Tata Harper just came out with this new Redefining Body Balm stretch-mark minimizing and elasticity treatment. I was 5 months pregnant when it came out and just thinking of stretch marks oils and creams, and I love Tata Harper's products so it seemed a natural choice for me. Tata Harper does organic natural skincare, it is more luxury priced, but it's well done.
I have been on a budget these last two months so I decided to contact Tata Harper and ask them, since I was the perfect candidate for their new balm, if they sent out PR products. Tata Harper was kind enough to send me this jar to use during the remainder of my pregnancy. I'm currently 27.5 weeks or 6 months pregnant and have been using this for about a week or so. I use this at night, instructions are to use daily and as desired, and occasionally in the day to relieve some of my abdominal tightness and itchiness.
The ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Rosa Canina Seed extract*, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Mangifera Indica (kokum) Seed Butter*, Copernicia Cerifera Cera*, Astrocaryum Murumuru*, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) seed oil*, Olea europea (Olive) Oil*, Theobroma Cacao*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aroma**, Euterpe oleracea (Acai) fruit oil, Phenethyl Alcohol, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil*, Arnica montana (Arnica) Extract*, Borago officinalis (Borage) Leaf Extract*, Medicago sativa (Alfalfa) Extract*, ilipendula Ulnaria (Meadowsweet) Extract*, Calendula officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract*, Algae extract, Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool *Ingredients from Organic farming ** Clinical grade essential oils blend.
I wanted to put this to the test so this is the beginning, I currently have no stretch marks on my abdomen. I have a few on my hips that are quite old. I did take some before photos, I'll use those at the end with the after photos. I'll post a quick update on month 7 and 8, then around month 9 or "the end" I'll do a conclusion. I plan on using this after delivery as well to help everything bounce back, I'm 36 so I'm sure my skin can use the help. This is also my first pregnancy so I figure this has to be the best time to test a stretch-mark balm, cream or oil as my skin has never been stretched like this before.
The scent is floral, the texture is a thick, hard balm. I found it best to apply by putting some pressure into the jar to remove a little, warm it between my palms by rubbing them together, then rub it on my abdomen in sections, it usually takes me three-four times to cover my hips and abdomen. It has a greasy feel at first, it's not sticky, it's pleasant overall. I can still feel some moisture remain by the next morning as well, so it does last a long time. I could see myself using this on my elbows, knees and hands as well, anywhere that has really dry or rough spots.
The jar is the typical Tata Harper green glass, the retail is $110 for 5 fl oz or 150 ml. Per Tata Harper's website: "Indulge the skin with this high-technology body balm to prevent and minimize the appearance of unwanted stretch marks, provide deep hydration, and leave the skin feeling softened and healed. Palm Extract and Red Algae deliver a firm, healthy look to the skin by promoting elasticity while helping to plump and fortify the skin’s appearance. A proprietary blend of six butters including Murumuru, Kokum, Cocoa, Capuaçu, Mango and Shea reactivates elasticity, delivers deep, long-lasting moisture and leaves skin soft and supple. By ensuring a toned, defined look, this treatment awakens, rejuvenates and renews the skin. May be used anywhere on the body. Ideal for use throughout and following pregnancy."
- Supports and improves skin’s elasticity by providing deep, concentrated moisture
- Helps to minimize and prevent stretch marks
- Gives the skin a firm, fortified appearance
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants to leave the skin nourished and protected