How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy and after it

What are stretch marks

Human skin is very elastic; it can stretch and contract quite well, but to a certain limit. Stretches on the skin (striae) are scar formations that occur in places that are most actively affected by growing adipose tissue. Thread-like scars appear in most pregnant women. They can form on different parts of the body (abdomen, chest, legs, buttocks, back), but will be expressed to varying degrees. The intensity and size of superficial mini-tears depend on individual genetic characteristics and predisposition to scarring.

Striae are not a disease, do not affect the functioning of the body, do not cause pain, but they can cause some distress to women. The shade of the scars can vary from pearlescent, soft pink to crimson and purple. In some cases, stretch marks that appear during pregnancy become slightly convex and protrude above the surface of the epidermis.

Stretch marks - what are they? How do they look?

Stretch marks are narrow stripes on the skin that are pink, red, or even slightly bluish in color. Sometimes white stretch marks also appear. The color of the defect depends on the depth and duration of formation.

Stretch marks usually appear on the legs, abdomen and buttocks. After pregnancy, some women even develop stretch marks on their breasts.

Stretch marks

At first, the stretch marks are very bright. Especially those that arose after childbirth. When you touch them, you can feel a small groove, as if the skin in this place has torn.

Causes of stretch marks

There are many factors that influence the formation of stretch marks during pregnancy. They can be combined: mechanical strain, genetic inheritance, hormonal imbalance, lack of physical activity. But the main reason remains mechanical tension of the skin, due to sudden weight gain in a relatively short period of time.

The abdomen and breasts of pregnant women are most often susceptible to the appearance of stretch marks. The volume of these parts of the body increases so quickly that the skin does not have time to stretch and regenerate. In this case, the upper layer of skin becomes thinner, the subcutaneous tissue is torn, and connective or adipose tissue grows at the site of the microtear. This is how stretch marks occur. Blood vessels that are visible under a thin layer of the epidermis at the sites of stretch marks cause the purple color of the scars. After some time, active blood flow stops, the vessels become empty, and the tears become pale.

During preparation for childbirth, a woman's hormonal imbalance also has a significant impact on the properties of the skin. Indicators such as density, humidity and elasticity decrease. In the body of a pregnant woman, there is a sharp jump in the level of estrogen and progesterone, causing a drop in the production of collagen, which is responsible for the density and elastic properties of the skin. The listed reasons, in turn, directly affect the formation of gaps.

An important role in the formation of stretch marks on the abdomen during pregnancy is played by the hereditary factor. If scars appeared on close relatives of a woman, then it is possible that her body will show a tendency towards this feature.

About stretch marks on the butt

Stretch marks on the butt are a fairly common occurrence. Stretch marks on the butt bring a lot of discomfort to both young girls and adult women.
After all, a woman at any age wants to remain beautiful and attractive, to have elastic and healthy skin. Stretch marks on the butt also have another name - “striae” . By their origin, stretch marks are small tears in the skin that, due to a lack of collagen and elastin, are unable to heal without leaving a trace. Stretch marks on the butt (as well as on other areas of the skin) appear as thin, uneven lines on the skin, initially red, purple, and then white.

Stretch marks can vary in length and width and are noticeable to a greater or lesser extent. In addition, stretch marks on the butt can be single or multiple. Of course, this cosmetic defect makes women feel complex and embarrassed, especially in the summer, when it’s time for the beach season and open swimsuits. That is why stretch marks on the butt require immediate treatment . After completing the necessary course of treatment from highly qualified specialists, women completely forget about stretch marks and enjoy the health and beauty of their skin.

How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

To date, there are no methods that guarantee the absence of skin stretching. However, the risk of their occurrence and manifestation can be minimized.

Violation of the vitamin-mineral balance in the body also negatively affects the condition of the skin. A pregnant woman carefully monitors her diet, so making the necessary adjustments is quite simple. The antioxidant content in the foods you eat will help protect your skin from adverse effects. To prevent the formation of stretch marks during pregnancy, regularly replenish your refrigerator shelves with fresh vegetables and fruits! Add spinach to your meals, and for dessert, eat strawberries instead of cookies or candy. Nuts, avocados and broccoli are high in vitamin E, which will have a beneficial effect on the elasticity of your skin. Vitamin A from carrots and pumpkin will help repair damaged tissue. Seafood is rich in the real elixir of youth - omega 3. Fish, oysters, fish oil will prevent premature aging of cells. Try to avoid dehydration - this will help the epidermis cope with stress. Drink herbal teas, decaffeinated drinks and plain water.

