PopSugar

Do You Still Believe in the Healing Power of Cocoa Butter?

LilSugar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:12 -0700

Lots of mothers swear by the benefits of slathering their growing bellies and boobs with cocoa butter. The ingredient is mixed into affordable balms and creams that women often purchase as a preventative measure upon finding out they are pregnant. But, new research suggests that cocoa butter lotions and potions have little to no benefit. One report said:

The largest study on the subject was published in 2008 by a team of dermatologists and obstetricians. It followed 175 women in their first pregnancies, some randomly assigned to apply a cocoa butter lotion each day and others assigned to use a placebo. Neither the subjects nor the researchers knew who was using which treatment. After many months, the researchers found no difference in the development or severity of marks, known medically as striae, over the abdomen, breasts or thighs.

The piece suggests Vitamin E as an effective alternative. What's your opinion?

Have You Ever Used Stretch Mark Lotions?

BellaSugarUK — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 04:00:00 -0700

With all of the preventative stretch mark products on the market these days, it's hard to ignore that something can be done about those unsightly little lines. A fair amount of women I speak to who have stretch marks from dramatic weight loss, weight gain or pregnancy feel they are stuck with them and don't want to invest in an expensive product that won't really work anyway. Others claim they are addicted to stretch mark notions and feel if they stop using them the lines will only get darker or more noticeable.

Below are an array of stretch mark items for you to choose from. I've tried Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Cream (£5.59) as a goof for a few lines on my thighs, and after almost three weeks of use, I can see a slight reduction. Do you use stretch mark products? If so, what's your top pick?

DrSugar Answers: Stretch Mark Prevention?

DrSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:00:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I will be leaving my teen years behind soon - thank goodness. But I've noticed red stretch marks around my breasts and am greatly concerned. I have not gained or lost any weight and cannot find a reasonable explanation as to why I am getting these red lines. I thought stretch marks only occurred in pregnant woman and obese people! Why do I have them? Are they permanent? What can I do to prevent them from staying there? Please help!
- Stressed About Stretch Marks

To see DrSugar's advice on stretch marks, read more.

Stretch marks, know as striae in medical terms, can be very frustrating because they seemingly come from nowhere and are very hard to get rid of. Unfortunately, as your experience attests, stretch marks are not limited to pregnant women. Stretch marks can commonly form during puberty on breasts or hips. They also can form on the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs during periods of rapid weight gain at any age. While the biggest risk factor for developing stretch marks is any type of rapid weight gain or increase in body size, certain medical diseases and medications can also cause them. Prednisone, a steroid pill commonly prescribed for inflammatory conditions, is the most common culprit in terms of medication. Cortisone creams can also lead to stretch marks because they cause thinning of the skin.

The fact that your stretch marks are only around the breasts makes the most likely cause normal breast growth. Unfortunately, the stretch marks you have are not easily reversible, but there are some treatments available. If there is redness or irritation along the stretch marks, this will generally fade and become less noticeable over time. If the stretch marks have occurred recently, like in the last two months, you can try a prescription of either tretinoin cream or Retin-A cream to improve their appearance. More expensive therapies are available as well; dermabrasion and laser therapy are two methods performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons that can reduce the appearance of the marks. If you have a dermatologist, make an appointment to discuss strategies for dealing with stretch marks. Although I don't think you could have prevented your stretch marks, here are some tips for preventing and decreasing stretch marks.

Have a question for DrSugar? Send it by private messaging me here, and I will forward it to the good doctor.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

Would You Buy Pregnancy Products by These Names?

LilSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:00:53 -0800

You can't judge a book by its cover, but can you pick on a product line because of its name? LeastLikely2Breed sells a line of remedies ($6 - $18) for expectant and new mamas. From stretch mark potion to nipple salve and hemorrhoid ointment to vaginal jelly, there's even some diaper rash balm for baby. But the names of the products are another story. In your ninth month of pregnancy, would you find humor or insult in rubbing Whale Oil ($12) on your big belly?

Baby Bump: Kimberly Parry Belly Butter

LilSugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:00:15 -0800

A new mama's got much ado about stretch marks. Some let fate run its course, while others slather on potions and creams in hopes of avoiding (and fading) the inevitable. For the new mommy who is looking to keep her pregnancy chemical and stretch mark free, Kimberly Parry Organics Belly Butter will work to do just that. Made from organic oils (jojoba, coconut, and olive), as well as unfiltered beeswax, the emollient has a rich, nutty smell that will leave your belly moisturized all day long. At $34, keeping your bump organic is not cheap, but no one ever said it was easy being green.

Lil Mark: What's Your Favorite Belly Butter, Lotion or Potion?

LilSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:41 -0700

There are hundreds, if not thousands of different belly butters, cremes, salves and potions aimed at pregnant women's bellies on the market and every mother (or mother-to-be) seems to have her own favorite. I've shared my most trusted stretch mark cures in the past, but I'd love to know what type of other ointments or products you rubbed on your expectant belly.

