From the moment i discovered I was pregnant, I had a niggling voice in the back of my mind, “what if I get stretch marks?” I have always been a firm believer in the power of cocoa butter, but we are told that that stretch marks are a question of genetics above everything else. I managed to get to the age I am now, fairly unscathed, mainly because I stopped growing at the age of 14, but there was to be no escaping a growing belly during pregnancy!
How I prevented Stretch Marks during pregnancy
I strongly believe that prevention is better than a cure, so right from the get go I started using oils and creams specifically for stretch mark prevention. Wherever possible, I try and go for the most natural option, so I tried making homemade creams using sweet almond oil, shea butter and coconut oil. Owing to a lack of refined technique (cough cough), each batch of my home made creams came out different to the previous one, whilst always hydrating, the texture was not dependable. I found that pharmacy brand creams were super expensive and I wasn’t particularly comfortable with applying products with a long list of unpronounceable ingredients to my skin.
Well hydrated skin reduces the chance of developing stretch marks, but…this is controversial
In theory, if your skin is well hydrated, a protective layer is formed, the chances of getting stretch marks are greatly reduced. Even though this is a controversial subject, there are studies which support the fact that the use of oils and moisturizers really do help prevent pregnancy stretch marks.
We read so much contradicting information, one day almond oil is the only solution, the next day; oils dry the skin and butter based creams have deeper moisturizing potential; or that stretch marks can be controlled with diet and exercise, whilst others believe that buying products for stretch marks is as good as throwing money down the drain, as your stretch mark destiny is purely genetic.
Here’s the best of Mama mio!
Suffice to say, it’s all very confusing! However, when in doubt…
I have various lotions and potions in rotation, but right now my favourites are this tummy oil and breast cream by the British brand Mama Mio, with a ‘no nasties’ promise that ensures their products are 100% safe to use during pregnancy with high quality, natural ingredients. Aside from smelling divine, the products are developed according to the philosophy that the best defense against stretch marks is the continued use of omega 3, 6 and 9 to strengthen and increase the skin’s elasticity; helping you to look incredible and feel amazing about your body.
The Tummy Rub Oil and Pregnancy Boob Tube
The Tummy Rub Oil has a much nicer texture that other oils that I tried. It’s speedy absorption means no uncomfortable sticky skin and no long wait before getting dressed. Another plus is that brings fast relief to itchy tummy skin (one more thing that no one tells you about pregnancy!)
The Pregnancy Boob Tube cream is specially formulated to protect the breasts from stretch marks during pregnancy and breast feeding. This cream glides on with ease and has a delicious scent!
Photos by Brina Magalhães
Mama Mio is not the cheapest of brands, but a little goes a long way and each bottle will last you two to three months. What is even better is that now is the best time to stock up on all your Mama Mio pregnancy essentials. Click here and use the Code: SPRING for 25% OFF all purchases until this Thursday 24th May. My skin was soft and moisturized throughout pregnancy and it may have been, genetics, diet, or just good luck, but I managed to come out the other side, stretch mark free!
These products are amazing! I brought them for my sister when she was pregnant and she said they we’re brilliant. My only regret…. not discovering them when I was a growing teenager.
Great post and thats for the discount code, my sister is pregnant again so I think a top-up is in order.
They really are amazing aren’t they! Congrats to your sis! x
A friend of ours recently had a baby and we thought this would be a great product to be given as a gift. They simply loved it. She says it works great and best part is it’s all organic. They haven’t stopped talking about it ever since. Thank you!