Stretch marks are unavoidable for some. We grow (upwards or outwards) too fast sometimes; puberty, pregnancy and emotional upset can do that to you.

Stretch marks are a form of scarring where the dermis layer of the skin tears leaving reddish or purple lines. They do diminish over time but it's unlikely completely. It's estimated that at least 75% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, usually in the 3rd trimester.

Besides controlling diet to prevent excessive weight gain, some oils and creams been clinically tested to prevent the development of stetch marks. Centella asiatica extract, vitamin E, shea butter, collagen-elastin hydrolysates, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, elastin and menthol have been shown to provide the best results.

Bump Butter by Essential Care is vitamin and mineral rich balm that is ideal for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. It contains shea butter, coconut and sea buckthorn oil.

Another good one is Mum's Miracle Balm by Natalia is a fragrance-free moisturising balm containing coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, almond oil, macadamia seed oil. Rich in essential fatty acids it helps maintain the skin's elasticity and soothe expanding skin.

Firming Oil by Madara contains calendula, barley sprouts, hawthorn and natural vitamin E. These help to maintain the skin's elasticity during and after weight loss or pregnancy.

Firstly, what are they?
Xenoestrogens are ‘foreign oestrogens'. That is, they are chemicals that mimic the natural oestrogen in our bodies. They are found in pesticides, plastics, the pill and HRT. Often called endocrine (hormone) disrupting chemicals; the reason we should all take care to avoid these oestrogen mimics is because they wreak havoc on our hormones.

Xenoestrogens do not break down in our water supply. Though the government says they are safe but an increasing amount of studies have been proving otherwise.

The increase levels of foreign oestrogens have coincided with the earlier onset of puberty, a decrease in sperm counts, an increase in the amount of male reproductive problems, and for females an increase in the amount of oestrogen dependant health problems such as breast cancer.

The male fish in our rivers aren't faring too well either. DEFRA research found that a third of all male fish in the UK rivers have developed female sex organs and have produced eggs.

So what can you do about avoiding them?
Read your labels. Nonylphenols are the xenoestrogens often found in plastic, conventional skin creams, detergents, toiletries and lubricants. Bisphenols are xenoestrogens found in polcarbonate plastics that leach out when heated and phthalates are the xenoestrogens found in conventional make-up, nail polish, hair spray and carpets.

Eat organic. Nearly 4,000 fungicides, insecticides and herbicides are approved for us in the UK and many are used to grow the fruit, veg and other food found on the supermarket shelf.

Avoid plastic. Xenoestrogens love fat so don't store meat and dairy or other high fat foods in plastic wrap. Also avoid microwaving any food in plastic containers. You could also get yourself a good water filter for the home. The reverse osmosis filters are able to remove the oestrogen in water.

Go natural. Use truly natural cleaning products in the home and use natural toiletries and other body care products. It's estimated that a woman uses on average 12 different toiletry items a day. For someone using conventional products they may be exposing their skin to more than 170 chemical compounds every day.

The affect of the cocktail of these chemicals is virtually unmeasurable but as more research uncovers the influence foreign oestrogens are having on our bodies it's expected organic and natural products will be receiving an even bigger up.

Apricot Oil is a very popular ingredient in natural beauty products. It is readily absorbed by the skin and is virtually odourless and colourless making it an excellent base oil.

But it also has a few good therapeutic properties the skin can take advantage of too.

Derived from pressing Apricot kernels the oil is made up mostly of oleic acid and linoleic acid. In scientific studies, oleic acid is said to improve memory whilst linoleic acid has shown good results in research into cancer prevention, diabetes and cystic fibrosis. When it comes to skin issues it is the linoleic acid aspect of apricot oil we should focus on.

Linoleic acid has anti-inflammatory, acne reduction and moisture retention properties. As we know our skin often indicats illness or deficiencies within our bodies. Dermatitis and eczema can be a sign of an essential fatty acid deficiency. In addition to making adjustments in diet, applying apricot oil with its high linoleic acid content could help relieve these skin issues.

