Stretch marks occur when the middle layer of skin, called the dermis, overstretches and subsequently tears. During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, when the belly is at its largest, the chances of getting stretch marks are very high. In fact between 75 and 90% of women develop stretch marks towards the end of their pregnancy seemingly overnight. We previously outlined 3 tips to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. If you have already developed stretch marks, implementing this 4-step protocol will greatly help in reducing their appearance:
Increasing collagen formation is crucial for skin repair, and gelatin is one of the most powerful sources of collagen. This superfood is purported to boost skin elasticity, smoothen lines, create firmer, plumper skin, and promote growth of new cells – All of which translate to less-visible, minimized postpartum stretch marks. As a win-win, gelatin, when taken by mouth, also improves digestion, provides joint support and strengthens hair and nails.
Collagen protein powders are a reliable source of gelatin. However, instead of wasting money on expensive powders, make your own bone broth. Broth is not only an excellent source of gelatin and is fairly easy to make, but it also contains trace minerals and nutrients that really help replenish your postpartum health. Aim to consume about 3 cups of broth per day.
Here's a simple recipe to follow:
Another significant benefit of always having bone broth on hand is that it can make such a nutritious base for consuming additional vegetables. When preparing your daily broth, simmer in a handful of dandelion greens, mustard greens, Swiss chard, spring onions, kale, and/or spinach - These Vitamin K rich foods are not only beneficial for boosting skin elasticity and helping reduce the appearance of postpartum stretch marks, they are a powerhouse of nutrition that provides your depleted postpartum body with needed nourishment. Fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi are also a rich source of vitamin K.
Dry brushing your body does wonders for skin health. It exfoliates dead skin cells, stimulates the lymphatic system, increases the absorption of lotions and oils, and reduces cellulite and stretch marks.
Step 1. Purchase your dry brush. Get a wooden brush with natural bristles and a long handle for those difficult to reach places
Step 2. Start before your shower, so you can wash all the dead skin cells off your body once you are done
Step 3. Start at your feet and work your way up, brushing your skin in long strokes towards your heart.
Step 4. Do your legs, thighs and bum first, then your stomach and chest, then each of your arms (starting at the fingers and brushing towards the shoulders and then down towards the heart)
Step 5. Spend additional time on areas with a lot of lymph nodes such as the back of knees, armpits, groin, inner elbows. Also spend extra time on areas with stretch marks and cellulite.
Step 6. Jump in the shower, rinse off all the dead skin cells, and seal in the moisture with a rejuvenating and deeply hydrating body wash.
Step 7. Repeat! For maximum results, try to spend 5 minutes every morning dry brushing your skin.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have postpartum C-section scars, please do not dry brush without getting the go-ahead from your doctor first.
Both of these natural ingredients have been clinically shown to increase the synthesis of collagen, inhibit the inflammatory phase of scars and keloids, and aid in the reduction of stretch marks (sources below). Our USDA Organic Intensive Stretch Mark Oil (renamed Intensive Stretch Serum) contains both ingredients as well as a number of other skin cell-renewing extracts that help minimize the appearance of existing stretch marks, while preventing new ones from appearing.
Apply your stretch mark oil /serum/cream to areas with stretch marks as soon as you’re out of the shower, while your skin is still damp. Spend a couple of minutes working it into your skin. The dry brushing that you did earlier will ensure that your skin is primed to really absorb all the active ingredients from your serum.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834700/
https://aromaticstudies.com/helichrysum-essential-oil/
That's it! Do these 4 things every single day for at least 3 months (Remember to take a before photo for comparison). After 3 months, take another photo and post your before/after on Instagram with hashtag #AvishiBeforeAfter, and the most inspiring photos will win a set of our entire product line!
]]>Up to 70% of women report getting stretch marks during pregnancy. And for many, stretch marks showed up in the last few weeks before giving birth, just when they thought they were home free! The good news – these women did not use any products to help boost skin elasticity. This means that with the right care, you can definitely avoid getting stretch marks!
Read also:
A Simple Yet Powerful 4 Step Ritual That Minimizes Postpartum Stretch Marks
Dry skin is something you want to avoid AT ALL COSTS when trying to prevent stretch marks. Dry skin has more fragile collagen fibres than skin that is well hydrated. This causes it to be less elastic and more prone to dermal tearing than skin that is supple, nourished and moisturized.
