Skin Care News

Being pregnant really does take a toll on your body that is for sure. From the stretch marks to the varicose vein there are many things that you body goes through that are not necessarily the most eye pleasing and most comfortable!

Have you ever stood in front of the mirror naked and just looked at your skin? Not for moles, pimples, or stretch marks – just looked at the skin itself? When I was pregnant, I wanted to constantly look at my body to see how it was changing. Then, when I breastfed my son, I wanted to see what I looked like after the pregnancy.

Sadly, my stretch marks are still coming in, in full force. They started on my hips, and have been migrating towards the center of my under-belly. They haven’t met up in the middle yet, but probably not too much longer. I’m lucky that I haven’t found any in “weird” places, like my calves or arms or anything like that.

Notice what this body part really loves, deep down in its soul…….does your soft squishy mama belly that perhaps has the mark of a big baby starburst of stretch marks on it like mine long for elastic waistbands or low rise jeans? does it secretly look at belly jewels in hopes of being adorned with a piercing? What about decorating the stretch marks with glitter or markers or temporary tatooes of hearts and butterflies, flowers or fairies? When I was pregnant, my midwife drew a picture of my baby inside on the outside with markers and we took pictures, it was beautiful.

The stretch marks on Ms. Jane from seven years ago when she gave birth to her son are also more apparent. But she deals with those blemishes in a simpler way: by liberal use of tanning spray.

No one knows whether my hair looks as if I just stepped out of a salon, whether or not I can pinch an inch, or even if I have unsightly stretch marks. And because no one knows, no one cares.

Signature treatment: The Molton Brown Celestial Maracuja Body Polish is a delicious, skin-brightening body therapy with Amazonian Maracuja passionflower, organic raw sugar and rosa mosqueta oil (a thoroughly moder skin care treatment for stretch marks). And just so the men don’t feel left out, there is also a Molton Brown regenerating facial for men, which is a reviving and toning facial therapy with warm African Lifetree and Hungarian carrot oil.

Sometimes I look back on the pictures of me during my pregnancies, and think “how in the world could I have felt attractive when I looked like that?” I see the stretch marks and swollen feet and blotchy cheeks, and I cringe with embarrassment at having ever flaunted that bloated body. But then I remember the hours I spent examining my ever changing body with wonder. I remember running my fingers over my tight, strained skin, completely in awe of my body’s ability to stretch and conform to seemingly impossible limits in order to accommodate the growing life within. I felt like a living miracle, proof of the wonders God has created on this earth. I remember lying in bed at night and lifting up the sheet so I could let go and watch it waft gently down, draping across the curves of my breasts and my bulging stomach.

People thought I was much younger than I am. I don’t get it. I think they’re just trying to be flattering. Silly people. I have grey hair and stretch marks and yeah… I’m not that young. Oh well. In a sense it’s complimentary, but then again it’s frustrating at times because I know I don’t looke THAT young.

I suppose this will offset the decidedly unsexy look of spit-up on your shoulder and stretch marks on your abdomen.

And like always, I'll end out with a picture of my magically growing belly (and hips.) My old stretch marks from my adolescent hip growth spurt are more noticeable lately :( which I am devastated about, of course.

It’s so hard to tell which body part is which on this kid. I do know, however, that I’ve got a squirmer in there. Just as I was drifting off to sleep last night, I got a sharp jab to my left side that jolted me awake. I’m fairly sure that after a few weeks of worrying what position Fuzzball was in, that he/she is head down and possibly engaged in my pelvis. That would explain all the rapid dropping and the sudden explosion of stretch marks on my lower belly. I’ll have to wait a week though to see if I’m dilating or effaced or anything though. I know it doesn’t mean much, but it would be nice to know that my body is at least making progress.

If I was a better role model for my daughter I would be happy with my body fat or slim. I would derive all self esteem from my intellect, wit and strength and be happy that I am healthy. Unfortunately I am an american woman and that is not a viable option for me. I am doomed to feel inadequate compared to all younger, thinner, women. Just kidding. Fuck them. They’ll get pregnant and watch their stream line bellies turn to stretch marks. Their boobs will sag and the faces on these once perfect women will fill with wrinkles.

Maybe so, but shouldn't her naked beauty be something only for her husband to behold and relish? If anything, in light of so many pregnant women thrusting their bear bellies into plain view stretch marks and all (i.e. the Dove Soap hussies), a little more Victorian restraint might do us some good with more being left to the imagination once again.

