In the Name of Smooth Skin!

"Think of stretch marks as pregnancy service stripes."Joyce Armor

      I've had this body for a long time...I've gotten used to it looking a certain way. Pregnancy is not only about a growing baby, it's also the rebirth of a woman, she goes from child to mother. There are some things about me that will never change: brown eyes, a bumped sloped to my nose, a doughnut for a chin. However, as my body starts to change, I've come to realize that a new physical identity will morph my body into something new...forever. My breasts will belong to a woman who has experienced pregnancy and nursed her child, the youth swept away from their shape. My size 6 hips will belong to someone who pushed life into this world, and may never return to their former curve. I will be different. Despite the many things I won't be able to control (like my hair texture, spider veins, or foot size), there is one thing I may be able to influence: my stretch marks. Some research has shown that women who regularly apply stretch mark cream can reduce the appearance of stretch marks (Young, G. & Jewell, D., Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy). I've talked to some friends and gotten some suggestions on creams to try. Here's my criteria for the creams I'll start using: 1. effectiveness - the cream needs to be widely regarded as useful; 2. natural ingredients - the cream needs to be mostly comprised of all-natural ingredients; 3. price - money doesn't grow on trees (*groan* I already sound like a mother). 

Burts Bee Belly Butter - Mama Bee (4.3 out of 5) $16.50

from vitacost.com

It's no small task to make anything cosmetic that's 99% natural. However, Mama Bee has done just that, being comprised of a blend of cocoa, shea, and jojoba butters. I've tried Burts Bees products in the past and have been happy with them. One reviewer wrote: "I am now a week before my due date, not one stretch mark whatsoever! Love the non-greasy formula, and that scent that isn't overbearing." The only downside amongst reviewers is that the "new formula" isn't as strong as the older belly butter, they say that your skin dries out quicker.

Coconut Oil $10.00

taken from http://www.modernmom.com

 Not only is coconut oil really healthy for both mommy and baby to eat, it also helps with hydration and stretch marks. When you get out of the shower and your skin is warm and clean, rub the oil all over your belly, legs and butt. The aroma is soft and tasty, and the oil itself is 100% natural. The reviews are mixed, some people swear by coconut oil, others were still riddled with stretch marks. Some people suggested mixing coconut oil into your stretch cream, so you reap the benefits of the oil but have the extra "oomph" of the stretch cream.

Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil (4.5 out of 5) $25

This oil is packed with organic oils rich in vitamin A, C and E. Many women rated this oil as being easy to apply and having a relaxing aroma. One woman, who is pregnant with twins, said " I'm a little over 4 months now and the oil has done its job so far. I started slacking off on applying after my showers a few weeks ago and I noticed the faintest start of a stretch line on my stomach - of course I freaked out and started applying religiously again and the mark is totally gone now. I recommend this oil and am now on my second bottle!" That's a pretty strong recommendation!

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil (4.3 out of 5) $20

This oil is a bestseller on Amazon and has gotten many positive reviews. It's 100% natural and comprised of a bunch of different oils and vitamins. It's vegan, cruelty free, and toxin free. Many women commented that the oil smelled like tea, which is completely up my alley. One woman wrote that she didn't use anything until her ninth month, and when she kept using it post pregnancy almost all of her stretch marks disappeared.

      I have to think about my choice a little longer, but I'm leaning towards Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil while Russell is rooting for Earth Mama. I guess I'll review everything again tonight. For the mamas out there: did you use stretch mark cream? Do you think it worked? What type did you use?

I have been using Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter since I found out I was pregnant. I am now a week before my due date, not one stretch mark whatsoever! Love the non-greasy formula, and that the scent isn't over bearing (great for heightened sense of smell with pregnancy nose). My skin stays moisturized throughout the whole day.
Read more at http://www.burtsbees.com/Mama-Bee-Belly-Butter/01030-00,default,pd.html#SRAdZVKlWFKBLoij.99

I have been using Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter since I found out I was pregnant. I am now a week before my due date, not one stretch mark whatsoever! Love the non-greasy formula, and that the scent isn't over bearing (great for heightened sense of smell with pregnancy nose). My skin stays moisturized throughout the whole day.
Read more at http://www.burtsbees.com/Mama-Bee-Belly-Butter/01030-00,default,pd.html#SRAdZVKlWFKBLoij.99

I have been using Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter since I found out I was pregnant. I am now a week before my due date, not one stretch mark whatsoever! Love the non-greasy formula, and that the scent isn't over bearing (great for heightened sense of smell with pregnancy nose). My skin stays moisturized throughout the whole day.
Read more at http://www.burtsbees.com/Mama-Bee-Belly-Butter/01030-00,default,pd.html#SRAdZVKlWFKBLoij.99