Stretch mark creams, and especially belly butters, are more difficult for the skin to absorb. Oils tend to penetrate the deeper layers of skin more efficiently, absorb quicker, and in effect, help your skin better retain active ingredients.
During the development of our Intensive Stretch Mark Oil (renamed Stretch Serum), we discovered an amazing plant-based ingredient that closely mimics the properties of skin’s natural sebum, which allows it to penetrate deeper and absorb better than other ingredients. This awesome ingredient is Macadamia Nut Oil. Not only does it help other ingredients do their job more effectively when used as part of a formula, it is also very high in Squalene, a lipid that your skin produces naturally to keep it healthy and hydrated. Unfortunately production of squalene slows in our 20s and 30s, and our skin becomes rougher, drier, and you guessed it, more prone to stretch mark!
Itchy skin on the belly during pregnancy, is one of the first signs that you WILL eventually develop stretch marks. It is typically caused by the breakdown of the hydrolipidic barrier (that holds moisture), creating tiny holes that prevent skin from holding much-needed hydration. And hormonal changes during pregnancy are the number one cause of the hydrolipidic barrier breaking down.
To prevent itchy skin, follow the advice in tip 1 religiously. If you still end up with itchy, dry skin, the following works wonders:
So here you go: The key to preventing stretch marks is using high-quality ingredients, and above all, being consistent with your skincare routine. Really caring for your belly twice a day will ensure that you come out on the other side with skin that is smooth, toned and free from stretch marks.
]]>Take this time to take a step back, count your blessings and rejuvenate. We've put-together a 5 day pregnancy coping plan to help you relax and fight stress - Because we know all that stress is NOT good for baby!
Directions: Save the image below on your smartphone, or print and post on your fridge as a reminder. Once the 5 days are over, rinse and repeat. Add more self-care steps for each of the 3 areas. Some more ideas below the image.
Physical care: This could be as simple as an at-home yoga workout, online zumba class, strength training, or calisthenics. The possibilities are endless. Try to devote at least 30 minutes everyday. Perform each workout soon after waking, follow with a 15 minute full-body self-massage with a restorative body oil. Let the oil stay on your body for 30 minutes and then take a shower. We promise this will help you start your day unbelievably refreshed and rejuvenated. Learn more about the benefits of self-massage here.
Mental care: Take a nap, start a journal, indulge in creative play, meditate, practice self-affirmations, settle with a good book and some tea, watch a funny show, watch funny animal videos, write a poem, paint, draw, knit something, even spring-cleaning can be mentally relaxing!
Immunity care: Get at least 10 servings of vegetables every single day. If you find that hard to do, make smoothies or soup with nourishing immunity-boosting bone broth as a base and at least 4 servings of vegetables. Get creative! The key - make sure your 10 servings contain plenty of dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. Also incorporate plenty of garlic, ginger and fresh turmeric in your diet.
Recipe for the OJAS milk in the plan can be found here.
Help other soon-to-be-mamas by sharing your coping tips in the comments section.
Above all, stay safe, stay healthy, and take of yourself.
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Ojas is an Ayurvedic term that can be loosely translated as immunity or vigor. But these translations do not do justice to the subtle complexities and manifestations of ojas that allow the body and mind to resist stress – When ojas is abundant in the human body it physically manifests as:
An abundance of ojas mentally manifests as:
So, perhaps a more accurate definition of ojas is primal vitality, a conception that is certainly not exclusive to Ayurveda, but can also be translated to mean jing or chi in the context of other traditional medicinal systems.
Nothing depletes ojas as readily as stress, so you can see why, in troubling times such as these, it becomes important to boost your ojas to give you the buffer you need to maintain optimal physical and mental health.
During pregnancy, it becomes even more vital to develop this primal essence, since ojas is readily transferred between the mother and the fetus, especially during the 8th and 9th months of pregnancy. According to Astanga Hridayam, a classic Ayurvedic text, “ Its (Ojas’) presence in the fetus and mother produce strength and contentment, and its absence fatigue and anxiety.” So when you feel tired, mentally or physically, that’s when you know you need to replenish and build your ojas.
