What Should I Use to Avoid Getting Stretch Marks?

Hi S.,

Arbonne's Rejuvenating Cream works to get rid of or at lease lessen stretch marks! Give it a try!

www.debiwigchert.myarbonne.com

In health & happiness,
D.

My vote is for Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula, you can pick it up at Target or WalMart for pretty cheap. I used it for my first one everyday & have one tiny stretch mark and I am prone to stretch marks. Now I'm pregnant again & have been applying it every night.

I'm a Mom of 3 boys and during each pregnancy and after I used Mother's Special Blend Oil. You can get it at Whole Foods or Lassens, or search online depending on where you live.

Congratulations!

The thicker and more moisturizing the better. I kid you not, my friend walks around with a jar of pure shea butter with her every time she's pregnant. She has 3 kids and she's the only one I know who has no stretch marks. A lot of chemicals block average lotions from really moisturizing you. There's tons of expensive stuff to find, but Lemongrass Spa hand makes everything fresh in the Colorado Rockies and everything is 97-100% natural. We even have a Whipped Body Butter that is 95% shea butter and a thick, amazing Body Creme that's to die for. If you email me or check out my website www.ourlemongrassspa.com/V., I'll send you a free sample with no strings attached. You can just try the sample and see if you love it or can live without it, hehe.

Hi S.!
I was due with both my kids (now 2.5yrs and 6.5months) at the end of August. :) Summer babies!
I didn't have any stretch marks anywhere on my body before i got pregnant. I BATHED in palmers cocoa butter and vitamin E oil twice a day from the time i found out i was pregnant till the end. My bed sheets were stained from the oil and my skin was SUPER moist! I was SOO scared of getting stretch marks.
WELLL.... i got TONS of stretch marks on my stomach and a few on my sides with my first pregnancy. I didn't put anything on with my second pregnancy, other than normal lotion. and i didn't get any new ones. My first stretched my out!
My mom doesn't have any stretch marks and had 3 babies and none of her side of the family. i know they say its inherited... it could be from my dad's side. My sister (who has a different dad) got really bad stretch marks also, she has 4 kids and got worse with each one.
I think its just your skin and personally i think its how much weight you gain. I gained 50lbs with my 1st and only 19 with my 2nd. So that could and probably is why i got them with my first.
It won't hurt to lotion up. If anything it will help with the itching from your skin stretching! And you skin will feel so nice! :)
Good luck and wish you the best!

I do not agree that stretch marks are hereditary. I believed in that before I had my daughter and now I do not. My mother had 8 children with NO stretch marks. Well my 2 older sisters each had 2 children and their stretch marks are pretty bad.

I have a 10 month old and when I was pregnant I was afraid I was going to get them also. I read up on TUMMY HONEY BUTTER and also read that many singer/movie stars used it during their pregnancy and it prevented stretch marks. Well, after applying it twice a day, no stretch marks whatsoever. My sister who was also pregnant at the same time I was used it, and same for her, zero stretch marks. I guess my other 2 sisters used cocoa butter and the outcome for them was that they did get the stretch marks.

Everyone is different along with their skin type, but being Latina and darker complexion, we are proned to get them and I was genuinely accepting to them. I was lucky not to get them but I feel the TUMMY HONEY BUTTER worked. You can find it at tsome beauty salons and mommy/baby stores. If you go online and do a search, it will help u.

They normally run at $20 a jar so I would normally buy 2 at a time because they always ran out. A jar would last me a little over a month.

Good luck!

I know it sounds weird and like an old wives tale... but my grandma swears by using olive oil on your tummy once a day to avoid stretch marks...I did try it sometimes but my doctor and books I have read say that if your mom got stretch marks you are likley to also get them (all in the genes)...congrats on being pregnant I hope you feel great!

I know some moms already recommended the Palmers Coca Butter, and I agree. I would suggest using the concentrated butter formula in the jar not the lotion. It’s stronger and does a better job. I put it on about 3 times a day. Especially, when you get out of the shower! Make sure you use it all over and not just your tummy. I was stupid to think that the only place I was going to get stretch marks was my stomach! (What was I thinking!?!) I do not have a single stretch mark on my stomach. Good luck!