Well known for its moisturising properties, apricot oil is good for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin. Because of its nourishing qualities and the fact that it is quite a light oil means it is often used as a base in massage oils. Apricot and Rosehip Warm-up Massage Oil by Raw Organic is a great oil to use to soothe and de-stress the skin in preparation for exercise. Also, the Apricot and Sea Buckthorn Shampoo by Dr.Hauschka is a good hair product that utilizes the properties of apricot oil to help improve the condition of the scalp.

Most conventional shaving creams and after shave balms contain any number of carcinogenic and irritating chemicals - propylene glycol and paraben preservatives, mineral oils, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), synthetic dyes and fragrances to name but a few. Though it appears many men don't care so much about ageing or dry skin, when they find out the damage they're really doing with products that contain these ingredients their honest reaction may be somewhat less cavalier.

One myth in the shaving world is that harsh ingredients like alcohol and menthol produce a better shave because they irritate and swell the skin enough to raise hair follicles up for a closer shave. But the razor isn't able to glide a smoothly over the skin and doesn't actually reach the base of the hair follicle. The smooth skin look after shaving is actually swollen skin; as soon as the swelling recedes the stubble will show. Inflaming the skin like this can also trap hairs so that when they regrow they cause painful ingrown hairs.

Another myth is that the cooling tingling sensation felt after applying after shave is actually good for the skin. It is not. The scraped skin is being irritated and burned with the harsh ingredients like synthetic fragrances and propylene glycol.

Choose a natural shaving product that contains soothing aloe vera, green tea, chamomile, calendula, hyaluronic acid, plant glycerine and/or rosemary. Avoid all of the nasties mentioned above which can irritate the skin immediately after a fresh shave.

A safe, natural shaving product should not burn, irritate or tingle the skin. Weleda, Neal's Yard, Lavera, Simply Soaps, Barefoot Botanicals and Green People are some of the brands that make great organic shaving products. For example Weleda Shaving Cream contains sweet almond milk and organic goat's milk and produces a creamy lather.

Green People have a Close Organic Shave Gift Set that includes a Pre-Shave Face Wash, a Shave Now Shaving Gel and a Cool-Down Moisturiser - ideal for converting hubby to the organic life.

We all love to indulge in our favourite organic skin care products - Dr.Hauschka, Spiezia, Trilogy, Essential Care - there are so many gorgeous and skin loving potions to pamper us these days. But sometimes you find yourself in the horrific (well not quite but it can feel like it at the time!) circumstance of running out of cleanser or hair conditioner. Ordering online is an option but you still won't get it until tomorrow at the earliest. What's to do but to put on your resourceful hat and look at what you've got to hand. And the best place to go first is the kitchen cupboard.

Cocoa (organic, fairtrade is in all our baking cupboards of course!) is an excellent colour reviver for dark hair. Mix equal measures of cocoa, honey and olive oil for nourishing hair treatment (for darker hair types only remember!).

Lemons are ideal for correcting self-tanning blunders. Simply rub the cut side of a half lemon on to the skin and rinse off. For those with light hair, squeeze a little on your head for a quick rinse. If you're feet are in dire need of a little pick me up mix a little lemon juice with brown sugar and rub into toes and heels to clean and remove dead skin cells.

Epsom salt and brown sugar are excellent body exfoliators. Epsom salt tightens and purifies the skin by drawing out toxins from your body. Add to a warm bath for an relaxing body treatment. Brown sugar has an anti-inflammatory action so is safe for those with acne or eczema. Simply rub into your skin and wash off.

Yeast is high in vitamin B6. When mixed with a little water (so that it becomes pasty) and applied to the face, it nourishes and purifies the skin.

The old (and contemporary) favourite extra virgin organic olive oil is one of the best and easiest treatments for skin. You can use it as a make up remover, body moisturiser, a base for a scrub (add brown sugar) and cellulite treatment (add caffeine or chestnut extract) as it is both an excellent moisturiser and cleanser.

If that sounds a little too much trouble, perhaps give Sensuous Sugar Scrub by Green People or the hand made Pure Olive Oil Soap by Essential Care a try?