Considering that ojas is a by-product of nutrition and digestion, the first step is to eat nutritious, fresh in-season whole foods.
Self-massage with immunity-boosting organic oils calm the nervous system and reduce stress, which can help support a strong immune system – It is no coincidence that the act of anointing oneself with oil is called “sneha” in Sanskrit, which also means love. The added benefit of self-massage while pregnant is the reduced possibility of getting stretch marks. Learn more about the health-boosting benefits of self-massage here with tips on safe practice while pregnant.
Yoga done under early-morning sunlight is exceedingly beneficial in reducing stress and balancing your body, especially when accompanied with deep diaphragmatic breathing. During pregnancy, yoga is all the more beneficial, as it is gentle on the body and the joints. Try to practice outside to get the added benefit of vitamin D.
One winner will receive our ultimate pregnancy skincare set, consisting of:
Enter below! Ends March 9th. Contintental US only. Must be over 18 to participate. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary.
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According to Ayurvedic texts, pregnancy is a really special time, when a woman’s aura is particularly luminous – perhaps an explanation for that pregnancy glow that we hear about!
However, pregnancy is also a time of enormous change – physiologically, hormonally and emotionally, and all these changes can bring a host of skin issues, from dry itchy skin to acne, melasma, stretch marks and loss of tone. The good news is that with the proper care most of these issues can be avoided before they arise. Because once they do, it is much harder to resolve them, so prevention really is the best medicine when it comes to skincare.
Follow this routine to keep your skin supple, elastic and well-moisturized. Supple skin is one that will bounce back quickly after pregnancy without loss of tone.
Not only is this rejuvenating for the spirits, but spending 5 minutes working a nourishing Ayurvedic oil into your skin will deeply hydrate and also oxygenate soft tissues and muscles, for lasting suppleness that is more than just skin deep. Use long gentle strokes starting from your extremities and working towards the center of your body.
Try it! Our Ayurvedic Recovery Oil is specially formulated for pregnancy and post-partum. It helps strengthen deeper skin tissues, replenish vitality, stimulate circulation, reduce discomfort, and impart a sense of groundedness.
Follow the massage with a warm, not-too-hot shower with a moisturizing soap/body wash, to further the nourishing effects of the oil massage. Avoid soaps/body washes that use harsh detergents as their cleansing actives. Instead look for a Castile or Soap Nuts soap base. Preferably use a body wash specifically formulated for pregnancy.
Try it! Our Sanskriti Wellness Wash offers the perfect balance between gentle cleansing actives, and over 20 deeply rejuvenating Ayurvedic herbs, including collagen-boosting Shatavari and toning Ginger that further promote elasticity.
With skin warm and towel dried but slightly damp after the shower, apply a body lotion spending up to 5 minutes working it into dry patches, as well as focusing on the breast, belly and hips. Choose a lotion that does not contain any fillers other than water, and certainly none of the nasties (fragrance, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil etc).
Try it! Our Supercharged Body Lotion is truly a nutritional powerhouse of skin-loving ingredients. 20 deeply nourishing medicinal plants work hard to rebalance dull and damage skin while targeting cellulite, imperfections and loss of tone.
Twice a day apply a stretch mark oil or cream to stretch mark prone areas such as the belly, for a strong boost of targetted stretch-mark fighting ingredients
Try it! Our Intensive Stretch Mark Oil is a celeb-favorite for a reason! It is remarkable for helping prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, and for promoting suppleness and skin elasticity.
That's it! Follow these 4 steps, and you should reach your fourth trimester (Otherwise known as the post-birth phase) free of stretch marks or lose skin. And of course, you can use any products that you like. If you do choose our products, don't forget to apply code FEB30 for a 30% discount*.
*Offer expires March 22nd 2020. US only. Void where prohibited.
Disclaimer:The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These statements and the products of this company are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements made on this website are for educational purposes only and are not meant to replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider.
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At over 5000 years old, Ayurveda is perhaps one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world. It places great emphasis on the promotion of health by achieving balance in body, mind and spirit. In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda translates to mean “the science of life,” which is telling, as it places tremendous importance on the wellbeing of expecting mothers by promoting physiological as well as emotional care.
