Information on Stretch Marks

            More than half of all expectant women will acquire stretch marks. These usually develop from the third trimester of pregnancy, sometimes earlier, as skin stretches to accommodate the growing baby. Stretch marks frequently occur on the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts and arms. The marks usually begin as pink, reddish brown, brown or dark brown streaks on the skin. The pigmentation in the marks gradually fade, leaving gray or silver scar lines. The lines may be slightly depressed and consist of a different texture when compared to normal skin.  Not all individuals develop stretch marks in this manner though, with some reports of stretch marks that get progressively darker with time. 

           There are three layers in your skin. Stretch marks occur in the middle layer, the dermis.  This layer constitutes the skin's elasticity and is fortified with fibers known as collagen and elastins, that enable the skin to stretch and yield. However, when there is continuous stretch and wear, its flexibility and elasticity gets worn down.  The skin tries to remedy this by increasing the amount of collagen in the overstretched tissue, resulting in the familiar stretch mark scars.

           Are stretch marks preventable or curable? This is an unresolved issue and many theorists exist. Unless a new technological breakthrough emerges, it appears that the debate over this matter will continue. A common consensus  appears to be that using a good moisturizer to massage the stretched areas will nourish the skin and increase the chances of reducing the severity of stretch marks, if not preventing them altogether.  It would also seem that applying the appropriate body product will result in reducing the visual effects of existing stretch marks and enable the scars to lighten and blend to your normal skin tone. 

          More health professionals these days accept that natural remedies can do wonders for treating and healing many conditions. At Little Dreamers, we have looked through the wealth of natural products that are offered and have come away impressed by the results that these 3 products give: Belly Butter, Beautiful Belly Oill and Body and Belly Butter.  Tried and tested by ourselves and our friends, we now share these with you. 

          Our products can be used throughout pregnancy and we would certainly suggest using them early, towards the end of the first trimester, when skin starts stretching. Simply massage a small amount of oil or butter over areas where skin feels particularly taut, bearing in mind places where stretch marks typically occur.  This is especially important if there is rapid weight gain in your pregnancy! 

            After the birth of your baby, do continue using the oil or butter until your weight and figure are near your normal pre-pregnancy weight. Keep in mind that stretch marks can also occur when there is weight loss. If you have discovered Little Dreamers' products only after you have developed stretch marks, massage the oil or butter onto the affected areas daily. Treatment does appear quicker if the age of the stretch mark is young. 

          Please remember that skin types differ from individual to individual. Some scientists have also argued that stretch marks have a genetic basis. Because of all these differences, stretch marks will not begin, age or heal in the same way for everyone. 

          The therapeutic compounds of botanicals in this belly butter produce the effects of relaxing, nourishing, repairing and rebuilding skin tissue and collagen strands and maintaining the elasticity of those strands. The effectiveness of this product lies in the carefully formulated herbal extractions. This is what makes this belly butter work where many others fail. 

          The chosen herbs are cooked at a very low temperature for a minimum of three weeks to extract the maximum of healing compounds into the oils, without destroying those same compounds. These oils are then mechanically combined with other herb infused oils, butters, and essential oils which are also chosen for their specific properties, to make a salve that is like no other.

          According to the manufacturer, "92% of the women who used this product during pregnancy, and responded to our survey, did not get stretch marks, and they say it was the only product that effectively reduced their itching" and "78% of those that used our product for existing marks, and responded to our survey, reported improvement in an average of 8 weeks of daily use, primarily fading, blending and smoothing the scars to the surrounding tissue". The ingredients are either organic or wild-crafted. No synthetic products are added.

         This product can also be used to reduce the visual effects of scars and keloid formations in caesarian births. It can be used to soothe dry rash skin; reduce itching skin conditions found with psoriasis, eczema, shingles and lupus; provide relief for minor burns, sunburn, windburn; help with the avoidance of skin blistering and flaking;  reduce itching & scaly dry skin patches from radiation therapy; shorten the duration & reduce the intensity of Herpes Simplex II outbreaks; reduce the appearance of crows feet and wrinkles; aid in the healing of hemorrhoids and soothe rectal irritation and many other common skin issues.

BEAUTIFUL BELLY OIL (CODE MC03)

          This nourishing oil soothes and moisturizes your skin and is extremely effective in keeping stretch marks away. With its intensive moisture-rich formula, this all natural vitamin rich oil hydrates and fortifies stretching and stressed skin. It promotes skin elasticity through the goodness of jojoba and wheat germ oil and keeps the skin of your tummy, thighs, breasts and buttocks supple and pliant. When used twice daily, this product will increase your skin's resistance to tearing and scarring.   

         The light addition of Neroli essential oil helps the product work fantastically well on existing stretch marks by helping to fade and smooth scars.  Neroli is obtained from the white blossoms of the orange tree and is known for its ability to stimulate the growth of healthy skin cells, thereby aiding skin regeneration. A high number of flowers is required to product only a small amount of Neroli essential oil, making it highly precious! A wonderful ingredient for the healing of stretch mark scars!

        This product can also be used as an all over body massage oil.

            The contents of this cream are thick, rich & full of Vitamin A &  E.  Using this cream will help improve cell regeneration and capillary circulation which helps wounds and scars heal faster. It stimulates collagen producing cells and restructures the skin's epidermis. 

            Simply massage small amounts in at a time. This cream absorbs quickly and will not leave you feeling 'greasy'. It relieves 'pregnancy itching', and is a great cream for scars too!

            Great for sensitive skin!