POSTPARTUM BODY BEAUTIFUL: Bummers And Fixes
PHOTO CREDIT: cpanty.com
Some women get through pregnancy and childbirth without any lasting physical effects, but for those mommies who are not genetically gifted or otherwise preternaturally touched, babies often arrive bearing other, less desirable special deliveries. Melasma, postpartum hair loss, stretch marks and skin laxity are just a few of the not-so-joyful byproducts that can come along with a bundle of joy. Here at Beauty In the Bag we like to keep up with the latest beauty solutions for moms (for our readers and for our own selfish reasons), and now we are passing those findings on to yo
MEET YOUR STRETCH MARKS HEAD ON – Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
Photo Credit: Mederma
Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy – I have used Mederma in the past on bumps and bruises, so I paid attention when I heard about this new product. It is  specially formulated to improve the appearance of stretch marks and soften the skin around them. The creamy formula contains a blend of ingredients plus the botanical extract Cepalin®, hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica leaf extract. The trick is that you have to apply it evenly and massage it in a circular pattern into wherever your stretch marks show up (thighs, butt, tummy, knees, etc.) twice a day which is a lot. It gets absorbed pretty easily, but I find that I forget to do it in the morning (like I need one more thing to do get ready at 7 AM….) so end up doing at night only. My skin is definitely softer and it feels nice to use so I will stick with it.
FINAL VERDICT: BOB (Beauty on Budget) - Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy comes in a super large tube with a generous 5.29 ounces or about a one month supply depending on how religiously you use it. About $39.99 (which is about a quarter of the price of that famous stretch mark cream…..) www.drugstore.com
FADING IT
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MEDERMA CREAM WITH SPF 30 – Mederma is the “skin care for scars” brand that is based on onion extract and allantoin. It is used to soften and help fade scars. This is the newest variety – that contains SPF30. It is ideal for covering acne and insect bites or moles that have been removed as they heal to avoid darkening from sun exposure. It can also be used on dark (red or brown) stretchmarks, burns, surgical scars and tramatic injuries that get exposed to sunlight. You are supposed to use it 3 times a day on new scars for 2 months, and for older scars, 3-6 months. You really need to use a lot of it and consistently to get results, and of course it works much better on new scars than older scars. The added benefit of SPF30 will prevent scars from darkening as they heal. It is also very moisturizing for skin. Best to use the SPF30 formula by day, and switch to the original Mederma Gel by night. Think about it this way – it certainly cannot hurt and it will most likely help, so surely worth a try.
FINAL VERDICT – BOB (BEAUTY ON A BUDGET) – A great idea to combine a healing cream with an SPF. To save some money, download a $3.00 coupon on www.mederma.com
