No sooner does a woman announce her pregnancy than she finds herself bombarded with a list of skincare changes due to hormonal fluctuations. Some of the most common pregnancy skin issues include acne and stretch marks, but adding the right products to your regime can be a big help.
If you're trying to prevent or treat stretch marks it's helpful to understand why they happen in the first place.
Lesley Gilchrist, Co-Founder and Clinical Director of My Expert Midwife explains, "Stretch marks occur when the dermis under the first layer of skin becomes stretched quickly and the fibres within break causing lines known as stretch marks to be visible.
“Whether you develop stretch marks is not due to how well moisturised your skin is but rather more simply down to the fact that some people’s skin is more elastic and can stretch more than others. However, whilst stretch marks are developing their appearance can be reduced by moisturising. Using a good moisturiser, which lasts after application, can help combat uncomfortable feelings of the skin such as dryness, itchiness and tightness and reduce the urge to rub or scratch your skin, which can damage it.”
So while there isn't a one size fits all miracle cure for stretch marks, there are a whole host of excellent products that will help reduce the appearance stretch mark as well as keep your ever growing tummy itch free and moisturised.
Bampton House Bump and Baby Balm
This is my number one pick for skin soothing rubs and one of my new favourite all-time products. The lavender and chamomile blend is perfect for bedtime bump bonding and the formula is so nourishing that I often press the residue from my hands into my cheeks and forehead for a little extra TLC. The non-greasy formula doesn't stick to pyjamas but has enough staying power to really make your skin feel hydrated and silky smooth. I also love that it's safe enough to use on baby.
You might notice the absence of any branding containing the words 'stretch mark' or 'treatment' because that's not the sole intent here - but it is a side effect thanks to the ultra nourishing shea butter formula. I really look forward to using this every night and think it deserves a permanent place on the shelf well beyond the pregnancy.
Star ingredients: Shea butter, Lavender, Vetiver, Chamomile
Fantastic Skin Elastic - My Expert Midwife 150ml
I really like this one. Enriched with vitamin E, Fantastic Skin Elastic is actually a serum rather than an oil or balm. This fan favourite formula (count me in) still offers a massage worthy experience but without the heavy, oily application. I found it reduced the appearance of stretch marks on my hips in about four weeks and provided a quick fix to my often itchy, fast growing belly in the second trimester.
It has a subtle, calming fragrance that made me look forward to using it and the no-drip pump was helpful for nighttime application when I was already in bed. A little bit covers quite a large area and the 150ml bottle makes it one of the best value, hard working options I tested.
The mum approved brand also offer other products to use post-pregnancy like nipple balm and a special soother for nappy rash.
Star ingredients: Sweet almond oil, Coconut oil, Geranium, Calendula and Lavender
The Organic Pharmacy Stretch Mark Oil
I used this oil almost everyday of my pregnancy from week 10 to 28 and found it supple, long lasting and generous in application. Made from 99.8 per cent organic ingredients it has a faint floral scent (but not perfume-y) and instantly nourished my skin without any sticky or excessively greasy residue. I even rub it on my arms and knees when I notice a dry spot. The 100ml bottle lasted me almost two trimesters with one to two daily rubs (I mix it up and use a balm at night) and I still have a decent amount left. If you're looking for an everyday oil this is an all-around winner.
Star ingredients: Rose Hip, Orange, Calendula, Jojoba and Lavender
Nessa Scar Saviour 30ml
Made with 95 per cent natural ingredients, if you are trying to treat existing stretch marks this is the cult status product to invest in. Scar Saviour is a vitamin packed balm that will help minimise scarring after birth and is favourite among women who have had c-sections. I also tested it on a small burn I got recently from a hot pan and found it healed much faster than previous minor kitchen mishaps, and also really helped to reduce any hyperpigmentation. Scars begone!
Star ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Marshmallow Root, Liquorice Root, Turmeric
Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil 100ml
Slightly thicker than the oil from The Organic Pharmacy, Weleda's Stretch Mark Oil is a lavish and beautifully scented option for tummies of all stages - if they sold a perfume in this fragrance it would be another best-seller. Made with sweet almond oil, vitamin E and wheatgerm oil - all of which help prevent stretch marks from forming - this skin drenching oil feels incredibly comforting and decadent anywhere you put it. I love the green glass bottle too.
Star ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E and Wheatgerm Oil
£18.95 | lookfantastic and Weleda
Fat & The Moon - Growing Belly Balm 2oz
This mighty little jar offers the simplest ingredients on this list - shea butter, cocoa butter and apricot kernel oil - all of which are organic. The whipped balm can be used anywhere on the body to soothe parched itchy skin, but it makes for an especially nice treat when used on the tummy. Unlike other floral, citrus or earthy scented oils and balms, this formula has the unique distinction of smelling like chocolate. I found applying it after a shower or bath made this super moisturiser last even longer - and I've never smelled so delicious.
Star ingredients: shea butter, cocoa butter, apricot kernel oil
Tata Haper Revitalising Body Oil
Truth be told, there isn't a single product from Tata Haper that has ever fallen short of ohmygod I love this. The Revitalising Oil is an all over skin saver that zaps dry patches and replenishes dull skin in an instant. It smells like a Hawaiian holiday and will make you glow like you just got back from one - a head to toe healer.
Easily absorbed, mature and sensitive skin will love this decadent oil. When used sparingly my elbows, knees and belly were rid of rough spots in seconds. It's a luxury item no doubt but if you're going to splurge this is a worthy choice.
SOS Stretch Mark Defence Spray 150ml
This is my wildcard pick for soothing tightness and irritation. While there are proven benefits to massaging and bonding with your bump you might not always be in a position to kick back, yank up your top and apply generous amounts of oil at length. This extra-fine spray is the perfect solution to fight on the go dryness - no rubbing required. The silky mist quickly absorbs and instantly relieves any itch without the need for oily hands.
If you are pregnant and working in the office, this is a must-have product to stash in your desk.
Star ingredients: Vitamin E, green tea, plant extracts
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil 120ml
This lightweight oil contains natural plant-based ingredients thanks to a special Omega rich blend of avocado, Inchi and Argan oil. Vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologically tested, the fragrance is 100 per cent natural with a pleasant citrusy garden scent. The 120ml bottle should last you around 15-20 weeks and the extra silky blend of oils will cover a large area with just two pumps. Win-win.
Star ingredients: Avocado Oil, Inchi Oil and Argan Oil, Vitamin E Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rosehip Oil.
Verdict:
When it comes to bonding with your bump, calming the mind and soothing dry, itchy skin Bampton House Bump and Baby Balm is my top pick. The aroma and formula are truly soothing. If you are trying to treat existing scaring or are prone to new stretch marks, Fantastic Skin Elastic by My Expert Midwife and Nessa Scar Saviour are excellent options with real results.
