Stretch Marks - Asbury Park,NJ

Hey T.

Congrats, I used cocoa butter lotion with both of my pregnancy. But in the middle of both I was getting sick off the smell. So I started using vitamin E gel caps I would take them break them in half and rub the vitamin gel all over my belly that work really good. Now I one or two stretch marks but they are very light.

I did a lot of research on this and every medical professional with tell you it comes down to one main thing: genetics! They also say it helps if you don't go crazy on the weight gain - keep within the recommended limits. (Don't even think of dieting while pregnant! Just eat healthy.) I still use a lotion that a few of my friends swear by - Elemis. I got it at amazon.com and also saw it at Nordstroms.com. Who knows if it will work but my friend said her mom and sister got stretch marks and she didn't.

The RE9 body serum and lotion from Arbonne!!! The best!!!! You need sponsor id# to order. Use ID#17295923. Just call 1-800-ARBONNE. Its really easy!!!

To be honest, I'm not sure that certain creams/lotions can ever decrease or minimize stretch marks - but continue to use any lotion each day as soon as you get out of the shower.

Also, what I believe is was most effective for me (I had one baby, gained 35 lbs all in my belly and I'm 7 mos pregnant with my 2nd) and I thankfully haven't gotten any stretchmarks is water. Be sure to hydrate yourself from the inside. I think that makes more of a difference that what you put on your skin. I drink a lot of water and try not to gain too much weight too quickly. Incremental weight gain helps with stretchmarks too. But I did gain 35 lbs and what I believe was exercise and a lot of water kept me from getting strechmarks.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Ingredients for Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula, Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks:

Certainly not organic or even close to it. Full of toxins like parabes, alcohol, chemicals etc!!!! I used Palmer's for year because it works well and smells great but that was before I became aware that what goes on our skin goes into our bloodstream directly without the benefit of being broken down by the liver. Here's the list. Below is what I would use.

Water (Aqua), Theobroma Cacao Extract (Cocoa), Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Isopropyl Lanolate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Lanolin Alcohol (Lanolin), Stearic Acid, Bentonite, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter (Cocoa), Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcrystallina), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Soluble Collagen, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Limonene, Linalool, Caramel, Fragrance (Parfum)

A few years ago I exchanged all our personal care products with certified organic ones from Miessence. www.goodskinforlife.com.

You can see all the ingredients on the website but here's a listing for the Intensive Body Lotion (very easy to apply and works fantastic. Smells nice too, natural scent, not overpowering):
* Organic Aloe Vera leaf juice,
* Sunflower Oil,
* Purified Water,
* Organic Avocado Fruit Oil,
* Organic Shea Fruit Butter,
* Non-GMO Lecithin,
* Organic Sugar-cane ethanol,
* D-Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5),
* Natural Gum,
* Proprietry Blend of Essential Oils,
* Organic Olive Juice Extract,
* Amber Oil

It costs $36.95. I use the shampoo, handsoap and almost all of the cosmetic products. The Inliven is also a wonderful thing to get your bacteria balanced in your body and will help to build a healthy baby. Packed with amino acids that build proteins. All products are certified organic.

Cheap way: use straight coconut oil. I would not use any other oils since when tested most oils are actually rancid (I do muscle testing on everything). I haven't done much research on avocado oil but that could be a good one since it is a very stable oil and very healthy. Intake of healthy fats like coconut and hemp and avocado during pregnancy will also go far for preventing stretch marks.

Congratulation on your first baby and it's great you're thinking organic!

S. Hoehner
###-###-#### call me if you have any questions or email ____@____.com

I used Weleda Pregnancy Oil. It's all natural, smells good and I did not get one single stretch mark. Now, some of that is genetics, of course. But, I have stretch marks already from a weight loss, so I know I get them. But, I did not get a single with my daughter and I gained ALOT, 48 lbs!! Anyhow, I absolutely love Weleda. I also used their baby products and love them as well. My daughter has never had a single day of diaper rash. Congrats on your first baby!!!

with my first son i tried all the things everyone tells you to try. i still got bad stretch marks. with my daughter...i decided to try mango body butter from the body shop and it worked very well! while it didnt take the original marks away it prevented new ones.

cocoa butter lotion,use it 2 or 3 times a day.I gained 49 pounds with my little girl and it worked great for me.