Genetics determine whether or not you will get stretch marks. Don't waste money on expensive creams- if you want to try creams use baby oil in the shower or cocoa butter. Some of the expensive stuff has chemicals in it that aren't good for your baby anyway.

Quick ?- do you have any stretch marks now? I had stretch marks when I was young and by 6 months in my 1st pregnancy my stomach was covered!!! Although, if you already have good skin and don't have any stretch marks from past weight gain/growth, Palmer's cocoa butter stretch mark lotion is nice- if nothing else it helps with the itching!

Drink lots and lots of water, and dry to keep your weight gain under control. Other than that - I used a product from bath and body works - it was in stick form, and specially designed for preggo bellies. I also used a mustela product after baby was born for firming my skin up - it was 40 bucks for the bottle, but well worth it.

I don't think there is a precaution you can take that will truly work - if you are predisposed to stretch marks, you'll get them regardless.
I tried several different things starting the second I began showing, around 10 weeks - coco butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, belly balms, butters, etc and still wound up with a belly covered with stretch marks. In my opinion, it was a waste of money. Though my belly was nice and smooth and soft! For that reason, I say rub some nice-smelling, moisturizing stuff on there and don't stress about the marks.
For what it's worth, my own mother didn't have any from her pregnancy.
Sometimes they just happen.

Aloe Vera lotion or oil, tea tree oil, Vitamin E oil. All 3 are excellent....had three children and NO stretch marks. But I was very consistent and adamant in putting it on every day or after every shower. And to be honest, I wasn't as consistent on my thighs and i got a few stretch marks there, so I'd include this area as well. Olive oil works pretty good too! And continue to EXERCISE......this is extremely important and helps for stamina at the time of delivery. Hope this helps!

Hi there. When I was pg with first one I used Vit. E..I'd take a needle and poke a hole in top and squeese it out and put one stomach, hips, and breast. I gain alot with my first child, and didn't get any stretch marks! With my second one I didn't use the Vit E..and I only gained 20 lbs and got stretch marks.

Stretch marks are a result of a lack of elastin and collagen in the skin, along with poor hydration and an acidic environment. Some people are blessed with an abundance of elastin and collagen genetically (kind of like some people are naturally skinny no matter what they eat); others (like myself) are not so blessed. You want to keep the skin moist and supportive with healthy oils and treatments. The following information is not an ad so please read to the end!! :)

I have used a lot of product but I have not found anything better than the Arbonne products. I do represent the company and do so for these reasons: their products actually work. They are pure, safe, and beneficial, vegan certified, and designed to keep the skin healthy and "stretchable" for lack of a more scientific term.

I sent this message as a private message because I do not necessarily want to "advertise" through this medium. I have built my business on referrals only. If you know someone who sells Arbonne, I highly recommend you look at the products. If you do not, I would be happy to send you some before and after pictures that would help you see their effectiveness.

If you do not use Arbonne, use sesame oil and take a high quality EFA (essential fatty acid) supplement such as cod liver oil. Udo's has a nice multiple (Omega 3,6,&9) tab. The tabs may, right now, upset your tummy so go easy on them. Use olive oil when you cook.

However, if you do have a tendency to scar easily it could be a sign you have a genetic predisposition to stretch marks. The most you can do under these circumstances is accept the skin you are in and treat it with the best products to mitigate stretch marks.

Hope this helps. My bio is below.

Blessings as you enter this wonderful event. There is nothing more important than raising a human being from childhood to adulthood. Wishing you wisdom, patience, and insight along your journey.

C.

About me:

I am a mother of four children ranging in ages from 23 to 36. I am self-educated in nutrition and currently represent a 28 year old health and wellness company that distributes pure, safe, and beneficial products internationally. Our focus is broad based and includes inner and outer health (skin care, hormone balancing, weight management, and supplementation with whole food vitamins – for children to mature individuals).