Here are our 6 top Ayurvedic tips for self-care during pregnancy:
If you are tolerant of dairy, non-homogenized, gently-pasteurized warm milk from grass-fed, pastured cows is known in Ayurveda to boost the immunity or “ojas” of the mom and baby. Ideally, drink 1 warm glass a day with 1 teaspoon of grass-fed ghee mixed in.
According to Ayurveda, in order for sleep to be optimally rejuvenating and restful, it is important to go to sleep during the Kapha time of day, which lies between 6pm and 10pm, and wakeup before the Kapha time of day, which lies between 6am and 10 am. We give you a bit of leeway here though, as we all know, waking up before 6 am is a herculean task! However, if you can do it, you will benefit from more energy, vitality and alertness according to Ayurveda.
We’ve all heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. But it also takes a village to mentally nourish a pregnant mama. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, who lift your spirits and envelop you with positivity. Find a group of expecting mamas in your city, and make it a point to meet with them once a week to swap stories, share your ups & downs, your fears, your research and your milestones, and we promise you that you will leave rejuvenated and refreshed, knowing that you are all together in a journey that can feel scary and overwhelming at times.
Meditate on waking and before sleeping. Just 5 minutes each a day will work wonders
Spend time in nature, and soak up some vitamin D
Get some exercise – yoga and swimming are both highly recommended during pregnancy
Make rest a priority
What tips do you follow to take care of yourself during pregnancy?
Disclaimer:The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These statements and the products of this company are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements made on this website are for educational purposes only and are not meant to replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider.
]]>Native to the Indian sub-continent and renowned in Ayurvedic texts, Ashwaganda is an Adaptoenic herb, which means that it helps the body resist stress, while rejuvenating and sustaining vital energy. And herein lies the beauty of this wonderful plant – Its Adaptogenic properties give it the capacity to both energize and calm, depending on what specifically the body needs at a given time.
As a rejuvenator, the meaning of its name in Sanskrit -“ smell of a stallion ” – is telling, indicating its renown for imparting the vigor and strength of a stallion. When applied as a topical massage treatment, it has the ability to deeply nourish skin tissues, improve circulation and impart muscular strength.
On, the other hand, it also helps promote rest and calmness, indicated by the meaning of its botanical name Somnifera, which means sleep inducing. It is this very dual ability of Ashwagandha that makes it particularly well suited for use in skincare products such as massage oils and lotions, to help with:
Another popular skincare application of Ashwagandha lies in its antioxidant and cleansing properties
We offer Ashwagandha in the following products:
For the readers of this blog post, we offer a 25% discount for any of these 4 products with code: Ash25
Shipping is free within the US on all orders above $60
*Cannot be combined with other offers. US Only.*
Disclaimer
The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These statements and the products of this company are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements made on this website are for educational purposes only and are not meant to replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider.
Yes, pregnancy is special, a privilege, and to all those super mamas who make it look like a walk in the park, who sail through with minimal symptoms, who enjoy every second of this special time, I applaud you. But for many women, special as it is, it is also hard! It is wrought with aches and pains, tiredness, discomfort, sickness, mood swings and more.
So the next time you are dry heaving into a toilet bowl in your first trimester, or critically evaluating your changing body in front of the mirror, or collapsing from bone-deep exhaustion after a long day, or staying up all night from heartburn, focus on the good news, the silver lining – that many of these annoying, and sometimes debilitating side-effects are actually signs that your baby is thriving. So read on for some much needed comfort:
The silver lining: Regardless of the time of day it hits you, the good news is that a recent Canadian study shows a positive link between morning (there’s that word again) sickness and your baby’s IQ.
The research suggests that children of mothers who experience sickness are likely to do better in intelligence tests, because the same hormones that make expectant mothers nauseous also aid fetal development.
The silver lining: Sore breasts are a sign that your breasts are getting ready to nourish your baby. The fat layer thickens, blood flow increases, milk ducts multiply and stretch – all with the aim of preparing your body to feed your baby. The other good news? The discomfort tends to subside in the second trimester.
The silver lining: Increased urination is a result of increased blood flow and the pressure on your bladder from an expanding uterus – both signs that your pregnancy is progressing as it should. Also think of it as training for when your baby starts waking up every 20 minutes at night :D.
