Scrutinizing Stretchmark Products

Stretchmarks. Ugh. Here's a major vanity concern women have when it comes to skincare in pregnancy. They say that it all depends on your genetic make up. Some lucky few have none after birth because DNA from their parents prevented them from having any, but most (unlucky ones) like me are succumbed to the unforgiving battle scars of motherhood from s-t-r-e-t-c-h-ing of skin in the tummy and thigh areas especially during the last trimester. A sight only true love can accept :P

Many years ago, I only knew of Palmer's Cocoa Butter which I would occasionally put on (Thank god, I wasn't more religious on lathering this stuff!). Sadly, this widely used product by many preggies contain parabens---dangerous preservatives which skincare manufacturers use to prevent growth of bacteria in products but refrain from siting its effects to the public. Parabens mimic estrogen in the body and when accumulated can have serious health hazards. A British oncologist linked parabens with breast cancer in a study here. Before gifting a new mom this product, please think twice!

A few months ago, a well-meaning friend gave me her Bio-oil to try because it is known to prevent and cure (?) stretchmarks. It is heavily marketed as a new scar treatment and is quite famous because of its advertisements. If you check the official website, it boasts numerous awards won for being the #1 scar and stretchmark product in 17 countries. Curious, I gave it a try but the slippery and thin consistency reminded me of a local baby oil which is made from mineral oil and true enough, when I researched and read the full ingredients list - I was RIGHTLY disappointed to find out the base IS in fact, mineral oil. 

Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product. It has the ability to block the pores on your skin, therefore block your skin's natural respiration process as well. Once inside the body, mineral oil can steal away natural fat solubles and minerals too. Again, another no-no :( Just like parabens, mineral oil is also accumulative and worst, has been linked to skin cancer! Read Dr. Mercola's comments here.

Funny that the website lists its botanical ingredients and deceivingly hides 'mineral oil' which makes the product seem safe and natural. Read more scrutiny here- Chemistry Blog: Beauty & The Risk. So, this is definitely OFF your list, right?

Now, I've been hearing the benefits of Rose Hip Oil on skin. Top model Miranda Kerr swears by it. She claims to have used it throughout her pregnancy and doesn't have a single stretch mark despite birthing to a 10-pound baby! Then again, she might have been one of those blessed with anti-stretchmark DNA :P

photo by Australian Beauty on a Budget

I purchased a bottle of cold-pressed (a.k.a. naturally processed) Rose Hip Vital for a steal at $10 during a recent trip to the US. I sometimes use it as a facial serum but have been lathering mainly on my belly. I still have battlescars/stretchmarks from my previous pregnancy so I'm not quite sure if this experiment will prevent further stretching but, it feels great to be nourishing myself nightly with a 100% natural product that is rich in essential fatty acids, high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Huffington Post says that Rose Hip Oil, a miracle skin care product is the next coconut oil. Let's see about that!