REVIEW: STRETCH MARK CREAMS FOR PREGNANCY

Being over half way along at 24 weeeks pregnant this week - time flies, right? - I have been really enjoying taking time to massage My ever expanding tum in the hope of avoiding the dreaded stretch-marks!  So far so good!

I know they say that lotions and potions don't really work on preventing them and that they are more down to genetics rather than lack of personal pampering, but over the past four months I genuinely do believe that regular moisturising has improved the condition and flexibility of the skin and helped, if only a little, to help everything grow. My goodness  does it grow!

The main aspect I absolutely love about my daily massages, however, is the precious moments in a busy day to connect physically and emotionally to our unborn baby.  While giving my tum a lovely gentle rub I often find myself chatting to it, singing a wee song or talking about all of the wonderful things we are going to do once they arrive.  I have really started to treasure my wee five minute stints with nothing but myself and baby and regardless of whether I get stretchmarks know that I'll continue to do this right up until delivery.

Here are the oils and creams I've been using and what I think of them:   

SANCTUARY MUM TO BE STRETCH MARK OIL - 

I have been using this every day and it has made pre-existing stretch marks from teenage years virtually disappear as well as made my skin super soft.  Enriched with Rosehip oil and Tamanu oil it sinks into the skin beautifully and is a real nighttime treat! Smells amazing too!

SANCTUARY MUM TO BE COLLAGEN BOOSTING BODY BUTTER - 

This is fantastic for day time tum rubs as it soaks in super quickly leaving the skin instantly smooth and soft. I have been using this on my upper arms too and I can honestly last yey have never, ever, been smoother!  Might keep this one to hand post-pregnancy too! 

ORGANIC COCONUT OIL - 

the trusted king of everything, coconut oil has, to be honest, done just about as good a job as anything else I have tried and will zero of the marketing hype.  It sinks in quickly, smells amazing - of coconuts, I course - and above all is 100% natural organic - BIG plus! 

PALMERS COCOA BUTTER FORMULA TUMMY BUTTER FOR STRETCH MARK

Advertisements for this little tub of cream seem to be all over pregnancy websites, magazines and blogs and so, as I generally do, I caved and bought it.  To be honest, it's OK.  It's well price and a little goes a long way but for me the cocoa smell is just too over powering and the thick texture seems to just solidify on my tummy after rubbing it in rather than moisturising like I would want it too.  

What are your favourite pamper products for pregnancy?  I'd love to know!

xx