Actually, I was a bad, bad girl and called in sick today . . . mostly because I was ALSO a bad, bad girl last night. We went out drinking, and after five Singapore Slings at the local izakia (pub) and a tumbler of GIN and a wee bit of tonic at a place that is basically behind a carport in this guy’s basement and seats five, I admit to being quite hammered. I had an “in depth” conversation with a JET teacher I hardly know about defining his undefined relationship with a local Japanese lass. Well, at least I think it was deep. After two or so “slings,” being able to repeat one’s own name might be considered an intellectual accomplishment. And, the glorious English fun that is Nathan-san and I compared stretch marks and confessions of love and loss. So, it was a good night of comraderie, but one I paid for this morning over the toilet and groaning. So, yeah, I didn’t make it in today . . . third time this week, as I called in last Sun. and Mon. to show Robin around Hamada.

This has not been friendly on my poor little boobs. They don’t know what’s happening to them, and I don’t either. One day they hurt like hell, the next day it feels like my nipples are going to pop off, and the next I have colostrum dripping out of them. They are white globes with blue veins running through them, and now they have pretty purple stretch marks and giant dark brown nipples. The boobs rest quite nicely on my belly, as if my belly was put there to be a shelf to hold them up. What happens when my belly goes away? Where will the boobs sit then?

I am supposed to document physical changes, etc… that happen throughout the pregnancy. Since I have harped about the stretch marks SOOO much, I will not do so here again. The swelling has gotten to the point that its about to my knees and doesn’t go down at night. Its pretty much 24/7. My skin is the most bizarre lately. I have thousands of “skin tags.” They are little itty bitty pieces of extra skin all over my body. I know, sounds lovely, but I read its common in pregnancy due to the extra hormones, etc… Plus, I have eczema and have had it since I was born. It bothered me a little growing up, but not much.

Ryan also pointed out another change in me that he really likes, “you’re not as vain.” I was perplexed by that because I spend just as much time getting ready in the mornings and quite possibly more time straining my neck at the mirror to see the progression of stretch marks dancing across my ass. His point was, “you don’t ‘get ready’ just to go to the grocery store anymore. That’s nice. You don’t have to be on top of your game all the time.”

Last night(Sunday night) sore boobs a little more than the usual. I have been sleeping in a sleeping bra for 2 weeks now since I have been having problems with them being sore since then, but last night was a little worse. I have been putting lotion on them and my belly every night to help prevent stretch marks.

It feels so nice to have something so comfortable, so covering, and so beautiful to wear when my body is taking on a mind of its own. I no longer feel that my belly is “cute” or even, really, me. The “linea negra” is pretty disturbing and my belly button… well, let’s not go there. I am thankful that I have seen no stretch marks yet, though I haven’t really looked for them since I can only see the top half of my globular abdomen. And the little hairs… why does pregnancy make me so hairy? David commented that my belly fuzz should be sticking straight out like when he buzz-cuts his hair with the number 1 guard on the trimmer. Thanks, Dave, for the laugh!

Back to the 24 pounds gained. Its very obvious that I am pregnant now. But I continue to be amazed at how the body changes! I have more stretch marks than I have every thought possible and the amount and places that fat gets distributed is intriguing. Why do I need another set of knees on top of my actual knees? What is the purpose of chunky elbows exactly? My latest thought is this… Stretch marks are appearing everywhere, even places that aren’t getting much bigger. However, the place where my skin is stretched beyond comprehension (my ankles and feet) and stay in that state of swollen, they have no stretch marks. Why is that? To me, it makes no sense.

Anyway, the rest of the stuff is something I got the habit of from my mother, who is in her 60’s but looks like 10 years younger. If you spend every after shower time of your life putting layers of lotions and oils on your body, you will be hot when you get older. I buy into this and basically bathe in water…and then bathe in ultra super moisture healing lotion, Avon oil (no bug bites for me, thanks!), and whatever body cream I have lying around from Bath & Body. Right now it’s coconut lime verbena and I tend to use it just on my feet, elbows, knees, and various scars. It works wonders on stretch marks (grrr) and scars. I paired it with use of 100% cocoa butter and it’s made this huge scar I have on my neck from a cyst I got removed when I was like, 1 day old fade a lot. Cat scratch scars are a thing of the past. Apparently, I hate eating coconut, but slathering this body cream on and smelling like it all day doesn’t bother me.

