Belly Butters, Oils, Balms – Which to use?

Happy Monday all! One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a beauty and skincare blogger is what I’m using to avoid stretch marks during my pregnancy. Since I’m 22 weeks (2nd trimester), I share what I’ve tested and what products I’m liking most. I do not have any stretch marks currently, but I’ve read and heard that they can occur during and after pregnancy. Postpartum I will report more on any appearance of stretch marks and what products I see results with.

There are two issues that I wanted to address by using these products, one any possible stretch marks, and two the discomfort I was and am experiencing from the stretching skin on my belly and breasts. After much research online and asking my friends and followers, I got my hands on the products below.

Earth Mama Belly Butter – This organic product is my top runner right now. The formula is rich and soothing, but goes on smooth and seeps into the skin quickly. My skin feels nourished and I don’t have to worry that product is rubbing off on my clothes. Most importantly, immediately upon application it eased any stretch pain and itchiness in all areas. Lately I’ve been using this product daily, morning and night. The belly butter is free from petroleum, mineral oil, parabens and artificial fragrances. Truly organic, “Earth Mama’s organic certifier is Oregon Tilth (OTCO) and our Non-GMO Project Verified certification is conducted by third-party technical administrator FoodChain ID.” I also love the scent, the light orange is very pleasant for an organic product!

Hatch Mama Belly Oil and Nipple & Lip Rescue Balm – This belly oil was the first product I tried. It is a light oil that soothes without leaving a greasy finish. Similarly to the earth mama belly butter, it seeps into the skin quickly. The plant-based formula highlights two hero ingredients, “Calendula – renowned for it’s healing properties, it soothes rashes, itch and irritation, and Sweet Almond Oil – packed with vitamin E-rich oils, helps moisturize and promote regeneration.” I use this oil when I don’t feel like using a moisturizer. The nipple and lip balm has been very helpful. Although it’s advertised for breastfeeding, I’ve been using it now when I need a quick fix for itchiness and irritation. The tube is perfect for your purse and cosmetic bag and you can bring it everywhere with you.

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter and Nourishing Body Oil – From this brand I tried the belly butter first. Unfortunately it wasn’t my favorite for two reasons. The formula was heavy and didn’t seep into my skin as quickly as I had hoped, and the scent was a turnoff. I personally had an aversion to the scent. As I’m sure many of you have read, scent aversions is very a common sign of pregnancy particularly in the 1st trimester. Needless to say, I chose to use other products since I was also experiencing nausea at the time. I turned to the body oil which has a lovely lemony scent. The oil is very soothing, but I would say a bit heavier than Hatch and has a slight greasy finish. I put this oil on at night as I’m not so worried about oil getting on my PJs.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil – This is a new one to the lineup and I’ve heard great things. I’ve been using it for just a few days, but will share more once I give it a few weeks of testing. Stay tuned!!

I hope these initials notes are helpful to any of you new mamas-to-be looking for some soothing solutions. I’ll share more on stretch marks if they appear pre or postpartum. Comment below if you have any other products on your holy grail list!