As you know, in my pre-mammy days I used to blog about beauty and fashion and spent many a day putting the latest products to the test…
These days, I spend far less time on my own grooming and rarely get a chance to do things like just slap on some moisturiser on a regular basis (showers are even a luxury now!)
Anyway, as I’ve gotten older my skin priorities have shifted, and certainly since I’ve become a mum, my skin itself has changed hugely, both on my face and body.
Stretch marks are a just one of those big changes and are a generally speaking an inevitable part of pregnancy. Now there are some women who don’t suffer from them at all (not jealous ladies, I promise!), but most of us do to some extent. And you know, I’m of the firm belief that the answer to whether you’ll get the or not lies in your genes… seriously go ask you mum if she got them and if so, there’s a good chance you will too.
But as unsightly as they can be, you know, in the grand scheme of things I don’t mind my stretch marks. In fact, as corny as it sounds, they remind me that my body did something amazing.
Of course that being said, sometimes it would be nice not to have them as well... and as I reach my 25th Week of pregnancy and look down at my growing belly with the growing stretch marks, I find myself laughing because on my first pregnancy I can remember reaching the midway point and feeling pretty smug as I looked in the mirror and said to myself;
'Wow, these stretch mark creams and oils I’m using are doing a superb job! Not one stretch mark!’
Then I lifted up the underside of my belly that hadn’t seen the light of day in months
'Oh shit!' I shrieked.
Yes, there they were in all their purple glory down under my belly button and on my hips.
And as my pregnancy progressed I developed the most awful PUPPP Rash which concentrated mainly on my stretch marks leaving me looking like Freddy Kruger's face.
EEEEEK!
While most stretch marks will fade somewhat after you give birth, you can aid the recovery of the skin by using a good stretch mark cream.
Remember, nothing is going to completely prevent you getting stretch marks or erase them all together, but it is good to use a cream or oil during pregnancy and crucially afterwards to keep the skin supple and moisturised, so that as it stretches and later contracts you minimise the damage to your skin.
Right now, I’m putting the new Science of Skin Solution for Stretch Marks, €43.99/100ml to the test and will have it ready to go after I give birth. Packed with a host of naturally active ingredients that soothe and calm the skin, as well as free radical-fighting vitamin E and magnolia bark, I’ve found it to be really hydrating and smoothing.
It comes in a handy pump applicator, so there is no messiness that you might get from oils. It's rich and creamy, but easy to apply and is actually very soothing.
So far, I like this stuff and plan to use this cream after I have the baby too. Plus, the brand is one with some serious skincare chops to its name.
Founded by Dr. Ardeshir Bayat, an internationally renowned expert in scar management, and Mr Douglas McGeorge MBE, a leading UK cosmetic surgeon, Science of Skin uses breakthrough green tea extract, EGCG which has been scientifically proven to reduce scars by over 40%, lessen redness and soothe irritation and all the products are vegan certified and alcohol, paraben and fragrance free.
You can find the whole range in your local Boots stores across Ireland which is pretty handy.
But if you fancy getting your hands on a free bottle, then you’re in luck as I’ve got five Science of Skin Solution for Stretch Marks up for grabs!
* I was gifted a bottle of Science of Skin Solution for Stretch Marks to test out, but all opinions are my own.