I had hoped I wouldn't need to worry about stretch marks again... at least not for a while. However, since starting running back in June, I've lost nearly 2 stone and my body is fairly rapidly changing shape so yes, the stretch marks from two babies are really very noticeable again! Thankfully, Dermaoil asked me to try out their skin repair and stretch mark oil - perfect timing!
Dermaoil is a gentle oil which can be used on all sorts of different areas of the body to increase firmness and elasticity of the skin; not only is it recommended for use in the reduction of appearance of stretch marks but it is also proven to be effective at reducing the signs of ageing and for reducing the appearance of scars.
I've been using Dermaoil for about a month. I use it on my tummy, the tops of my legs, the tops of my arms and on my face and neck. The oil is a mix of different natural oils such as sunflower (the base oil), jojoba, macadamia and argan oils - all of which bring different restorative properties. There are no artificial fragrances but the smell is gorgeous, a mix of calendula flower and mandarin oil extracts which is why I particularly enjoy using Dermaoil on my face.
I shall be very honest and say that, in the month that I've used Dermaoil, I haven't seen any ground-breaking results but then I don't think I have any particular problem areas that need to be addressed; the stretch marks are still very much as they were before but I'm going to keep applying the oil because Dermaoil recommend using it for at least 3 months. I don't find Dermaoil to be a stand-out rehydration oil (although I do enjoy the feel of my skin when I use the oil as a base for my evening moisturisation routine). Obviously, results will vary depending on your skin.
The place in which I've noticed the most difference is my knees and the funny bit of dry skin on the outside of my ankle... both feel less nobbly than before!
The oil is naturally a yellowy colour (it has no added colour, no preservatives and no wheat or yeast unlike some stretch mark oils). The oil applies very smoothly to the skin and it is up to you how much you want to rub it in, but I like to perform little massage movements to help it absorb (very mellow when you are applying it to your temples!)
Over the coming weeks I'm going to try using Dermaoil as a nail and cuticle conditioning treatment as I have been suffering from broken nails for a few weeks - it'll be interesting the see whether Dermaoil can give my nails a boost.
Dermaoil is suitable for use during pregnancy (from the start of the second trimester) to aid elasticity of the skin and help prevent stretch marks.
Dermaoil is available from chemistdirect.co.uk; 200ml for £15.99.