Get 100% pure cocoa butter stick, warm it up in your hand and spread it all over your belly. DON'T get a lotion that says that it contains cocoa butter, like Vaseline or Palmers. They barely contain any cocoa butter and have lots of nasty things like parabens (bad for baby and you!).

I used Palmers Massage Cream for stretch marks during and after pregnancy. I don't have any purple lines on my belly or thighs. The wrinkly skin on my belly probably has more to do with the 65 pounds I gained, which I don't recommend! :)

i used a really nice oil called belli oil.

First off.....congratulations!! Enjoy every minute of bonding with your baby now that you share a body. It is the most beautiful, intimate and magical time that you will experience. As for the stretch marks, you can try your darndest and I wish you better luck than I had. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do. Gaining no more than the recommended amount of weight — in most cases, 25 to 35 pounds — and gaining it slowly may help reduce your chances of getting stretch marks. There's no proof that any of the creams, salves, and oils that claim to prevent stretch marks actually work. (Keeping your belly well moisturized as it grows may reduce itching, though.) Palmers Cocoa butter or Vaseline's Cocoa butter lotion and gel oil 3x a day. Morning, afternoon and before bed. After each shower as well, as your skin is still damp. Don't know if my mostiorizing diligently helped or not because I ended up with stretch marks anyway.
If you do get them, you can't really get rid of them. If you truly are that concerned, you can speak to a dermatologist and move on to laser treatments as well. Good luck.

I have many friends who have had kids and they've used all sorts of products you can name. Some did get stretch marks and some did not. Unfortunately I don't think products work. It's hereditary, I think. But it doesn't hurt to follow a moistering regimen. I was very good about lotioning my belly. I used bliss spa ( i love the lemon body butter scent but they come in other flavors too). I was lucky that I did not get any stretch marks. Also, you should lotion your breasts too as they can also get stretch marks (this happened to a friend of mine).
Good luck!
Alex Y.

I used cocoa butter while I was pregnant with my twins and I fortunately do not have any stretch marks! I don't know if thats because of the cocoa butter or if I just got lucky! I used it from the time I found out I was pregnant at 4 wks. I was paranoid about getting stretch marks. If you are looking for something organic, try going to a health food store. I don't know where you live but there is a really good one in Hamden called Thyme and Season. Good luck with your pregnancy, the best is yet to come!

Hi T.,

First, some believe stretch marks can be genetic and if you are going to be prone to get them because of your DNA you will get them regardless of what you use.

Second, I have heard of customers having success with Arbonne's Body Care set and Rejuvenating Cream. The products are botanically based and I personally swear by all of the ones I have used, especially the above products and the Baby Care Line and hair care products. :)

Congrats,
L.

http://APerfectMoment.MyArbonne.com

My doctor told me that stretch marks are hereditary. I'm on pregnancy number 4, and I've never used any special products to prevent stretch marks and I've been lucky enough not to get them. But I have known women who use them like crazy and still get them. I don't think the products will help much, but it can't hurt either.

T.,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I think that whether a woman gets stretch marks is largely up to heredity. I lucked out with no stretch marks. I did use cocoa butter on my skin and it seemed to help with dryness but whether that prevented the stretch marks I don't know. You can certainly try!

E.

Palmer's cocoa butter. 2 pregnancies and no stretch marks on my stomach, just on the areas I missed with the first pregnancy: my side hip are and inner thighs. Put it all over just to be safe.

Hello-

Well here's what i have to say and it may help and it may not. The truth of that matter is that if your going to get stretch marks your going to get stretch marks. Any magazine or book will tel you that. You can use lotions that help to keep your skin softer allowing you to stretch easier. However the real key fator here is to not over eat. Yes you are eating for two and yes your going to be a bit more humgry at times. Just keep it under control. If you stay within the recomended weight gain you should be fine with minimal if any stretchmarks. this is somthing I learned the second time around.

