I am expecting my second baby the end of April and I've just started getting some nasty red stretch marks on my tummy. I didn't get these with my first baby. They are quite painful. Does anyone know of anything that I can put on them- maybe something that will help with the pain?
Yes, cocoa butter. If you are very diligent and use it constantly, it will remedy the stretch marks. I know women who would go through cases of cocoa butter and it worked. I was never that diligent at using it to erase them, but enough to relieve some of the discomfort.
I have 2 natural and very effective suggestions.
1. Mix castor oil and olive oil at a 1 to 1 ratio and apply after bathing or showering, and any time your skin feels dry. I did this when I was pregnant and didnt' get a single stretch mark on my belly, but I forgot to use it on my breasts (didn't even think of it, actually), and they got the stretchmarks.
2. Coconut oil is a fantastic skin treatment. It's used in many lotions and creams already, but full strength coconut oil is the best way to go. You can buy Spectrum brand coconut oil at most grocery stores in the natural foods section, with the other cooking oils. It has a very light to no fragrance, and can be applied throughout the day. I use it for 15 minutes (or overnight) on my hair, on all cuts and scrapes, and even on bruises. It's amazing how well it works. Buy or borrow the book "The Coconut Oil Miracle" by Bruce Fife, N.D., and read all about this amazing product!
CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy!
K.,
I am a Pure Romance senior consultant and we have a product called "Same My Skin" that aids in the healing AND prevention of stretch marks. You apply it morning and night. Here are some of the key points about it's ingredients...
Safflower oil has amazing healing abilities due to the high amount of unsaturated fatty acids and significant levels of vitamin E for proper skin health.
Grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants and contains high levels of linoleic acid (a type of EFA).
Cocoa Butter, enriched with vitamin E, is a nautural emollient that help to restore moisture and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Sesame oil is a natural healing oil, as well as potent antioxidant.
Kaylaya oil, (aka Emu oil), promotes skin cell healing. Kaylaya oil penetrates 7 layers of skin to soften lines from the inside out, does not clog the pores and significantly reduces recent scarring.
If it sounds like something you might like to try, feel free to contact me. I do offer 15% off AND free shipping on the first order to Mamasource members...you just need to order straight from me vs my website.
I actually have 1 customer who used it on her scars from reconstructive surgery and was very pleased.
I hope you get lots of good answers and find what you are looking for! Congrats and good luck!
T. Fogelman
____@____.com
www.tinafogelman.pureromance.com
The old fashioned remedy was to apply cocoa butter. You should be able to find this at Walmart or Meijers or similar store. It softens the skin and should help some.
I have used Palmer's cocoa butter during both of my pregnancies and I have never had stretch marks. You can buy it at the drugstore and the bottle has a picture of a pregnant woman on it.
I know cortizone cream can help with the itch, but I'm not sure about the pain. Have you asked your midwife/doc?
Hi K.,
Congrats on the soon -to-arrive little one!
Check with your doc to make sure those marks are not something worse , like shingles.
Good luck!
K. Z.
I've never used it, but have heard good about Bio Oil. They sell it at wal-mart for about $20. I think Burt's Bees also has a pretty natural product to help.
K., congrats on your soon to come baby! Painful strtch marks!! OH NO!! And it is only mid-March. It is definitely time for a support brace around your back and to help lift your tummy. As far as the pain, tyr the ointments that have pain stuff in them -neosporin has one. Also, remember when you are moisturizing your belly (several times a day) really lube it on. The skin is so tight, if your rub on it without a lot of pure moisture, you will give yourself marks you don't want. If they itch, use the hydrocortizone (with aloe if you can find it- I found it at COSTCO).
Good luck and God Bless!
A.
Cocoa butter is amazing! It is also good to apply this right after your bath/shower within 2-3 minutes. This allows the skin to absorb it right away and it may help with the stretch pain. The bio oil sounds great, but i would wait until after the pregnancy, as it is absorbed into your skin. If you are due in april, and are just now getting stretch marks, that is great as some women develop then earlier on in pregnancy. The great thing about them is that they disappear eventually and they are a badge of motherhood. Have a happy and healthy pregnancy and congratulations :)