The silver lining: Once you have eliminated the possibility of labor, think of Braxton hicks as your body’s way of preparing for the real thing, a dress rehearsal if you will, for the big day!
The silver lining: The good news is that heartburn can be managed by adjusting your diet. The silver lining? Heartburn in pregnancy is typically caused by the hormone Progesterone which helps relax uterine muscles in preparation for birth, but as a result also relaxes other muscles in the body, including the vale between the stomach and the Esophagus causing stomach acid to travel upwards and cause discomfort. So once again, think of heartburn as a sign that your body is working the way it should and preparing to bring your baby into the world.
As always, during pregnancy, if something does not feel right, always consult your doctor/healthcare practitioner. And hang in there mamas! Pregnancy can be tough – lets not sugar coat it! Make sure you have a support system, and don’t be shy to ask for help!
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Although Stretch Marks are medically benign, they can be a source of annoyance. Between 75 to 90% of women develop stretch marks on their breasts, thighs and abdomen during pregnancy, when the skin stretches to accommodate a growing belly. To make matters worse, stretch marks seem to pop-up almost overnight during the third trimester just when you think you are home-free with smooth, blemish-free skin. The good news is that if you apply the following tips early in your pregnancy, stretch marks can be prevented from developing.
Read also:
A Simple Yet Powerful 4 Step Ritual That Minimizes Postpartum Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, at the time they form, are almost always a result of low zinc levels. This is partly why teenagers are so prone to them - Hormonal changes, stress, increased consumption of sugary/junk foods, all deplete Zinc. During pregnancy, zinc deficiency is particularly common because of the high demand for the mineral by the little peanut growing in your womb.
The most bio-available sources of zinc come from grass-fed Beef and cooked seafood, particularly oysters (Raw seafood is not recommended during pregnancy).
Vegetarian sources include seaweed, toasted wheatgerm, flaxseed/oil, nuts and seeds, lentils, spinach, asparagus.
New parents are often surprised to discover that their newborn baby’s skin is far from being flawless. Why? Even though a baby’s skin performs the same essential functions as those of an adult, there are key differences. For starters, a baby’s epidermis is 3-5 times thinner than an adult’s, more permeable, less able to retain moisture and consequently, more susceptible to irritations. The good news is that most of these early skin conditions are harmless, and go away with a little bit of gentle care. Here are some tips to recognize the 5 most common skin conditions and how to care for them.
What does it look like?
Cradle cap is fairly common and typically appears as dandruff or patches of yellow, thick crusty skin on the scalp, eyebrows and around the ears. Although it may look unsightly, it is harmless and probably will not bother your baby at all.
Natural Healing Tips
Medically, the cause of cradle cap is unknown. However, those in the natural health sphere will tell you that cradle cap is a fungal condition and often linked to food-related intolerances. Many parents find that when they remove dairy from their baby’s diet (or the mother’s diet if breastfeeding), it clears up pretty quickly.
A great topical treatment is to apply Neem and Plantain-based baby oil, let it sit as long as you can, and then scrub off in the bath using a baby brush or your fingers. Then wash as usual. Just be careful not to get any into baby’s mouth. Or
What does it look like?
Tiny red bumps, pimples or spots. Typically appears on the back of the neck, face, lower back but can cover the entire trunk.
Natural Healing Tips
Since a baby’s skin is unable to regulate temperature well, the best way to treat this is by cooling your baby off – get them out of the heat and dress in loose, cool cotton or other breathable (linen, bamboo) clothing. Or better yet, let them run around naked for a little bit.
What does it look like?
May appear as tiny red bumps that ooze, crust over and can become infected when scratched; or as dry, scaly patches. In many babies it is typically accompanied by itching, often at night.
While its cause is still considered unknown, there is growing evidence that eczema is an autoimmune disease of the skin. Many children outgrow it around their second year, with others exhibiting symptoms until their teens or longer.
Triggers – Eczema may be triggered by allergens, external irritants, and diet can play a significant role as well.