Allyou need to do is eat when your hungry and don't stuff yourself. I am sorry to say though that you can't preventr stretch marks all together.Also excersise, even if it's just cardio for 30 twice a week, do something never do nothing.

A.

Yeah creams will make you feel better and probably keep you from feeling itchy. I used Mustela's 9 month cream for stretch marks. But really it is all genetics. Ask your mom. If she got them, then chances are you will. I am about 6 weeks out now and didn't get any (thank god I have enough on my hips from a teenage growth spurt).

Sorry - but use the cream. It was a nice routine and as you go along it is almost like the first baby massage for your little bean.

I used Palmers Cocoa Belly Butter, I have a TON of stretch marks, they are genetic unfortunatly, so if you are going to get them, there is not a lot that can help them. Moisturize a lot, it with make you itch less as your skin stretches. Good luck, hopefully you don't meet my fate!

I was told that if you were predisposed to stretch marks you were going to get them regardless. I was HUGE during my 3 pregnancies and never got a single one, but some of my friends who were tiny during pregnancy got them - go figure. There are so many products on the market to aid with taking stretch mark visibility away that this is the last thing I would worry about. Enjoy your pregnancy, there is no time like it!

Most women I have known get some stretch marks. I have never heard of any product that actually stops or completely gets rid of them. I just suggest drinking lots of water and use real cocoa butter lotions to keep skin healthy. If you do get stretch marks I hope you can come to love each one. It is a small price for having life come thru you.

I used avocado oil, which was recommended to me, but I was kind of lazy with it.
Do you practice any yoga? I had a very regular yoga practice through all of my pregnancies. My own personal theory is that the backward bends (fish, half-wheel, camel postures) in yoga helped to stretch out the skin gradually, thus preventing stretch marks. Like I said, it is my own theory, but it worked for me, more than once!
Congratulations on your pregnancy. Hope you are feeling well!
Best,
L.

usually if your mom had stretch marks , chances are you'll have them at the same spot. with my first one i was putting Cocoa butter every day, evrywhere. at about 8 months of pregnancy my stretch marks apeared at the same spot my mom has them. i got so scared, beause they were so visible and almost purple. after i gave birth , few months after they faded and now almost don't show at all, i forget i have them. now i'm 7 mns pregnant again, they still did not appear, we'll see what happens

Hi T.,
I used Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter. I used it on my belly (and other areas I thought I might gain weight i.e. breasts, thighs) every day when I got out of the shower. I think it really helped! I think it's also a good idea to gain weight slowly and steadily. (And try to stay in the recommended range) I had advise from a friend about avoiding gaining all at once at the end. My Baby is almost a month old, and (knock wood) no terrible stretch marks.

I used Palmer's Cocoa Butter creams & lotions every morning after my shower and didn't get a single stretch mark. However, I didn't get "that big" as my baby was only 5 lbs 10 oz. Good luck though!

I am a big fan of the Arbonne products! I have become a consultant (for the cost of $29) to get all products at wholesale. The best products that I can recommend are the Intelligence Rejuvenating Cream and the Unwind Massage Oil. The products are botantically based and are sooooo lovely. There is NO REASON EVER to pay full price though. You can just register as a consultant for the discount and all products are at least 35% for a year. Plus if you buy over $100 worth of stuff they will give you a free product - try the RE9 night cream - it is the most expensive one. You can check it out at www.beautyby.myarbonne.com

I have no stretch marks and I was huge! I used Belli oil religiously every single day from 3 months on when I started getting a few marks on my lower back/hips. It's $40 a bottle but smells outragiously delicious and is organic. Some people say nothing will work to prevent stretch marks but I swear this stuff did. Good luck!

I used Burts Bees Apricot oil & coco butter during all my 3 pregnancies. I was paranoid since my M. has marks. I got no stretch marks on my belly at all, just a few on my hips. I gained 50 lbs with all three & they were all 9.1-9.6 lbs!! Make sure u put it everywhere, even your low back & butt.

