment_(old_formulation)/#.WdLD0EyZP3A

[Deleted User] · October 2017

Oh thanks for the heads up @vflux33 !! Maybe just throwing some coconut oil on would be effective as well.

ETA - that website is super vague, the don't link to any studies or where this information came from and how it was discovered. Better safe than sorry I suppose but I might do more research as well.

More eta - I'm also wondering if the levels of those things they mention are of concern are high enough to actually affect women. Also is it one of those "unless you are eating it then you're fine" things?
Found this:
'Bio Oil has undergone safety assessments in accordance with the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Cosmetic Products. The toxicological profile, chemical structure, level of inclusion and total level of daily exposure of each ingredient used has been assessed and deemed safe for use (including for use by pregnant women).'

vflux33 · October 2017

@antoto I haven't personally vetted all their sources, but Environmental Working Group is a legit organization and I personally trust them. But please, yes, research away! Let me know if you come up with anything interesting.

ETA FYI EWG is the organization that coined the "clean 15" and "dirty dozen" (organic produce buying guides).

vflux33 · October 2017

@antoto Personally I trust a nonprofit that is not making money off the product more than I trust the manufacturer's public statement about the product they are profiting from, but if you're comfortable with keeping it and using it that's totally your call and you won't get any judgement from me. I just wanted to give people a heads up like I did in the car seat thread so that you all can look into these things if they concern you. I'm definitely more scared of chemicals and their impact on us and also less trusting of corporations than the average person... To each her own!

chasingroygbiv · October 2017

I had no idea on Bio Oil, ugh! Thanks for letting me know, I’ll have to look into something else.

vflux33 · October 2017

chasingroygbiv said:

I had no idea on Bio Oil, ugh! Thanks for letting me know, I’ll have to look into something else.

Burt's Bees Belly Butter gets a very good score, that's how I landed on that one: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/596295/Burt's_Bees_Mama_Bee_Belly_Butter/#.WdLYLEyZP3A

barrelocarol · October 2017

I second the no coconut oil as it's known to have a drying effect. I buy pure vitamin e oil (amazon) and have used that on my keloided csection scar with great results. It relieves the discomfort/itch and I've seen a reduction, as well.

Stretch marks (or anything like that) are a completely personal thing. Women feel differently about them and it doesn't mean someone is shallow or enlightened or secure or insecure.

If they happen, acupuncture has been known to help.

I use beeswax or pure Shea butter or jojoba oil for the itchy belly, along with vitamin e oil. Cheaper, pure, easier.

[Deleted User] · October 2017

vflux33 said:

chasingroygbiv said:

I had no idea on Bio Oil, ugh! Thanks for letting me know, I’ll have to look into something else.

Burt's Bees Belly Butter gets a very good score, that's how I landed on that one: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/596295/Burt's_Bees_Mama_Bee_Belly_Butter/#.WdLYLEyZP3A

Sold! Thanks

deleted22152218 · October 2017

@vflux33 Fellow chemical scaredy cat here! You're in good company with me lol. I also use Burt's Bee's for my belly but haven't stocked up yet this pregnancy. Ive got some more room to stretch before I start getting nervous.

vflux33 · October 2017

jeanbean15 said:

@vflux33 Fellow chemical scaredy cat here! You're in good company with me lol. I also use Burt's Bee's for my belly but haven't stocked up yet this pregnancy. Ive got some more room to stretch before I start getting nervous.

Glad to know I'm not alone!

nancysimp · October 2017

Interesting information! Sharing knowledge whether someone agrees or not...is awesome. Keeps the mind open.

jessbruxanovaa · October 2017

I didn't know coconut oil could cause drying. I used it all throughout my pregnancy with DS and it worked great for me but it did stain some of my t-shirts and some of SO's shirts that I stole as well lol. I also used Mederma but it was just pricey for very little product. I ended up with dark stretch marks on my hips and small ones on my boobs that faded away in a year. None on my belly.

DDRRT1982 · October 2017

@jessbruxanovaa My daughter sliced the area between here eyes and had to have stitches. We took her to a plastic surgeon and he said the active ingredient in those pricey products is onion, so whether they are truly effective is still on the fence. I know that this has nothing to do with stretch marks, but his recommendation is to just moisturize and keep scars out of the sun. Just for future reference if anyone deals with scars.

cford08 · October 2017

Well dang @vflux33 that would've been great to know about a month ago. I'm almost done with the bottle

jk thank you for the info. I will be looking into the vitamin E/jojoba oil/shea butter per @barrelocarol. Those are super easy to find around my neck of the woods.

vflux33 · October 2017

@cford08 lol sorry!

stardustskies · October 2017

I've been rubbing cocoa butter and regular lotion on my belly, boobs, and butt since I found out I was pregnant. I guess it doesn't work because the stretch marks I've had on my butt since adolescence deepened and got darker and I swear there's more of them. With all you ladies saying they are hereditary, I actually didn't know that. Thinking on my mom, she has stretch marks all over her butt but none anywhere else. I suppose that's probably my fate.

nancysimp · October 2017

@sarahhedger7 I've got them too on my hips and a few on my butt. I'd say from my mama too! I've thanked her (in a not so nice way) for my shape during high school LOL ...not knowing how much my hubby would love my shape so I've hugged her and honestly thanked her in my 20s hehehe

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