You can share your picks by bookmarking them on TeamSugar. I'll do a recap next week of your suggestions.

Don't forget to tag your finds as "belly products."

geeksugar has written an explanation of how to bookmark items on TeamSugar if you need a helping hand. Still don't know where to start? To see some of my favorite online stores, read more.

Amazon
babystyle
Babies R Us
Etsy
The Flying Pram
Gap
Giggle
Gymboree
Layla Grayce
Modern Nursery
Modern Tots
NoMi
Right Start
Target
Vivre

Beat Stretch Marks Like Charlotte Church

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

The lovely Charlotte Church and her Welsh rugby star husband Gavin Henson are expecting their second baby together. Charlotte, who looked delightfully glowing and healthy during her last pregnancy with the adorable Ruby Megan, announced the news yesterday.

Despite her party girl past, Charlotte proved herself to be a really healthy (and beautiful) role model for young mums, refusing to bow to media pressure to be stick thin immediately after she gave birth. Charlotte is really pretty with normal, womanly curves and a relaxed, yet still groomed, approach to beauty. So good to see!

In celebration of her great news, I wanted to share my top product for beating stretch marks during pregnancy. You may have already digested all the word-of-mouth chat about Bio Oil (£17 for 200ml) and the testimonials are impressive. However, I've heard so many (and actually seen!) amazing results from applying Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil, (£32) - from mothers-to-be of all ages and shapes.

I actually use this even though I'm not pregnant, as it boosts skin elasticity, firms and tones the stomach, upper thighs and bum. If you're using it while pregnant though, remember to apply all over twice daily from the first trimester. Yes, you will get through buckets of the stuff, but it'll be worth it. Plus it smells so calming and soothing that it's like a mini meditation in a bottle.

Source

Ecotot: Otopia

babysugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:00:45 -0800

If your ankles are swollen and your partner won't rub them, pamper yourself with the heavenly scented On the Go prenatal foot and leg reviver tonic. It's part of Otopia's line of organic bath and beauty products

Dedicated to expectant and new moms as well as babies, the natural products are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Choose between prenatal and post natal lotions, stretch mark creams, and massage oils. For lil ones, there are creams, washes, oils and powder.

And to get baby clean as a whistle, try Baby Soft top to toe hair and body wash. The tear free formula is also nut free due to allergic reactions some lil ones have.

Otopia supports local suppliers by purchasing their organic raw ingredients so you're going beyond buying bath gel and helping out small businesses.

Baby Bump: Stretched Out by Stretch Marks

LilSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:00:08 -0800

I was two weeks overdue with my daughter, when I spotted a few shimmery streaks at the base of my swollen belly. Dead set on going into labor, I didn't pay much attention to them until after my little girl was born and my stomach began to deflate. Then, those couple of blemishes became a bit more noticeable.

While stretch lines are a mark of motherhood, there's nothing wrong with willing them away.

After having my son, I invested in a couple of creams. And, I was somewhat surprised when they made a difference.

While the flaws haven't been erased, they are camouflaged - a result of the products helping them fade with time.

Tummy Honey 3-Piece Gift Set ($60)

Mustela Stretch Marks Intensive Action ($39)

Palmer's Cocoa ButterMassage Cream ($6)

Source

Group Therapy: Stretch marks!

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 16:00:00 -0700

I am 5'2", and I weigh 127 lbs. That being said, I used to weigh 144 lbs. I've lost 17 pounds, which IMO is nothing to be ashamed of, but I have all these stretch marks to remind me of how disgustingly overweight I once was.

Click here to

It's not just on my butt and places where, yeah they suck, but on an average day most people don't see. I have them on my calves and the backs of my knees, the backs of my thighs, and my love handles in addition to the normal places (butt, hips). I'm young!!! And I can never wear shorts again (or skirts for that matter) unless I want people to see my unattractive stretch marks.

1.) What can I do to make the color (not concerned about texture at this point) fade to somewhat normal skintone.
2.) I'm sick of wearing jeans ALL SUMMER. Any suggestions on fashions that might still let me hide most of my shame.
3.) I don't know what I'd do if I ever got them on my arms or something. Tips to help them stay away?

[EDITOR'S NOTE: To be involved in more GROUP THERAPY, click here]

Mama Mio ZAP Goodbye Stretch Marks - £44.00	Decléor 150ml stretch mark restructuring cream - £34.24
Cowshed Udderly Gorgeous Stretch Mark Balm - £20.00	Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream For Stretch Marks - £4.48
Lierac Phytolastil Anti-Stretch Mark Solution - £24.50	This Works Stretch Mark Oil 120Ml - £32.00
Erbaviva Stretch Mark Cream - £23.00	Korres Almond and Avocado anti-stretch marks body cream - £15.00
Sanctuary Mum to be Stretch Mark Oil - £9.95	Erbaviva Stretch Mark Oil - £23.00
Balance Me Super Moisturising Oil - £24.00	Little Me Mum to Be Stretch Mark Body Oil - £6.99