I am also the author of “Diamond Moms, A Mother’s Guide to Raising a Baseball Player” available on Amazon. While it educates mothers about the sport, it is also a book on parenting and the importance of being a strong, disciplined, and loving mother. Don’t ever leave yourself out of the picture!!

I honestly think it is hereditary or luck of the draw. I didn't get a single stretch mark..and my belly was stretched to maximum capacity..to the point of itchy skin from 6-9 months. I did use lotion every day just to keep moisturized and to help with the itching factor. I had friends who were pretty tiny pregos and they did get stretch marks after using every oil/stretch mark prevention cream on the market. Congrats! Pregnancy goes by so quickly..enjoy every moment relishing in this special time.

Hello,
I used Palmers. They have a whole line of products.. You can get it at any drug stores. It worked for me. I have an 8 1/2 month old and no strech marks.. :) Good luck..

I think its genetics, you'll either be lucky enough not to get them but to try to prevent them, try good ole' cocoa butter. I know maitaining your weight and regular exercise also helps. Ask your OB and see what her recommendations might be as well. On a side, note, I have an invitation & stationary business if you're interested in finding some great announcements for your little one to send out!

Unfortunately Stretch Marks are hereditary. But you can minimize the severity. I started showing at 8 weeks so I feel you. When I was pregnant I used 100% pure Cocoa Butter. As in Straight from the tree and ground up Cocoa Butter. It is a little pricey and hard to find. You can try an herbal remedy store, usually they will have it. They do sell the Cocoa Butter lotions and body butter in the store Motherhood, that also worked well. Good Luck

I used almond oil. It's a little bit messy, but well worthy it. It can be found in stores such as Henry's and Sprouts. Good luck!

Cocoa butter is the only thing that I have ever heard of that really, really works.

Cocoa Butter applied liberally every night!

Hi, I've heard Shea Butter helps great with strech marks. I used it and it was wonderful and it gave my skin a healthy glow too. You can find it in any market or beauty store. Olay's the best to use. I hope this helps.

J. S.

I hate to break it to S. but if stretch marks are in your genes you will get them no matter what you do. Ask your mom if she had them, if she did you will most likely get them. I tried everything from religiously using cocoa butter to all of the over the counter measures to prevent stretch marks. I finally asked my Dr. in my 8th month because I was getting them anyway and he said that there wasn't a real cure for them. It does help to keep your skin moisturized as that can help create more elasticity but in the long run, if your skin over stretches you may get some marks. The good news is that after 2 years mine mostly faded.

Definitely keep yourself hydrated and keep your weight gain healthy, but realize that if your body is predisposed to them you may still get some small, light ones.

As far as products to use, I really liked the Earth Mama Angel Baby Stretch oil during pregnancy and I used the Tummy Honey Stretch Mark Fading Cream afterward to help fade the little ones I did get. I found everything at A Mother's Haven in Encino.

I used coco butter lotion...not the palmers, I just bought an inexpensive off brand in a giant bottle. And I swear by it. I did not get one stretch mark. However, my best friend asked her dr. about my miricle when she got pregnant and he told her that it was hereditary and theres nothing you can do to prevent them. My advice, use the coc butter anyway, if nothing else it'll help the itching :)

Congrats! As far as getting stretch marks, it's completely genetic, even if your mom didn't get them, you still may. You will notice that as you get bigger, your skin will stretch, and it will feel better to use lotion with cocoa butter, such as Palmers to help with the itch, but really I used lotion and ended up with deep wrinkled stretch marks. It has to do with your own skins elasticity. You can try everything, if you are going to get them you will, and if you aren't you won't. It really has nothing to do with how much lotion you put on.

Drink a lot of water and exercise regularly. The lotions help too, but I think they're more of a gimic. Water really works keeps your skin hydrated and flexible, exercise helps you "show" slowly. You want to gain and loose weight slowly.

rub vitamin E oil on instead of lotion. I did and I had three kids and no visible strech marks.

