Pregnancy Self-Care + Reducing the Appearance of Stretch Marks

Earlier this week I wrote a post on dealing with pregnancy insomnia.  One of my key tips for improving your sleep (based on my experience, chatting with other moms and reading up on the topic) is to create a relaxing bedtime routine.  One great way to do this is to get in the habit of applying lotion before bed.  The relaxing nature and routine of it will hopefully cue your mind that it is time for sleep.  As a major bonus, using the right product will nourish your skin, give you a gorgeous glow and reduce the appearance of stretchmarks!

This post was sponsored by Palmer's and may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission when you click through a link on this page. Please see the disclosure page for additional information. 

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Last month I was invited to attend a Sip 'n See in celebration of the newest arrivals from Palmer's.  Palmer's is already known and trusted as the top stretch mark brand in the U.S., so my big belly and I were excited to check out their new enhanced line of products! 

I was one of the first to sample this new Cocoa Butter Formula  with Vitamin E line, including a a massage cream, massage lotion and tummy butter.  All three products are designed to combat stretch marks, retain moisture and increase suppleness.  In tests, after eight weeks 98% of women saw improved skin elasticity, reduction in stretch marks and improved skin texture and tone. 

At the event, I was six months into my second pregnancy and fortunate not to have stretch marks.  But knowing how much my body will change over the next weeks, I was excited to get my hands on the newest product to keep me stretch mark free! 

I was sent home with a goody bag containing all three products.

I was sent home with a goody bag containing all three products.

For the past few weeks, I've had all three products in my line up, but find myself reaching for the massage cream most nights.  I like that it feels rich and luxrious, yet spreads easily and evenly without leaving any greasy residue. It also has a really light and pleasant scent, which I think helps cue my mind to prepare for sleep.  I've been applying it to my tummy, belly, hips, thighs and bust every night -- all stretch mark prone areas.  

I have really sensitive skin (which tends to be more sensitive during pregnancy), so I was glad to see that all three products are hypoallergenic, dermatologist approved and free from from mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, phenoxethoanol and synthetic dyes.  

In addition to combating stretch marks and increasing suppleness, the new enhanced line includes key ingredients to specifically target collagen and elastin breakdown caused by pregnancy hormones. 

Key ingredients include:

  • cocoa butter and shea butter to help soften skin and improve skin's moisture levels
  • natural vitamin E to fight free radicals 
  • collagen, an essential building block of healthy skin 
  • elastin, a protein that increases skin's ability to remain flexible
  • argan oil, which helps soften and condition skin while reducing scarring
  • lutein, a natural antioxidant that helps improve skin hydration

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that despite the luxurious feel, the line is incredibly affordable -- the products range in price from $6-8 per pump, tube or tub!

Becuase of the safe ingredient list and low price tag, when my three year old reaches for the products I don't stop him!

I've been enjoying using the line over the last few weeks and look forward to continuing to use it as my belly grows and as my body continues to change after birth!

You can find Palmer's products at Palmers.com, and drug and mass stores nationwide (including Walmart and Target).

What are your best pregnancy self-care tips?