Natural Healing Tips
Many people who have successfully treated their eczema began by eliminating food groups including gluten, soy and diary. Keep household irritants to a minimum by choosing wipes, lotions, detergents, soaps and other cleaning and personal-care products that are free from dyes and scents. Treat outbreaks with the right emollient, designed for sensitive baby skin. And consider a balm over a lotion. Lotions can temporarily soothe the itchiness of eczema but a balm will do the same in addition to sealing the skin. Our Intensive Baby Balm is a great choice – hypoallergenic and blended with high-quality organic ingredients to soothe and nourish dry, irritated skin.
What does it look like?
Red itchy bumps, typically confined to a few small areas on a part of skin that came into contact with something that your baby had a reaction to - anything from soaps and detergents to plants.
Natural Healing Tips
If the rash is dry and/or itchy, use a hypoallergenic, moisturizing treatment meant for sensitive skin. Identify the trigger and remove it – these could be anything from artificial fragrances, dyes in your baby’s soap/lotions, to chemicals found in laundry detergents, to contact with specific plants and/or grass. For best results, use a gentle, Castile -based soap or baby wash.
What does it look like?
Most parents are familiar with diaper rash and what it looks like. The distinguishing feature of this type of rash of course, is the area where it appears. The diaper area is mostly warm and moist, add to it some poop and pee, and it becomes a veritable breeding ground for an uncomfortable, irritable rash.
Natural Healing Tips
There are a variety of things that can be done to soothe and heal a diaper rash naturally. Sometimes a bit of trial and error is needed to figure out what will work for your baby. Things that may help:
-Boiling, to kill lingering bacteria
-Soaking overnight with vinegar or oxygen bleach before washing with a fragrance-free , natural laundry detergent. For best results, wash the diapers in hot water only, one last time after the detergent cycle to ensure no residue remains.
Disclaimer – The information provided on this site should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this site. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their or their baby’s health and well-being.
]]>Parabens – which can be listed as propylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, benzylparaben, heptylparaben, isopropylparaben and isobutlyparaben, or anything else that ends in “paraben” – are synthetic compounds created when an alcohol reacts to an acid. The alcohol will vary depending on the type of paraben, but the acid always remains the same. It’s called p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and it’s a synthetic version of a compound naturally found in coconuts and mushrooms.
For the last half-decade or so, parabens have been added to all kinds of products as bacteria inhibitors and preservatives.
But here’s the problem – in addition to preserving products for your face and body, parabens also have the potential to affect hormone production and other aspects of the endocrine system. A 2004 study found parabens in cancerous breast tissue, and a follow-up study four years later revealed more alarming information. Parabens have the ability to penetrate human skin without breaking down and are then absorbed into the body. Unfortunately, the human body cannot properly metabolize parabens, which is evidenced by the fact that intact parabens are found in urine samples. They’ve been shown again and again to disrupt estrogen and androgen, and they’re classified as “genotoxic,” which means they can have an impact on genetic information in cells.
Critics of these studies point to the fact that parabens can actually have a smaller impact on estrogen than those found naturally. It’s true but the real issue is frequency, and timing. During pregnancy or other periods of rapid development, including infancy and childhood, it’s simply a prudent move to avoid products with controversial ingredients. And fortunately, as more women make that decision for their children and themselves, there are more products from which they can choose.
That’s exactly how Avishi Organics got its start, and why you’ll find no parabens in our products – or any other questionable ingredients.
We’re proud to be completely transparent about the formulations of all our mama and baby skincare products. We list all ingredients in full view, and we take it a step further by sharing relevant details about the main ingredients in our products.
There is no better time to exercise caution about disputed ingredients than pregnancy. You’re likely already avoiding deli meats and soft cheeses, just to be on the safe side, so apply that same reasoning to the ingredients in the products you use on yourself. A quick scan of the ingredient list will quickly reveal whether parabens are lurking inside. Search for paraben-free products – you’ll be surprised at the selection available these days. We hope you’ll start here.
]]>While we cannot provide names due to conflict of interest, a quick look at the ingredient deck of any stretch mark cream will tell you whether that product actually helps prevent and/or minimize stretch marks like it promises to do or whether it exposes you to potential health hazards, while doing little to target stretch marks.
Why is this important? Because ingredients are listed in descending order, with ingredients used in the greatest amounts first, followed by those used in smaller amounts. In other words, you’re paying for mostly fillers and controversial chemicals and preservatives that do not provide any skin benefit, and certainly do not help with preventing or minimizing stretch marks.