Even though it's I hard I would have to say try not to over eat bc when i was pregant I gained 50lbs and had stretch marks every place possible and they were dark too and once you get them I don't think they ever go away. Good luck on the stretch marks

I think the key here is not necessarily the cream you use but to be very good about eating healthy, drinking lots of water and also excercising (as long as doctor says it is ok). Both my sister and I excercised right until our due date and modified/lessened our routines as we got closer to due date.Any type of moderate excercise would be good. We both only gained 15-16 lbs total (which both our doctors were completely OK. Both of our babies were about 6 - 6 1/2 lbs and were very healthy)

Many women gain too much weight and therefore stretch the skin a lot. Both by other 2 sisters gained 35-40 lbs and did not excercise at all and BOTH got a lot of stretch marks.

I also made sure I used cream on my tummy religiously )2x a day) and did not let my skin get dry. Both by sister and I used a cream called Tummy Honey in addition to working out/eating healthy and I truly felt it made a difference

Unfortunately, stretch marks are purely hereditary (actually, that could be a good thing if they don't run in your family)! I used Palmers, lotions, and creams everyday and only gained 20 pounds (all very gradually) in my pregnancy, and I still got them (the last week if my pregnancy UGGH). So...think of them as a crown of glory if you get them and a blessing if you don't, but just know that it is purely genetic and if you do get them, it pales in comparison to the amazing miracle you get in return. God's blessings on you and your family.

It is hereditary, there is nothing you can do to prevent them. You might be able to avoid them getting as bad by using a vitamin E cream all over your hips and abdomen during the pregnancy.

Creams, lotions and oils are great but I've read that stretch marks are hereditary and so if your mom has them you will most likely get them no matter what you do. Good luck!

Hello,
I am on my 2nd pregnancy and have advoided stretch marks completely on my tummy. I use body butter by Bath and Body Works. I think it's the best body butter. It's $15.00 a tub but worth every penny. It's very thick and creamy, but not greasy, and they smell great. I have an 11 month old girl and due in May with a little boy, and it has worked great for me!!!

There are commercial products out there and at health food stores. I like pure almond oil the best. It is very soothing, and not too greasy. Good luck!

HI
Congratulations!!!!
I used to rub pure vitamin E lotion on my tummy.:) i dont have any stretch marks. it might help.

There is a brand called Mustella (I think that's how you spell it) Anyways, it's a French baby& mommy care line and they have products for pre and post pregnancy mommy bellies.
They're a little pricey, but they make you feel good, they smell nice, and they work.
Also make sure to drink a ton of water and take your pre natals, because it really helps to take care of your skin from the inside. Another thing to use is pure cocoa butter, and slather it on every chance you get.

Unfortunately, genetics also plays a big role in how your skin will react to your pregnancy, and I don't want to bum you out, but sometimes you can do everything in the world to prevent stertch marks, but the go ahead and show up anyhow.

But don't be discouraged. If you do get scars, wear them proudly, because those marks signify your motherhood, and that's nothing to be ashamed of!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!!

OK, first thing that you have to learn about motherhood is: YOU HAVE COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL!!!! That is what it feels like most of the time, anyway. I tried lots of expensive creams, gels, etc. with my first pregnancy and NOTHING worked. I still got stretch marks (even on my breasts - yuk!!) but they really do fade with time. I think if your body is prone to them, you will get them, no matter what. Believe me, there are many, many more things to worry about and your body will be such a afterthought after your precious bundle comes on the scene. By the time you start worrying about what your body looks like again, your stretch marks will start to fade! Then all you will have to deal with is that saggy tummy!! Good luck!

From what my doctor told me... if your susceptable to stretch marks your going to get them no matter hwat you do. In other words if your mom,or sisters had stretch marks then most likely your gong to as well..you can reduce the amount you'll get by using Vitamin E in oil or lotion form as well as Cocoa butter. It will keep your skin lubricated and allow it to stretch more without out scarring. I know once you get stretch marks Mederma helps to reduce their size..it worked for me.

good luck! stretch marks are hereditary. you can try cocoa butter.