My husband told me stretch marks have to do with zinc deficiency, so make sure you consume zinc rich foods.

Also, I didn't try cocoa butter, but I did use shea butter in the beginning. Shea butter comes from the nut of the karite tree, and is solid at room temperature but as it heats (like rubbing it between your hands) it sort of melts. However, as I became more pregnant, it hurt to put pressure on my belly- it was just rather sensitive, perhaps because of the way the baby was positioned? Shea butter is rather thick and rubbing it in is more of a massage. I found a shea butter oil made by Epicurean Shea Butter company that comes in different scents (from essential oils, not synthetic fragrances) and you can spray it on- that worked better and I loved the lilac/gardenia scent blend. My midwife says you can use olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil too... But, the other thing about stretch marks is I think they can come about if you or the baby has a sudden growth surge. I did everything the same with my two pregnancies and was religious about rubbing oils into my skin. But with #1 I had no stretch marks, and with number two I did, and it happened after my tummy grew really fast really quickly around 20-22 weeks (they thought I might be having twins, but then my growth evened out). Now that I lost the baby weight they are very small and I think the oils helped a lot, so don't discount using them! But I wonder if I had known about zinc deficiency contributing if it would have helped. I was in the middle of an out of town move when they appeared and my usual healthy home-cooked meals were sporadic, with packing and unpacking and settling in causing us to get lots of take out (of course I avoided burgers/fries and the like, but take out foods just aren't as nutrient dense).

I think that stretch marks, like cellulite, are hereditary. I didn't get them, and I didn't use any of those miracle products. I do, however, have an unfortunate cellulite situation on the front and back of my thighs, regardless of my weight or physical fitness level. Oh well, my daughter is gorgeous, healthy and happy. I wouldn't sweat it too much.

Hi T., Congrats on your upcoming event. Best wishes for a happy and healthy baby. I'm sure nobody wants stretch marks. For some they are inevitable. Try not to get too big and use cocoa butter cream. I have had 5 and my stretch marks are my medals of motherhood, although over time they have gotten very light. My oldest is 41 and my youngest is 25. Good Luck sincerely, Grandma Mary

Good luck with that. So much depends on your genetics, position of baby(my first baby was more toward my back, so no stretch marks. My second poked out like a bullet, so I got quite a few. I whined and complained and longed for the days when my tummy looked great....and then I got pregnant with twins and all hope was lost.), etc. I think just a good lotion with extra vitamin E does a great job.

i used palmers...I stil got stretch marks at 30 wks+ but probably they would have been darker if I hadn't used that lotion...

I would say use vitamin e products, or any good thicker lotion. My mother says it depends on eye color and skin tone. The lighter the eye color and fairer the skin tone the more likely you'll get stretch marks. I'm sure the amount of weight you gain and the size of the baby will help determine if you get them. I ended up with a great deal of stretch marks. I have green eyes, fair skin, and had a 10 pound baby. I have been using vitamin e pill, I pop them open and rub them on my stomach and then follow with regular lotion. It seems to be helping to lighten them.

Sorry to report that there is really no way of stopping stretch marks or curing them once you have them! Everyone gets stretch marks whether you can see them or not....they may be on your boobs, under your arms, on your back, on the back of your thighs, in your crotch, etc.!!! Lovely I know, but you WILL get them!

However, if you are EXTREMELY diligent in applying Cocoa Butter to EVERY INCH of your body, AT LEAST twice a day, every day, your skin will have an easier time stretching, and the stretch marks will not be as noticeable!...they'll still be there, but you and others will not notice them. I personally just did not have the time or interest in lathering myself up each day and I have a ton of stretch marks to prove it, but oh well...that's life!
Also, the lighter color your skin, the more noticeable they will be. So if you have a darker complexion, you may be in more luck than a very fair skinned person like me! Besides, your entire body will never be the exact same as it was ever again after having a baby, so you'll have to get used to a lot more than a stretch-marked body!!!! good luck!

yea girl...I swear by this stuff...I use it on problem areas, knees, elbows, feet, stomach (for stretch marks), any kind of marks that you want to go away...It is 100% African Shea Butter. You can purchase a large container in Harlem 125th and Adam Clayton Powell (most street corners in Harlem) Large Container for $10.00, Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn and (downtown Brooklyn) Joralemon and Court Streets or go online...You won't regret it.... (don't forget 100% Pure African Shea Butter) good for the entire body!

