Stretch Marks in Pregnancy
As someone who is expecting, but trying all ways possible not to expect stretch marks, and as a devotee to skin care, I feel compelled to find out out what, if anything, works to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
A well-know common remedy is Cocoa Butter. One popular brand is Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula, Massage Cream for Stretch Marks. While Cocoa Butter is a terrific moisturizer and a great choice to hydrate the skin, pregnant or not, there does not seem to be any proven link between applying cocoa butter during pregnancy and preventing stretch marks.
Stretch marks occur due to weight gain. Specifically, the collagen and elastin are stressed with the increased weight and tear the skin’s elastic fibers. These tears or breaks are fixed by forming scars, called “striae.” However, no need to fret too much over gaining weight, since stretch marks are also largely hereditary (thanks Mom!).
In search of a higher remedy for this pressing concern, I asked my dermatologist and obstetrician what they recommend. Separately, they both reiterated about having a family history of stretch marks but, if want to use something (in my mind, MUST use something!) Vitamin E was recommended. I bought a bottle or pure Vitamin E Oil from a local health food store and, don’t want to jinx it, but so far so good. Vitamin E, also known as Tocopherol or Alpha-Tocopherol, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage, may help firm the skin, stimulate the growth of new skin cells, and help to fix scarred tissue. Will keep you updated…..
I used cocoa butter for my first pregnancy and had no stretch marks. Also used it during my 2nd and got them on my stomach. So agree there is not much truth to it- seems to be random. Sharon
posted on February 27, 2008 at 12:42 pmHave you tried Belli’s elasticity belli oil? They’re the only company who have CLINICAL results on results of reducing stretchmars. Also-they are the only brand in the world that TERATOLOGY screens their ingredients to make sure there are no links to birth defects. My OB told me about them last year, and I am HOOKED.
posted on February 27, 2008 at 2:51 pmI am a mom of an expectant daughter due to deliver soon. We do not have a family history of stretch marks, but it is always prudent to be on the offense and use a worthwhile product such as “Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream.” Thanks for the Vitamin E tip. We all need to protect our skin. Mercy.
posted on February 28, 2008 at 10:26 am