Women are awarded the opportunity of bearing children and continuing the survival of our species. Some other female species are beautified with glorious plumes, or stronger physical abilities, or colourful coverings as a way to exhibit their ability of being able to bear offspring. Why is it human females are rewarded with wrinkles and discolorations, fat deposits, stretch marks, flabby skin and the inevitable awareness that your chances of attracting of other attractive people has been diminished?

They never tell you the downside of working out hard at the gym and trying to gain muscle mass or lose weight. Well, the pain part they’ll tell you but not the occasional red scars you get like stretch marks every once in a while. I got two matching ones on my traps now. “No pain, no gain” I can handle but scarring just plain ol’ sucks.

I decided that it was time for a change in my mind-set. I am now refusing to be critical of my cellulite - it's there, it's not going away, and no one notices it as much as I do. Stretch marks? I don't care anymore - I have two beautiful children and they gave me saggy boobs and scars, so be it. Surgery scars? Don't care about those either - now I can eat dairy and not writhe in pain. Linea nigra? Ignoring that too because obviously if it hasn't gone away after 16 months, it probably isn't going to magically vanish.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life. One aspect of child bearing, however, may not be so welcomed. For 75 90% of pregnant women, stretch marks, or striae gravidum, can appear in the later half of pregnancy. Stretch marks do not pose any health risk to either the mother or child, but can cause anxiety over their appearance for those who develop them.

Hey, I’m not bitter. I know my weight problems are my problems. I caused them for the most part (can’t blame everything on my thyroid). Maybe for once I’d like for someone to say that I’m pretty besides Zach with his huge bias and always the threat of sleeping on the couch hanging over his head. Someone to say it without always that “but” on the end, Behold The Underlying Truth. Pretty for a fat chick. I’d like to fit into my first prom dress again, because I still have it and nowadays because of the style...

My weekly photos showed a pretty significant jump between week 35 and week 36. And if the photos weren’t proof enough, the stretch marks that appeared from nowhere this morning sealed the deal. I have heard they can just appear overnight and indeed that is exactly what they did. The funny thing is I don’t even care. I was so worried about getting these a few months ago, and now it’s just one more thing to add to the list, along with swelling, heartburn, sciatica, aches, pains, mood swings, fatigue, insomnia…..

I wonder if I loose the 80 pounds that I am wanting to drop if my stretch marks will go away. I seen where they have some stuff that will help red strecth marks disapear, but the older silver colored ones are to bad, which I have on my thighs. My tummy, and under my arms I have red ones which if I work my weight off should be no problem I guess. Anyone have any experience with them, that could shed some light would be greatly appreciated.

This is a letter from your mommy. I just wanted to let you know how loved you are already, even if you do give me stretch marks and a fat ass. Daddy and I are working really hard to save up $$ so that we can give you a good life. Though, we’ll never work so much that we don’t have time for you – we love you and want to spend as much time playing with you as we can. Daddy is very excited about getting your room all ready for you. Usually mommy has to nag him to get him to do work around the house, but in this case daddy is nagging mommy!...

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs. I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.

For some reason, I’m opposed to this kind of permanent body modification for myself. (Please do note that I say “for myself” - I’m amused and entertained by anyone else’s body-mod antics and wouldn’t dream of tsk-tsking it). I like to think of my body as a system created by nature to function in the most wonderful and complex ways. It seems at odds with this “system” to start adding to it by un-natural means. Should I develop stretch marks and wrinkles, I’ll accept them as part of what nature...

Collaborating researchers from biotechnology company Human Matrix Sciences, LLC in California and The Hospital for Sick Children in Canada recently discovered a method for predicting if individuals will develop stretch marks as a consequence of pregnancy, severe weight gain, muscle enlargement due to weight training and disease. Dr. Thomas F. Mitts, a

She also purchased Pregnant Belly Oil from Bella Mama, presumably for her growing and itchy belly! Mommies with Style found it listed at the best price on Baby Center -- 10% off and listed for $17.96. The reviews are glowing, as Britney probably hopes to be after using this. The oils help to soothe itchiness and minimize stretch marks.

aloe vera and coconut butter woirk wonders on stretch marks and itchy bellies

Palmers Cocoa Butter lotion works well too. I used that through my PG. I don't have stretch marks - not sure if it was the lotion or just luck...

