Oil well

Slather your growing belly in these fragrant oils to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

Stretch marks - some mums call them "pregnancy service stripes", but truth be told, we'd all really rather not have them at all! Stretch marks are unsightly red lines which occur when skin goes through a rapid phase of growth, such as your belly during pregnancy. Some women sail through pregnancy without getting a single stretch mark, while others are barely out of their first trimester before they start noticing them. Stretch marks can also develop on your breasts as they change in size and shape in preparation for breastfeeding. Stretch marks do fade with time, from angry red weals to light, silvery threads, but unfortunately it is difficult to permanently eradicate them once they have developed.
While genetics and skin type do play a role in helping prevent stretch marks develop, regularly moisturising the skin on your belly helps to keep the skin soft and supple as it stretches, preventing stretch marks from springing out. And if you already have stretch marks, regular moisturising will enhance your skin's rejuvenation process, helping them to fade more quickly. Massaging oil into your belly not only helps prevent stretch marks - it's also a nice way to bond with your unborn babe. We love these delicious-smelling stretch mark oils - you're sure to find one that's your favourite.

1 Nature Baby Organic Mum Belly Stretch Oil $19.95
2 DermaOil Skincare Oil $19.95
3 Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil $25.90
4 Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil $68
5 Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil 44.95
6 Quintessence Belly Oil 100ml $22, 200ml $38
7 Evolu Certifed Organic Rosehip Oil $21
8 Bio-Oil 60ml $19.95, 125ml $32.95, 200ml $44.95
9 Dr Hauschka Almond St John's Wort Body Oil $44