Developing stretch marks are never a welcome sight to see, even when having the excuse of being pregnant. In my previous post “How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy“, I shared the frustrating news that my doctor gave me: Stretch marks are genetic, and there is no amount of moisturizer that will keep them from forming if you’re predisposed to developing them. Of course, not what I wanted to hear, but I got over it.
Until now. Whether it’s because I’m pregnant with my second or the fact we’re having a girl, whatever the reason may be, my developing stretch marks have increased exponentially. They are no longer confined to my breasts with a few light ones on my hips and belly, but have spread to my thighs, butt, and *gasp* my calves. Not only have they popped up on just about every spare surface of my body, but they are much bigger and darker than with my first pregnancy. My doctor says I have been gaining weight at a healthy rate, so I’m not sure the difference this time around.
With that said, I somewhat hit “desperation mode” and decided, “what the heck, I might as well try some moisturizer.” After doing some online research, I whittled my options down to either Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Balm or Burt’s Bees Cocoa and Macadamia Nut Body Butter. Although the Belly Balm is specifically marketed to be used during pregnancy, I decided to try the Body Butter instead, since the reviewers said it it much easier to spread on the skin. On top of that, I love the smell of Cocoa butter! There were also a few reviewers who swore by the Cocoa butter and said it helped fade their stretch marks and prevent others from appearing. So I decided it was worth a shot.
The product itself is wonderful. It has a very smooth, silky, whipped butter-like texture which makes it very easy to apply to the skin. It is a very light, non-greasy formula that won’t make you uncomfortable when you get dressed for the day. On top of that, the aromais delicious (typical Cocoa butter) and makes me want to eat it. And, if I really wanted to, I could eat it, because Burt’s Bees products are made of all-natural, safe ingredients. Of course, these natural ingredients come at a price with a 6.6 ounce jar running around $13. However, I have been very surprised with how far the body butter is lasting. It’s light texture and easy spread-ability makes a little bit go a long ways! I have been using it on the majority of my body since I got it 2 months ago, and I still have a little more than half the jar left.
But putting all of these positive qualities aside, it all stems down to the results: Is Burt’s Bees Cocoa and Macadamia Nut Body Butter a stretch mark cure? Unfortunately, I’m going to have to give it a big N-O. Since using the product, I have not noticed any positive change in the color or development of my stretch marks. They are still there when I hop in the shower in the morning and they don’t appear to be going anywhere. In fact, they are still multiplying. Am I disappointed? Sure I am. Even though I should have learned with my first pregnancy that they can’t be prevented, I still had a glimmer of hope after hearing from a few lucky women who swear moisturizer kept them stretch-mark free. Am I devastated? No. Unless you count those random moments where the pregnancy hormones take control and the smallest thing causes an emotional meltdown. Then yes. But no, it’s definitely not the end of the world. I actually take confidence in knowing that my doctor knows what she’s talking about and that my husband can see right past the stretch marks as if they’re not even there.
So do I recommend Burt’s Bees Cocoa and Macadamia Nut Body Butter? YES! Are you surprised? Although it didn’t do a thing for my stretch marks, I am loving it just as a regular moisturizer. I have never used something that has left my skin feeling so soft and silky. Even my husband has taken notice and commented on how soft my skin feels. And although it’s a little more expensive than some moisturizers out there, Burt’s Bees Cocoa and Macadamia Nut Body Butter is the perfect way to treat myself as I complete this task of growing Baby #2. I would recommend you give it a try too!
Is there a certain stretch mark product you can swear by? Please share!
Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
![](\"http://www.intobaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/intobaby.jpg\")