I used cocoa butter (made sure it was one of the first three ingredients in the product) in the beginning of my pregnancy and then Alba Hawaiian Kukui Nut Body Cream towards the end and did not get any stretch marks, but my skin did get itchy due to the skin being stretched. After the pregnancy, and because I bf exclusively, my belly shrank down so fast in the first 2 months that there was nothing I could do to prevent the few stretch marks I did get from happening. I understand stretch marks are caused by rapid weight gain or loss so now sadly, I know that no cream or lotion on the market can really prevent them. Mine aren't as prominent anymore now that several months have passed.

vitamin E oil, cocoa butter seemed to work nice.

BUT I tried EVERYTHING!!! I had no stretch marks until the last week, then they exploded all over! I guess you either get them or you don't

I was overweight when I got pregnant and am now in my 9th month. I thought for sure I'd get stretch marks since I'd already had some on my hips, thighs, breasts, etc.

However, I used several things and to my surprise have not had one! I've gained 40lbs during the pregnancy and not one stretchmark on my stomach at all! I've been using a variety of things, baby oil when just out of the shower and still damp, cocoa butter lotions and sometimes at night vitamin E oil. It's worked for me!

Almond kernel oil. I used this with pregnancy of an 8# 12 oz. baby ... no stretch marks!!

Hi S.,
I'll bet a lot of us responded to your request for advice. Everyone's got a remedy - me included. I think part of getting or not getting stretch marks is genetics the other part is personal nutrition and moisturinzing. Make sure you're hydrating yourself everyday. You should be drinking lots of water - not juices, sodas or teas - water. I tries to drink 2 1.5 liter bottles/day. For my belly and hips everyday after the shower I put on this oil that contained vitamin E oil. It smelled like roses, I loved it. Anyway a gal I work with swore by the vitamin E oil thing so I gave it a try and no stretch marks for me. There are a ton of really poor quality creams and oils out there. Read the ingredients. FYI: mineral oil is bad and it's in most common drug store lotions and creams. Maybe you could find something more natural at a health food store. Oh I know, there's a line called "Burt's Bees" Long's Drug and Walgreens carry the line. They have a body balm that I used also. All natural and smells great. Good luck.

Hi,

First off congrats on your bun in the oven! Although some moms are going to get stretch marks no matter what kind of "miracle cream" they slather on thier belly.. I do believe there are ways to tame them. I personally have one baby boy and luckily didnt get those nasty road maps. Here's what my secret was...

I used "Palmers body cream/lotion for stretch marks" It has cocoa butter, vitamin E and something else... I used it religiously on my belly, chest, butt, and thighs. The key is to use it within 3 minutes of getting out of the shower. Also, drinking lots and lots of water helps your skin to be more elastic.

Good luck to you... and dont be so bummed if you see a couple pop up over night. :)

Use cocoa butter and/or Dove. Anything that you can use on your face to moisturize is the best. I dont use lotions that you put on hands or body only... if its not good enough on my face its not for the rest of my body either. Your skin obsorbs water better than lotions, so do it after a bath or shower and any other time you feel that you need to but use water with it. Skin soaks it up much better.

Hi S....Congratulations on your pregnancy! Get a really good lotion containing Vitamins A, D and E. Use the lotion all over your stomach after every shower, religiously. This worked for me and I have no stretch marks after two children. Also, try not to gain more than the recommended weight for pregnancy. I gained 25 pounds with each child, and I think between the good lotion and not gaining too much weight was the perfect mix of keeping the stretch marks away. Good luck and best wishes!

Hi S.,

I have three girls and boy did they do a number on my tummy. Me and my bro did the same thing to our mom. Coco butter works great. I found some that came in stick form (pure coco butter). I wanted to see if it would work so I used it on half of my tummy (this was years after I had my girls) and could notice a real difference in the stretch marks. If only I would have used it during pregnacy:( Good luck!

A.

I had my first child at 34, second at 36, and now I'm having my third just shy of 39. My mom and sister both have stretch marks in a big way, but I have zero!
Maybe I got lucky, but I believe my copious drinking of water is what helped me. I probably drink at least 10 cups of water a day (more specifically carbonated mineral water and herbal teas like rooibos and lemon--both from Trader Joe's). I avoid caffeine too.