Whether or not you get stretch marks is mostly genetic, not much to do with oils or creams. Those who were genetically predisposed not to get them use oils and creams and come to believe it was the oil that prevented the stretch marks. Those who used the same cream and did get stretch marks think they should have used a different brand. Itchiness, on the other hand, has almost everything to do with dry skin and can be treated with lotions/oils to some extent.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life. One aspect of child-bearing, however, may not be so welcomed. For 75-90% of pregnant women, stretch marks, or striae gravidum, can appear in the later half of pregnancy. Stretch marks do not pose any health risk to either the mother or child, but can cause anxiety over their appearance for those who develop them. Stretch marks first appear as raised striations which vary in colour from pink, purple or brown, depending on the mother’s normal skin colour. Striations develop where fat is stored in...

You could be experiencing several skin changes at this stage including blotchy patches and dry itchy skin is common. Remember you cannot prevent stretch marks but oils and lotions may help ease the discomfort of dry itchy skin. Also drinking plenty of water will help hydrate dry skin.

I want her to know that a Caesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honour. My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again, for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I guess I’ve been too afraid to acknowledge the changes going on and haven’t really been paying the belly much attention. I do put lotion or oils on it daily to help with the stretch marks and thought that perhaps it had been paying off.

And a few nights before that I had a dream that I woke up COVERED in stretch marks. Have I ever told you guys how deathly afraid of stretch marks I am? I check my body at least 25 times a day and have purchased every single cream, lotion, gel, and ointment out there that claims to prevent them even if it's OBVIOUSLY bullshit. And I have managed to avoid them thus far, thank all that is holy. But in my dream I woke up with them on every square inch of my body - even my hands, feet, and face. It was the worst nightmare ever.

Which dream was worse - Simon or the stretch marks?

I updated my albums with belly pics for the last 2 weeks -you'll notice stretch marks have arrived - strange thing is - they are only on the side that I take pictures on - the other side is spotless - can flash cause stretch marks? :-)� - also in the family album I added a pic of me @ my shower holding my beautiful niece Natania.

Carr tested a slew of products over a two-week period: Estee Lauder's Firming Body Creme ($37.50), Body Performance Anti-Cellulite Visible Contouring Serum ($50) and Exfoliating Body Polish ($28); as well as Biotherm's Biovergetures Firming Body Expert ($38) and Abdo-Choc ($37),which is touted as a "tightening concentrate."

Carr liked the exfoliant and the moisturizer, as well as the products' scents. But, she said, "The cellulite and stretch marks are still hanging in there."

*begin rant*
Raise your hand if you would totally get plastic surgery if the stigma was not attached, it didn’t hurt like hell, it was safe, it was natural, it didn’t require needles and you wouldn’t feel like a plastic hoar? (raising hand) It’s a guilty admission. I am not talking about a boob job either. This is coming from a woman who was totally judgemental of everyone who had plastic surgery BEFORE SHE HAD KIDS? Before kids I knew I was perfect. Well, I was! Who wasn’t perfect before kids? Even if you didn’t think you were perfect before kids, you look at pictures of your b4 stretched out stomach and look at what you got now and hang your head in shame. For all you mamas out there that escaped pregnancy without stretch marks, I hate you and don’t talk to me! Seriously, leave now. Why the heck did I have to be the one to have children that were over 8 pounds each? Both my children were extremely large and it shows. Hey, if I put a one piece on, no one would ever know my dirty little secret. “I’ve given birth” I am in search of a natural solution to the stretch mark problem. This will be my life’s work. All skinny bitches like me who had big ass kids, lets join hands. I am so serious.
*end rant*

Protect your skin - skin pigmentation can change during pregnancy and skin may tan/burn more easily. Look for products with UV filters to help and protect the skin especially on the face and hands.

Feed your skin - the turnover of skin cells is accelerated during pregnancy, so always moisturise more than normal to keep skin looking healthy.

Get to grips with your bump - skin is under a lot of pressure during pregnancy, especially in the abdominal area. Massaging your bump with a tummy massage gel will keep skin supple and elastic in areas prone to stretch marks. Diet can help with the elasticity in the skin so eat healthily.

Yelena, a 37-year-old Moscow entrepreneur, says they worked for her. "After giving birth my belly was hanging like a rag and I had lots of stretch marks. Now it's all gone," she said after shelling out $2,850 for injections at Knyazev's clinic. She declined to give her last name.

• The skin is stretched beyond its capacity
• The underlying tissue tears
• The body responds by forming scar tissue
• The fresh stretch mark looks pink, red, brown or purple
• Over time, the colour fades
• The stretch mark becomes a shimmering, silvery line
• The silvery line may look slightly indented
• The scar is permanent.