Stretch marks are something that both women and men can end up having to deal with and in some cases even young children can be plagued with them. The technical label for these is striae. Although these unsightly marks are not dangerous they are unsightly and this is the major concern of those that suffer with them.
They are identifiable as being indented discolored streaks in the skin that can be anywhere from a light pink to angry red or even purple. The most common areas that they will appear are on the buttocks and thighs, and are also commonly seen on the abdomen as well as the breasts and upper arms. They are a source of embarrassment for most, especially when they are present in areas of the skin that is exposed.
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil
This is a product that promotes its ability to prevent these stretch marks. Being as they are very common with women during pregnancy, it is a product that is closely looked at by new Moms to be, and draws their attraction as the product is deemed to be safe to use during pregnancy.
Product Use
The main use of the product is for the prevention of stretch marks as well as dry and itchy skin that are common during pregnancy.
Product Ingredients
Omega 3,6 & 9 – omega fatty acids
Vitamin E from Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcus)
This is the extracted oil from the dried kernels of sweet almonds. It is well known for its ability to be quickly absorbed into the skin. It is also beneficial as carrier oil for the other product ingredients. It is rich in vitamin E.
Borage Oil (Barago Officinalis)
This is a fatty acid that is derived from the wildflower known as the starflower. It produces linoleic acid which is a fatty acid that our body requires, but is not able to produce and for health purposes. It must be obtained through our diet. For external use for skin conditions there have been substantial studies to support its benefits.
Wheatgerm Oil (Triticum Vulgare Oil)
This oil is rich in vitamin A,D, and E, and also many vitamins. It is also a sensitive oil that will break down quickly when exposed to certain adverse conditions such as extreme temperatures. One of the important features about this oil is that it has the ability to encourage new cell growth.
Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa Moschata Seed Oil
This is fatty acid oil that is also high in Vitamin A (retinol) as well as Vitamin C. It is the oil that it is extracted from the seeds of a specific rosebush. It is a favored ingredient used to promote scar healing. It is known to increase collagen and elastin levels.
Scented with Gravida
This is a blend of 10 essential oils deemed to be safe for those that are pregnant and provides the pleasant scent that this product possesses.
Additional Ingredients
Tocopherol vitamin E
Used mostly for scent
Parfum (Fragrance)
Limonene
Linalool
Citral
Citronellol
Evernia Furfuracea
Benzyl Benzoate
Why It May Work
The ingredients that are rich in linoleic acid make this one of the most beneficial aspects of Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil. Plus, the addition of ingredients such as the wheatgerm oil that will help to stimulate new cell growth, and the rosehip oil that helps with collagen and elastin levels.
Why It May Not Work
Based on the majority of the ingredients being more as a preventative measure rather than a corrective measure, the product as promoted is beneficial towards using it before the stretch marks occur. There may be some limited benefit to using it as an aftermath when they have already occurred, with the presence of Rosehip oil which is also used in the promotion of scar healing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Along with the superior ingredients mentioned, what is just as important is what is not in this product, which is petrolatum and sodium laureth sulfate, as well as colorants and paraben.
Cons
Those allergic to nuts may have a problem because of the almond oil. For people with wheat or gluten allergies caution may need to be exercised because of the wheatgerm oil. Then there are many essential oils that could be an issue with those that have allergies. Most significant may be the Benzyl Benzoate which is being used as a fragrance source, and one which may not be approved by the Rexpan panel which is the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, because of the risk of sensitization. Also another factor is the use of Parfum which is a loose term, and could mean a large collection of chemical ingredients utilized to scent the product.
Summary:
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil is promoted by its manufacturers for the prevention of stretch marks in pregnant women. They have promoted an honest assessment of what the product is best used for. There are many other reasons for stretch marks besides pregnancy which include obesity, the use of some prescriptive medications, and some diseases. As a preventative it certainly would be worth using as once these striae occur they are far more difficult to try and get rid of.
Aside from the risk of allergies I personally would recommend the use of the product, as an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Using topical treatments like this means that you must also have realistic expectations as well. Although the skin does absorb to a certain measure what is applied to it, there is a limit of how many layers of skin a product can actually benefit. Using a product that is rich in quality ingredients such as this are naturally going to be more effective at penetration, but again there is a limit. These are the types of issues that you must consider when you want to use a cosmetic product for a specific reason. By focusing on all of the aspects of the product it gives you the opportunity to make an informed decision.