Creams and lotions won't prevent stretch marks although they do alleviate itchiness in the beginning and help keep me from scratching my belly.
good luck!

Ok, heres the thing. More than likely, if your mom has strech marks then so will you. But, just in case, you should try Creamy Baby Oil and if you have hard water, then put regular baby oil on as soon as you get out of the shower. Good luck and congradulations on your baby!

I agree with one of the other posters. Palmers cocoa butter for stretch marks worked well for me. It is cheap, you can get it at wal-mart. Or you can use just cocoa butter. I did that and put on lotion all the time throughout the day. I was one to rub my own belly all the time so whenever I could I would use that time to put on lotion.
Congrats on the new member of the family!

I have had two pregnancies where Magia Bella worked for me. I have three other sisters who had 9 babies amongst them and they used cocoa butter type lotions and STILL came out with truly ugly stretch marks. There are so many options, you just have stick to it and hope that it works for you. Magia Bella can be pricey, but it was so worth the results.
L

I used Vitamin E oil daily and must say it did the trick but it must be the oil and you have to use it daily, keep yourself well hydrated with water as well.

I used all sorts of cocoa butter, expensive and inexpensive but towards then end nothing helped and I now have my battle scars :(

There are lots of products for stretch marks but its hard to find what really works for you. different products for different women. My friend tried almost everything but still got stretch marks. My cousin only used baby oil and got nothing. I think the best way is just make it minimal. Here's more info about pregnancy stretch marks.. http://whattoeatduringpregnancy.blogspot.com/2009/06/preg...

S.,

After 2 children I have no stretch marks and I thank lots of water and Palmers Cocoa Butter!! It's inexpensive and smells GREAT! I think genetics have a lot to do with it too, so ask your Mom or sisters if they have any. Sounds like we are at the same stage...I am due 9/7, but having a c-section on 8/28. Congratulations! S.

well first of there is no telling if you are going to get stretch marks or not. usually if your mom got them you will too. what i did that helped me was drink a lot of water and use lotion. they say cocoa butter is really good but i couldnt use it (im allergic). i used eucerine and aveeno because they were thick. another thing i did was i didnt over eat. i didnt gorge myself when i was hungry. i know some preg. women think that just because they are preg they need to double eating with huge meals. thats not true. eat sensibly. i ate many small meals a dy. if you dont over eat you might not gain too much weight witch may help with the stretch marks. i hope this is helpful to you!

My mom had stretch marks and after four single pregnancies and with my second child being 9lbs. 3oz. and the 3rd. and 4th. were pretty good size too, I had none!! I used Dr.Hauschka, Blackthorn Body Oil. I do not have one stretch mark, I was told that it is really rare since I had a c-section with my first child and the skin had been damaged, I don't know if it is even related, but this oil is awesome!!!

Good luck and congratualtions!!!

Hey there.. Well to be honest I don't think there is anything you can do to prevent stretch marks.. just pray for good genes! I went to my dermatologist when I was around 20 weeks pregnant to look for some remedies- and he said you can do the lotion if you want, for my own piece of mine.. So i did (palmers lotion) and still got them. :( But good luck- sorry if I brought you bad news!

Drink a ton of water!! It is the only trick that science has proven to work.

Stretch marks seem to be hereditary - so depending on your family history there may be nothing you can do about it except try to keep your weight in the healthy levels as you and your baby grow!

You can try using a really good moisturizer like cocoa butter or some other body butter. I have this stuff from Sensaria called Cherry Almond body butter and it feels wonderful and smells so yummy. Vaseline is very good too.
Don't scratch the belly! Scratching makes for more stretch marks. In the end, you might end up getting them anyway. Consider them you battle scars and wear them proudly!

I have been using Mama Bee by Burts Bees, it has worked wonderfully. I am 36 weeks with my first baby and haven't seen a single stretch mark. Good luck!

~K. R

Hi,
Definitely try Palmers Cocoa Butter (at grocery stores and Target) - I had 2 kids and have no stretch marks!