Pregnancy related stretch marks are perhaps one of the most widespread skin issues pregnant women face. When you are pregnant, your belly expands, and this expansion is very fast, and thus, it may result in the formation of stretch marks. Really, these thin lines, which are initially red or purple, can develop on your belly, boobs, thighs, and hips. Since stretch marks are normal during pregnancy, women often contemplate on methods by which they can prevent them and get back that flawless skin. The beauty of it is that some of these stretch marks can be prevented from occurring or made to fade by some special care and the use of some special products. In this post, I am going to reveal to you some of the best tips for minimizing stretch marks during pregnancy hence giving your skin a boost.
What Causes Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?
Stretch marks or striae gravidarum is skin changes that occur when the skin is stretched due to the rapid increase in the size of your body during pregnancy. These stretchings lead to the deterioration of both collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis resulting to the formation of the stretch marks. Though the extent of one’s predisposition to stretch marks is determined by genetics, there is always something that can be done to reduce the chances of developing stretch marks. In addition, knowing what caused it in the first place makes you to deal with it in the right manner. St stretch marks of pregnancy are genetically determined and are most likely to appear during the second and the third trimesters when the baby is growing most actively and the skin is under tension.
Stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum, are caused by:
Pregnancy is another cause of stretch marks, which can be attributed to the hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body; one of which is an increase in cortisone which leads to skin’s elasticity being compromised. Apart from hormonal causes, weight gain or loss and more so sudden changes in weight also put one at a higher risk of getting stretch marks. That way you can employ appropriate measures in order to minimize the risk level as shown below.
Top Tricks to Reduce Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a wonderful stage in the life of any woman, however it brings some unpleasant moments, for example stretch marks, which appear on the belly, hips and breasts with high intensity Stretch marks are certainly not dangerous to the health of a woman, but they are very unpleasant from the aesthetic point of view, and besides, they do not disappear after childbirth.
1. Use Natural Oil for Moisturization on Daily Basis
- Coconut oil, almond oil, or shea butter are good for your skin so you can use them to moisturize your skin.
- Use oils on a daily basis and preferably in the evening after taking a shower to seal in the moisture.
- These oils contain fatty acids that are useful in the regeneration of skin as well as its elasticity.
- Take at least 8 glasses of water within a single day so as to make your skin soft and flexible.
- This piece of advice is to make sure that skin does not tear when stretched since staying hydrated helps to prevent this.
- For an alternative, attempt water that has been flavored with lemon, cucumber or fruits added to it.
3. Add Vitamin E and C containing Foods
- Vitamin E source includes almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach and it assists in skin flexibility.
- Vitamin C has the ability to increase collagen production which is found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers.
- These nutrients when incorporated into your diet, help to build up the skin from inside.
4. Gentle Massaging Techniques
- Massage parts of the body that develop stretch marks (abdomen, flanks, thighs) using oils that are friendly to pregnant women.
- It helps the blood circulation and the formation of collagen as well when one gets gentle massages.
- It is also important to note that massaging can also have a positive impact on scar tissue as well the general texture of the skin.
5. Use Stretch Mark Creams
- If you’ve been pregnant, then you must have heard of stretch marks and the creams most recommend for it, such as creams containing hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica.
- Glycerin is used for moisturizing while centella asiatica is used for skin repairing.
- Use these creams regularly so as to minimize and even prevent the formation of stretch marks.
6. Maintain a Balanced Diet
- Take a balanced diet of foods that contain nutrients that should be beneficial for your skin’s flexibility.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (present in avocados, eggs, fatty fish) improve skin cells’ integrity and decrease inflammation.
- It is important for your skin and your baby’s development to eat a balanced diet.
7. Regular Exercise
- Take a light exercise routine that will not harm the unborn child or the mother’s health, some common pregnancy exercises include walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga.
- Exercise helps in circulation, regular gain of weight and enables the skin to remain supple.
- Prenatal yoga is also particularly good for linking gentle stretching with relaxation.
FAQs
Q: It is possible to reduce the probability of getting stretch marks during pregnancy to the lowest level.
A: Although, it may not be possible to avoid developing stretch marks, these tips may help to minimize them and how noticeable they are.
Q: When should I begin using stretch mark creams?
A: It is recommended to start applying stretch mark creams in the first trimester of the pregnancy so as to keep the skin moisturized and elastic.
Q: I have grown very curious to know whether or not stretch marks are permanent?
A: Stretch marks usually disappear after some time and can be made to be less visible. But despite these, they can be minimized with the right kind of care although they cannot be eradicated completely.
Conclusion
Even though stretch marks are quite normal during pregnancy, you can minimize their visibility and take good care of your skin with these tricks. The various ways of changing may include: when it comes to the body such as using natural oil for moisturizing, drinking water and taking the right vitamins in the right proportions all these can go along way. Pregnancy is a beautiful phase of life and you should confidently go through this phase knowing that you are doing all that is possible to ensure your skin is as healthy and smooth as ever.
