Stretch marks are probably the number one beauty concern all expectant mother's have in common. Even if you don't suffer from pregnancy acne or itchiness there's no escaping the fact that your skin will be doing some stretching. And with that expansion comes those little veiny marks we call stretch marks. What to do?
Well there is no shortage of products aiming to reduce, prevent, or heal stretch marks. One iconic drugstore brand of cocoa butter in particular comes to mind - but how safe are they? Many score fairly poorly in the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. But one brand especially for pregnant and new mothers has a hazard score of 0, the safest a product can be. That's Mother's Special Blend.
The company's Skin Toning Oil is made without chemicals, perfumes, emulsifiers, dyes, or preservatives and contains Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E, that's it. So you know it's safe for you and baby.
My one criticism of this product, versus the pure Coconut Oil I've been using is the smell. I do like my beauty products to smell pretty, and while this product doesn't smell bad, I don't know if I'd say it smells great. Since Almond Oil is the number one ingredient, it makes sense that it smells a bit like almond butter. Which is certainly yummy! So it may be right up some peoples' alley. Plus, the very ingredients that I'm turning my nose at could very well be the ones that best prevent stretch marks.
The other product the company makes is Soothing and Refreshing Soap. Now this smells lemony and wonderful and I can't get enough of it! Body wash or soap is one of those products most people don't consider a luxury that you really can't give up during pregnancy, so it's pretty frustrating how hard it is to find chemical-free, safe versions. But this soap is again made without chemicals, emulsifiers, dyes, synthetic fragrances or preservatives. It is formulated to help keep skin toned and elastic, without stripping natural oils from the skin which helps prevent stretch marks and relieve itching.