Ahhhh the many joys of pregnancy! Stretch marks is just one of them. While there are genetic factors, there are ways to help prevent stretch marks. The secret is skin elasticity. The more elastic your skin is, the less likely it is that you will have stretch marks. I am currently pregnant (see how I got pregnant in 1 cycle at the age of 34 here) and here is what I’m doing to increase my skin elasticity.

Tip #1: Diet & Supplements

#1. Gelatin

I could really stop this post now and end with that one word: gelatin. It is really that important. Gelatin is important for joint health (I believe gelatin was a key factor in healing from previous back surgeries & back pain), prevents wrinkles, has lots of protein, important for digestive health, and is great for your skin. Gelatin comes from animal (mostly cows and pigs) bones, skin, and tissues. The animal parts are boiled to extract collagen. This protein-rich collagen is gelatin. It’s important to note that not all gelatin is created equal. It’s important to get good quality gelatin from grass-fed, hormone free, pasture raised animals. I use this brand. I add it to my smoothies and tea, sprinkle into soup and on sandwiches….it’s easy to add gelatin into your diet. Read more about gelatin here and check out this amazing book all about gelatin.

#2. Fish Oil

 Omega-3 fatty acid is nourishing to the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties which results in more elastic skin. As an added bonus, the omega-3’s are an essential part of brain development for your growing baby. I always take fermented cod liver oil. But while pregnant and breastfeeding, I am also taking krill oil.

• Fermented cod liver oil: I like the cinnamon flavor (find it here). While pregnant and breastfeeding, I am taking 2 teaspoons a day. Read more about fermented cod liver oil here.
• Krill oil: I take this brand. I am taking 3 softgels a day.

#3. Real Food Diet

I follow the Weston A. Price diet laid out in Nourishing Traditions. This included:

• Raw milk: I buy my raw milk from this dairy. It is an hour away from me but raw milk freezes great. I buy a month’s worth at a time and freeze it. Find a local dairy near you here. Learn more about the safety of raw milk here.
• Farm fresh eggs and local, organic, in-season vegetables: I get my eggs and a lot of my vegetables from a local vegetable farm I volunteer at.
• Grass-fed, free-range, pasture-raised meats: I get my meats from this farm. I buy about 3 months worth at a time and stock my freezer.

In addition, it’s important to get lots of good, high quality fat. More & more studies are coming out showing that the American low-fat diet fad is unhealthy and just wrong. When I started eating a high fat diet, I lost weight effortlessly. Read more about that here. Foods high in saturated and monounsaturated fats improve skin elasticity. Some of my favorite fats are:

• Coconut oil: find it here.
• Butter: Learn how to make homemade butter here or I like this brand.
• Olive Oil: find it here.
• Avocados
• Eggs
• Whole raw milk
• Fish oils (like krill and fermented cod liver oil)
  

By eating a whole food diets rich in good fat, your skin will get the antioxidants and vitamins A, C, & E it needs to improve elasticity. And, of course, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Tip #2: DIY Stretch Mark Cream

Ingredients that help with skin elasticity:

• Coconut Oil
• Shea Butter
• Cocoa Butter
• Vitamin E Oil
• Beeswax
• Almond Oil
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Avocado Oil
• Calendula Oil
• Jojoba Oil

Essential Oils that help prevent stretch marks:

• Frankincense
• Elemi
• Spikenard
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Myrry
• Gentle Baby
• Sensation
• Valor
• White Angelica

It is important to use unadulterated, therapeutic-grade essential oils. It is also important to use caution when using essential oils especially when you are pregnant. That is why I only use Young Living Essential Oils. Find out more about why I chose Young Living here.

When you are making your DIY stretch mark cream, you can substitute, add to, or omit ingredients from the list above. This is the recipe that I use and am finding to be very effective.

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DIY Stretch Mark Cream

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Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Shea Butter
• 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
• 1/4 Cup Jojoba Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Beeswax
• 1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel
• 2 Teaspoons Vitamin E Oil
• 2 Teaspoons Rosehip Oil
• 10 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
• 20 Drops Gentle Baby Essential Oil

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Instructions

1. Heat Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Beeswax, and Aloe Vera Gel in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until all of the ingredients have melted.
2. Remove from heat.
3. Add the Vitamin E Oil, Rosehip Oil, Frankincense Essential Oil, and Gentle Baby Essential Oil.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Pour into glass jars. This recipe will fill about 2 of those jars (about 8 oz).
6. Allow to cool to room temperature. Store at room temperature.

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Notes

• I apply this twice a day to my stomach, thighs, and booty. The texture of this is like a creamy salve.

My No Poo Ebook

Find more DIY beauty recipes in my ebook. I have done a lot of research and trial & error to find what works and what doesn’t work. I have compiled all of that information together in an easy-to-follow guide that will answer all of your no poo questions. This book will empower you to find a natural hair care routine that works for you, at whatever level you want to take it. Are you ready to dive right in and ditch all your commercial hair products? This book will walk you through that process. Or do you just want to learn how to naturally nourish your hair with an occasional deep conditioner or serum? That’s here, too. Find the book here.

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