With a growing baby bump it's always nice to pamper yourself and ultimately try to avoid getting stretch marks! Personally I do think that you are either blessed with good genes or have a bit of a fight on your hands with it but just massaging and caring for your bump and yourself are really important. I have been testing out a few products along the way of my pregnancy which I wanted to write about. So far I have managed to avoid stretch marks and the funny line down the front of your tummy but I am definitely not as big as I was with Finn which has helped (I did end up with a line with him). An itchy tummy can also be annoying with stretching skin and I hope some of these products may help you... What have you been using and can you recommend anything else?
Here are the products I tested (and am still testing)-
1. Palmers Cocoa Butter Massage lotion for stretch marks, £3.29, 200ml
Blurb: An all over body massage lotion specifically designed for pregnancy stretch marks. Enriched with new Bio C-Elaste, pure cocoa and Shea butters and Vitamin E. With regular use it can help reduce the possibility of developing stretch marks. This non-greasy all over body lotion can also help relieve dryness and itchiness associated with stretched skin during pregnancy.
Feedback: Great for an everyday moisturiser and I like the cocoa butter smell of it (I think it is a marmite smell though as a few years ago I used to hate it and have got friends who can't bare the smell!) My skin always feels really soft afterwards. The only downside was getting the pump to work and also trying to dig out the last dregs of it left in the bottle, I did get through it quite quickly but it's well priced so it didn't matter. As I said before I haven't really got bad stretch marks at the moment so can't comment on if it really helps for that!
2. Bloom & Blossom Anti Stretch Mark Oil, £24, 100ml
Blurb: Packed with Argan Kernel Oil this rich, nourishing blend of 11 key ingredients helps the skin maintain elasticity, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars and evens out skin tone. Not just for use during pregnancy, daily application for anyone looking for a toning body oil.
Feedback: This lightweight oil takes a little time to absorb into skin and is great post bath gliding onto the skin really smoothly. The smell is a little more medicinal than some of the other products featured here. A little goes a long way and is really nice for gentle massaging too. Have been focusing it around my belly button which is rapidly shrinking. They also do really nice gift sets and the packaging is lovely, feels very grown up.
3. Kokoso Baby, Coconut Oil, £7.99, 168g
Blurb: 100% natural organic virgin coconut oil and nothing else. Skincare products absorb into the body, so if you're looking for an all-natural mum-to-be tummy rub, Kokoso Baby Coconut Oil is packed with skin-loving nutrients, moisturising fatty acids and vitamin E. None of the nasty chemicals you'll find in many high street moisturisers. It will soften and moisturise the skin to help maintain elasticity, prevent stretch marks and relieve the discomfort of your expanding bump. All without the use of chemicals, preservatives and synthetic fragrances.
Feedback: Started by a mum this is a brilliant natural product. I love the coconut smell! It reminds me of holidays in Antigua everytime I put it on. It's quite solid so you have to soften it in your hands before slathering on and wait a little while for it to sink in but it feels great and super moisturising. The best thing is this is it's an all round multipurpose product so can be used for mum and babies - cradle cap, nappy rash, dry skin, massage oil and baby acne. Also a little goes a long way so will really last and good value. I will be using this a lot more when baby arrives. Boots now also stock this and you can buy it in 2 sizes - great to have the larger one at home and pop the mini one in nappy bag for those emergencies. Thank you for sending me a pot Lauren, I love it!
4. Mama Mio, The Tummy Rub Butter, £23.50, 120g
Blurb: Packed with organic Coconut, Avocado, Sacha Inchi, Olive, Rosehip, Argan, Sweet Almond Oils and Shea Butter, it super-elasticises skin and soothes itchy tummies. It also helps your body bounce back quicker after you've had your little one. Use this pregnancy and nursing safe formula twice a day from above your boobs to below your bum, all the way around, throughout pregnancy and for 4 months after baby arrives.
Feedback: My mum got me this one at Christmas. I love the smell of this and it sinks in quite quickly so you can get dressed soon afterwards. A little goes a long way. Feels luxurious and pampering, would recommend but not the biggest of tubs so a bit of a luxury product to invest in. Would make a great gift.
5. Bio Oil, £14.99, 200ml
Blurb: Bio Oil is a specialist skincare product that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Its advanced formulation, which contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil, also makes it highly effective for numerous other skin concerns, including aging skin and dehydrated skin. It's formualted with the following all-natural ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calendula Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil and Chamomile Oil
Feedback: I used this in my first pregnancy and do think it really helps your skin, especially if you have any kind of scars or blemishes. It is quite greasy so you need to rub it in properly (I can be lazy at this!) and wait a short while for it to sink in before dressing. It's a really useful beauty staple. The scent is very subtle if you want something that isn't overpowering to sensitive pregnancy noses then this is for you.
I will carry on using these post birth of course too, on body, bump and boobs and will keep you updated. Please look after your skin beautiful mamas!