Pregnancy | Preventing Stretch Marks

When it comes to pregnancy and postpartum related beauty, some of the most common questions I am asked revolve around stretch marks.

Stretch marks - no matter how much they represent the beauty of motherhood - aren't loved by everyone, especially when they first appear. Although painless, stretch marks start their life as pink, red, or purplish streaks that look pretty nasty. They look less noticeable as they fade to a silvery white colour, however this then causes them to be much more noticeable each time you tan. So you really can't win.

Pregnancy | Mama Mio Pregnancy Skincare Review

Throughout my pregnancy, I religiously used three Mama Mio products - The Tummy Rub Scrub, The Tummy Rub Butter, and The Tummy Rub Oil. I believe all three products helped to minimise the number and severity of stretch marks I received, so it was about time I wrote review.

The Beauty Myth: Olive Oil Can Remove Stretch Marks

Verdict: False

Stretch marks are a form of scarring on the skin; they are caused by skin expanding quickly, usually due to pregnancy or weight gain. The problem with removing stretch marks is that they form below the top layer of skin, so topical treatments simply can't reach them to remove them.

Now although olive oil can't remove stretch marks, massaging olive oil into the skin can help prevent further ones forming. This is because olive oil softens the skin, making it easier for the skin to stretch. I love the nourishing benefits of olive oil, however I am not big on applying it directly to my skin. For these reasons I use gorgeous smelling body oils that contain the ingredient. One of my favourites is the Origins Calm To Your Senses Lavender and Vanilla Oil 150ml (£24.00 Selfridges / $25.00 Macy's). This super skin saviour contains soybean oil, olive oil and jojoba oil, which all work together to deeply nourish, soothe and soften the skin. If used daily, a body oil as nourishing as this will be sure to keep stretch marks at bay!