P.S. for years and years I had dark circles under my eyes. I have been using the African Shea Butter on them for approx. 1 month (they have dissolved to almost no trace of the dark circles).

Best of Luck T....

C.

Hi T.,
Congratulations!
My favorite product was a cocoa butter body butter from Bath & Body Works (although I'm not sure if they still carry it). It was very thick and it smelled so good that I wanted to eat it!! Unfortunately, because stretch marks seem to be a genetic thing, no matter how much of that stuff I slathered on my belly, I got bad stretch marks, because my mom did, too. I also limited the cream to my belly, not knowing that I would get stretch marks in other places too (like my butt). The worst ones I got were on the insides of my thighs. So whatever you find that works for you, just put it everywhere!! I'm pretty sure that Palmers makes an organic lotion (I found that one at Babies R Us). Even though it didn't prevent stretch marks, I'm glad that I creamed my belly everyday because it prevented my skin from being really itchy. Make sure you throw a tube of lotion in your suitcase when you go to the hospital - my belly was so itchy after I gave birth!
I hope you have realistic expectations for your body. After pregnancy, your body will never be the same again (but it is SO worth it!) Best of luck to you, and enjoy lots of alone time with your husband while you still can!

The best thing to use is Palmer's Cocoa Butter. The actual butter though, it's like a balm. Rub it on your stomach everyday. It works great! I was not as diligent with this pregnancy and I got like 4 or 5 stretch marks. But I used it religiously with my daughter and I didn't get one!

Hi T. first off congrats!!! I just read your message and I have the PERFECT product for you!!! I am a Consultant for Arbonne International. We are a Swiss herbal and botanical skin care and wellness company. I recommend our Intelligence Rejuvenating cream. It is very moisturizing. It is ultra-hydrating, non-greasy moisturizer that helps skin return to a balanced healthy state. It is infused with amino acids to help rejuvenate your skin. It is perfect for growing skin!! It will allow your skin to stretch without the marks. You can go to www.arbonne.com for more details. Click on "shop on line". Don't forget to check out our ABC line. It's just for babies and your children. I can't say enough about how well the baby prodcuts work. My youngest of 4 children are currently using all of the products. They are 2 1/2 yrs. and 5 months old. If you are interested in purchasing any of these products please feel free to contact me...

I can be reached at ###-###-####. I hope this helps calm your worries. Regards E. S (NJ)

I used palmer's cocoa butter and i didn't get one stretch mark for either pregnancy. I think a lot of it depends on your skin and its elasticity, I have a friend who used it too but ended up with stretch marks. Unfortunately, if you are prone to them, no amount of anything is going to prevent them.

i have lots of stretch marks on the rest of me and NONE on my belly, and i think its because i was vigilant with the moisturizer. i used pure vitamin E oil + pure coconut oil (you can find the coconut oil in the food section of a health food store) since i was about 3 months. everyone's body is different, but this is what worked for me. good luck, and congrats on your baby!

Well, unfortunately, it really isn't going to help much with lotion. It all comes down to genetics. If your mom had them then more then likely you will too. You may be able to use lotion, but their caused by your skin being stretched to fast and there isn't much you can do to stop that. This is what my OBGYN told me anyway.

Hi T.,
I have been fortunate enough to make it through two pregnancies with no stretch marks. I am not sure if it is genetics, but from the VERY beginning of my pregnancies (before ANYthing started to grow) I applied Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion for stretch marks. It is always worth the try! Good luck with your pregnancy!
S.