When I was pregnant I was obsessed with applying massage oils in the bid to prevent stretch marks. I brought several, had some to review for Now Celebrity Mum & Baby Magazine (no longer on sale) and some given to me by a friend would had recently given birth.
I used them every morning and night and especially after bathing. They all smelt great and am sure the massaging motion was great for the baby as well as my skin. But, did they work? Well yes and no.
My skin was definitely softer but unfortunately I still got a few stretch marks – but, I like to think not as many as I would have had had I not used some form of cream/lotion or oil!
I first noticed them when I was about 5 months pregnant after a Mama Spa day (I caught a glimpse of them in the changing room mirrors and was a little upset!)
So, I boosted my massage routine by layering on a body cream after using the oil – every little helps! I especially liked Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter. I just used a small amount after massaging in the oil to ‘seal it in’.
Once Miss Marnie was born I continued to massage in the oils (when I had the time and energy) to help them fade. After a while they do go a ‘silvery’ colour and are thankfully less noticeable. But, hey my bikini days are long gone anyway!
So, I say massage, enjoy the relaxing feeling, pamper yourself with the best oil you can and wear your tiger stripes with pride – you’ve earned them!
Out of all the ones I tried these were my favourites oils:
The Classic One
Bio-Oil £19.99 for 200ml Boots
Vitamins A+E calendula, lavender, rosemary and chamomile oil help make this a beautiful smelling oil. I still use this one now. I also use a really small amount as a weekly facial oil.
The Celebrity One
Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend £29.50 for 100ml Elemis
Camellia oil has been used for centuries in Japan – and this easily absorbed oil feels luxurious and helps improve you skin elastically.
I found it quite rich so a small amount really went a long way. It was also a favourite of mama of 4 Victoria Beckham as when pregnant with Harper, 2 she tweeted:
‘Pregnancy tip!!!! I have used this through every pregnancy, it’s amazing!! XVB’ and included a sneaky snap of the oil in her bathroom.
The Recommended One
Tonic Body Treatment Oil £39 for 100ml Clarins
With 100% pure plant extracts, hazelnut oil and essential oils of geranium, mint and rosemary this oil is said to firm and tone. I haves used this oil for years (as it’s great after exercising/while dieting) and it really does create a sense of calm and well-being.
My mama friend has used this through both her pregnancies and doesn’t have a single stretch mark… no kidding I made her show me!
The Natural One
Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil £10.99 for 115ml Burt’s Bees
I am a big fan of Burt’s Bees and this sweet blend almond oil, lemon oil and vitamin E makes for a delicious smelling oil that means you can forgo perfume (although I never wore any when pregnant as it made me feel queasy). You need to let this one soak in a bit before dressing.
The User-Friendly One
Moisturising Light Oil £7 for 125ml Avent
I’m not sure you can get hold of this one so easily now but this light spray oil was great for when I was in a rush in the morning or too tired for a full massage in the evening. With orange, sweet almond oil and marine extracts it was really refreshing too.
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| 5 Days before Miss Marnie arrived… |
* It’s believed that 80% of women suffer from stretch marks during pregnancy – so you’re not alone. Read more at the NHS website here.
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