Over the last month I have been testing the Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence spray.
When I was pregnant with my first child, I thought I had got away with no stretch marks. I felt slightly smug when at the beginning of my 3rd trimester the midwife said how lucky I was to have “a nice smooth bump” and thought I’d escaped the “tiger stripes” that all mums dread. Then another couple of weeks passed and BAM – they appeared out of no where. That’s what you get for celebrating too soon!
Nearly 3 years later and I am expecting my second child. The tiger stripe stretch marks from first time around have faded to a subtle silver trail, but this time I am determined I do not want to have them again! Is it really possible to avoid tiger stripe stretch marks during pregnancy? Can a stretch mark cream really prevent them? When I was given the opportunity to test a new stretch mark solution product from Science of Skin it appeared to be right up my street, and I was keen to see if the product can hold up to its claims!
According to their research, Science of Skin found that around 90% of women end up with at least some stretch marks during pregnancy, but that many women spend a fortune on over the counter stretch mark treatment products that have no scientific basis and simply moisturise the skin. As such they have little or no impact on preventing or reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
So how is Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence different?
Stretch Mark Defence (TM) is an ultra-fine mist spray to be used on the pregnant bump. Science of Skin state that whilst other stretch mark prevention roducts can offer simply temporary moisturisation of the upper skin layer, the formula in Stretch Mark Defence has been designed to offer rapid and effective hydration, whilst delivering actives and oils to support the skins structure, helping tackle the early signs of stretching and derail the progress of stretch marks.
The aim of the product, which also works hand in hand with the new Solution for Stretch Marks (designed to work on already formed markings), is to not only replenish the skin with lacking nutrients, but improve the skin’s performance.
Ingredients in Stretch Mark Defence cream include:
- Salicorne extract – A hardy coastal plant that offers advanced moisturisation, resulting in suppler and smooth skin.
- Vitamin E – One of nature’s best known and most powerful antioxidants. Oxidative damage contributes to skin ageing and stretch mark formation. Boosting and maintaining antioxidant protection helps the skin to combat damage and helps repair and rejuvenation processes.
- Olive Squalane – Squalane is a multifunctional oil offering rapid skin absorption and prevents moisture loss, restoring the skin suppleness and elasticity.
- Oat Oil – Oat Oil is rich in skin nutrients, natural antioxidants and Vitamins. In addition to the rich, luxurious skin feel, Oat Oil supports the skin’s natural defense to improve moisture retention and condition.
- Olive Oil – Olive Oil is incredibly rich and emollient, helping to nourish and hydrate the skin. It contains a high content of Omega-6 and Omega-9 plus naturally-occurring antioxidants.
- Sweet Almond Oil – Sweet Almond Oil is well known for its benefits to skin, largely through its natural richness in Vitamin E. The light, emollient oil helps to moisturise and condition the skin leaving a softer, smoother look and a hydrated and supple feel.
- Grapeseed Oil – Grape Seed Oil is renowned for its antioxidant qualities and soothing properties. The antioxidants in Grape Seed Oil help protect collagen and elastin, the building blocks of skin. Grape Seed Oil is naturally rich in Omega-6 and Omega-9 essential fatty acids, offering excellent skin hydration benefits.
- Green Tea oily extract – Green Tea is a well-known antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. It offers many benefits to the skin, from protection against daily damage to boosting repair mechanisms.
- Others – Wheat Germ Oil (high in Vitamin E), Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter (both nourishing) to support the hydrating power.
Stretch Mark Defence™ retails at £24.99 for an 150ml bottle and is available to purchase at www.scienceofskin.com.
Our Experience of Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence
I have now been using Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence for just under one month having received the product mid May, and therefore my feedback is based on the results so far. I will continue to use the product throughout the remainder of my pregnancy and update this post with any further points to note at a later date.
Firstly, in terms of the product itself, having used a number of different stretch mark prevention creams in the past, this one is a little different. Unlike the majority of products, it is a spray not a cream. I was a little intimidated by this at first, as didn’t know how strong the spray would be on my bump, but didn’t need to worry, as the spray is more of a fine mist than a jet wash lol 🙂 – You simply hold the can around 6 inches away from your bump and the spray is fresh and light on your skin. It is then recommended you then massage into your bump for around 2 minutes, presumably to encourage blood flow and ensure the product is absorbed into the whole of your bump and not just the initial areas of impact.
What does Stretch Mark Defence smell like?
The product is fragrance free, so you don’t need to worry about smelling like you’ve just come out of a cosmetics factory! I tend to apply mine first thing in the morning and just before I go to bed. This is very quick and easy and therefore isn’t a chore – lets face it, sometimes its hard enough to find the energy to take your make up off let alone add another step into your bedtime routine! Unlike some other products, the Stretch Mark Defence is not greasy, and therefore I am able to get dressed or get into bed relatively soon after application without feeling like I am sticky or that I could get unwanted residue on my clothes. It rubs in quickly and easily and in my case at least, does not require the entire two minutes recommended to soak into my skin.
Does Stretch Mark Defence actually work?
As it stands, my skin is so far stretch mark free, and trust me I have checked regularly!!! I appreciate its early days and therefore its impossible to say whether this is down to the product or just luck so far, but I guess time will tell! As someone who goes swimming twice a week, what I can definitely say is that my skin is smooth and well moisturised, and does not appear at all dry or dull despite being exposed to chlorine which can often have a drying affect.
I particularly like the non sticky feeling and the ease of application, and the lack of scent is a real positive for me, as I find some scents particularly overbearing with my “bloodhound” pregnancy senses!
At £24.99 the product is obviously more expensive that some other products on the market, however the list of ingredients is strong in terms of their scientific value in preventing stretch marks.
I will be continuing to use the product for the remainder of my pregnancy, and am praying it does the job! 🙂
Update 8 months pregnant
I am now 8 months pregnant and have continued to use the product. Have I managed to avoid stretch marks all together? sadly not completely, although that said, my bump is BIG and I have only a few what i would describe as mild silvery stretch marks – and not the red bright tiger stripes I experienced first time around. Is this down to the Stretch Mark Defence cream or just luck? Who knows, but would I use it again? Yes I would. That said there’s definitely no more babies planned here, this pregnancy has been challenging enough!
You can learn more about the range of Stretch Mark products at www.scienceofskin.com
*We were sent a sample of Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence for the purpose of this review but all opinions are my own.*
Update – Did I get away with no stretch marks at all? Unfortunately not, however the marks are not dark and are only small – whilst I cannot say the product completely prevented their presence I do believed it made them less severe than they otherwise may have been.
