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Choosing the right anti-stretch mark treatment
During pregnancy, our body is abused. The belly swells over the months, the skin stretches again and again … But elasticity has its limits. Among the inconveniences most feared by future mothers, there are stretch marks, those purplish streaks that can appear on the stomach, thighs or hips. It’s hard to fight off these nasty marks once they’ve set in, so it’s best to prevent them from appearing as soon as possible. Today, there are a multitude of anti-stretch mark creams specially designed for pregnant women on the market. But in recent years, a new trend has emerged: skin care oils. Then why use an oil rather than a cream when you are expecting a baby ? “ Unlike cream, the oil does not contain water, it therefore penetrates the skin more easily», Explains Carole André, perfumer, formulator and expert with L’Observatoire des Cosmétiques. ” The more you apply a fatty substance to your skin, the more you promote its softening and strengthen its elasticity “, Continues the specialist.
But how to choose your anti-stretch mark oil?
First make sure it’s a vegetable oil. Beware of mineral oils (the famous paraffin) which are derived from petroleum and present in many cosmetics. Also beware of essential oils that should not be applied directly pure to the skin and which, for some, are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Choose a pure, virgin and preferably organic vegetable oil, in order to eliminate the risk of contamination by toxic products such as pesticides. All vegetable oils have different active ingredients and texture. To prevent stretch marks, we prefer sweet almond, avocado, rosehip oil. In comparison, argan oil is interesting for fighting against aging of the skin, shea oil for hydration of the hair.
If you choose a special pregnant woman anti-stretch mark oil, make sure that the oil is composed exclusively of ingredients of natural origin. In any case, the practical recommendations do not change. Anti-stretch mark oil is used from the first months of pregnancy, in massage, ideally morning and evening.
The top 3 oils for pregnancy
- Stretch mark care oil, Elancyl
New to the range of care for expectant mothers, this care oil offers a double action prevention and reduction of stretch marks. Dermatologists have observed a reduction in incipient stretch marks in 98% of women. This treatment is composed of 99% of ingredients of natural origin and combines evening primrose oil, safflower oil (source of omega 6) and camelina oil (rich in omega 3). We like the dry touch and the ease of application, as well as the choice of “fragrance-free”.
Indicative price: 21,80 €
- Stretch mark care oil, Mustela
This oil rich and naturally dry is composed of a cocktail of 3 precious oils: pomegranate seed oil, rosehip oil and baobab oil. We like its texture, which does not stick and is quickly absorbed by the skin. Mustela care oil has been awarded at the 2013-2014 beauty victories.
Indicative price: 14,90 €
- Stretch mark massage oil, Weleda
It’s a great classic that we always recommend. Weleda massage oil is composed of sweet almond oil, organic jojoba and wheat germ. Applied in regular massages, from the start of pregnancy, it helps limit the appearance of stretch marks. This oil is very effective and penetrates quickly, but its texture remains quite oily.
Indicative price: 14,75 €