What to Do About
Pregnancy Stretch Marks

You may look in the mirror one day and notice pregnancy stretch marks have taken up residence on your belly or even (gasp!) on your breasts. While there are no miracle cures out there, I can recommend several great natural products and remedies to support your rapidly growing and changing pregnancy body...

Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches beyond its elastic ability, essentially forming tears in the dermis. The marks you see on the skin are actually scar tissue. Your stretching skin may also feel tight, itchy or dry.

Genetics do play a role in whether or not you are prone to develop stretch marks, but other factors such as hydration and skin health also determine if and to what extent you'll develop them.

Pregnancy skin care, including preventing stretch marks, requires nourishing the body from the inside out. Stretch marks during pregnancy can't always be avoided entirely, but focusing on overall wellness and good nutrition will at the very least minimize their occurrence and promote healing if they develop. Those that do occur will gradually fade and become almost invisible within a few months postpartum.

Here are recommendations for the best natural products and remedies to prevent, heal and minimize stretch marks in pregnancy:

Best pregnancy stretch mark cream or oil:

Mother's Special Blend skin toning oil is the best! I used it in my first pregnancy (before I learned to make my own) and didn't get any stretch marks except for a few below my bikini line. (I never thought to apply it there! And I know that I'm prone to stretch marks because I got several during my adolescent growth spurt.) It's a totally natural blend of almond oil, pecan oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter and vitamin E- that's all!

I do not recommend Bio Oil for stretch marks or many of the other stretch mark remedies out there because of their questionable ingredients. According to the EWG Cosmetics Database, Bio-Oil's ingredients received a "high" rating for health concerns.

Whatever you choose for stretch marks- lotion, cream or oil, be sure it is made with natural ingredients, just as you do with your other pregnancy body care products, .

Natural remedies for stretch marks:

You can spends lots of money on expensive stretch mark remedies but if you're not taking a holistic approach to pregnancy skin and body care, they won't do much. And with a few simple ingredients you can even make your own homemade stretch mark cream. Click on the above link for easy, natural ideas for preventing pregnancy stretch marks and maximizing skin health and elasticity.

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