Try to lead a relaxed but active lifestyle. Aqua aerobics for pregnant women, yoga and some types of dance exercises tone the body to the required extent and have a beneficial effect on metabolism. Before choosing dynamic activities, be sure to consult a doctor.

In addition, there are a large number of skin care cosmetics intended specifically for pregnant women, affecting its firmness and elasticity and at the same time containing the optimal amount of active substances so as not to harm the baby. It is recommended to use such products from the very beginning of pregnancy.

Location of guy wires

• The first place where stretch marks appear after childbirth is the abdomen because it grows larger than other parts of the body.
• The second place for stretch marks is the chest. It can increase either by a centimeter or by 3 sizes, everything is individual and depends on many factors.
• Third place - thighs and butt. No comments here. A slight increase in weight of the expectant mother is intended by nature for normal gestation, therefore the skin on our legs and buttocks also stretches as the fat layer increases.
• The fourth place for stretch marks is the calves. Here, stretch marks appear in a small percentage of pregnant women. If you suffer from edema, this problem will most likely affect you.

Remedies for stretch marks

Using special cosmetics that contain substances necessary for the skin, you can prevent the appearance of stretch marks or reduce their number.

Bio-Oil oil helps hide existing tears and prevent new ones from appearing. Created on the basis of vitamins and extracts of lavender, calendula, chamomile and other medicinal herbs. Bio-Oil has won 135 skin care awards and is the #1 selling scar and stretch mark treatment in 16 countries since its global launch in 2002.

Maternea. The formula of Maternea stretch mark cosmetics contains specially selected natural active substances, vegetable oils and vitamins with high penetrating power, which provide and maintain skin elasticity, deeply moisturize and protect it, keeping it smooth and soft. The creams do not contain fragrances and are safe for mother and child . Prevent skin sagging and help maintain the elasticity of connective tissue.

Weleda. Ingredients of natural origin help reduce the feeling of skin tightness, increase its elasticity and leave the skin feeling soft and comfortable.

We wish you pleasure and joy throughout the period of preparation for childbirth. On the Mothercare website you will find not only advice, but also all the necessary tools for yourself and your long-awaited baby.

How to get rid of stretch marks at home?

1. Starting from the third month, when the tummy begins to grow, it is worth paying special attention to preventing stretch marks. In addition to the tips that we have already mentioned above, I would like to say a few words about oils for stretch marks during pregnancy and special bandages for pregnant women.
2. From the second trimester, it is worth stocking up on several supportive bras with wide straps that will help avoid the appearance of unwanted stripes and a belly band. The latter is best used only as prescribed by a doctor. It is suitable for mothers with many children and women with weak abdominal muscles. Also, to prevent stretch marks on your own, natural oils and creams will be our best friend.

How to avoid stretch marks when losing weight?

• Measured pace. Stretch marks or not, it's always best to lose weight (or gain weight) gradually. Inevitably, the skin loses elasticity during periods of weight loss. Losing weight at a rapid pace can have an undue impact and lead to loss of collagen/elastin fibers. When this happens, stretch marks become visible through the top layer of skin.
• Nutrients. Be sure to add foods high in protein, zinc, and vitamins C and E to your diet as these nutrients are known to promote collagen production. With appropriate levels of collagen, stretch marks can be prevented.
• Sun protection. In many cases, it is recommended to protect yourself from the sun. Firstly, ultraviolet rays have a detrimental effect on the condition of the skin, inhibit the formation of new cells and lead to aging and dehydration of tissues. Secondly, if you already have stretch marks on your body, they will become more noticeable due to tanning. Even if you have to go to the beach or sunbathe, it is better to do it early in the morning, when the effect of ultraviolet radiation has not yet reached its peak.
• Lots of liquid. When the body does not suffer from thirst, the skin also receives a sufficient amount of fluid. Drinking water throughout the day will help keep your skin hydrated and elastic. It makes it difficult for stretch marks to form.

• Using creams with a moisturizing effect. Water hydrates the skin from the inside, and humectants retain fluid from the outside. Not all creams and moisturizers are created equal. You need to choose a cream that is specifically designed to prevent stretch marks. Sometimes, even if a product is named as the best cream for stretch marks after weight loss, it may not contain the most effective ingredients and some of the chemicals may not even be safe for the skin. They should not be greasy, do not contain retinoids, phthalates and parabens.
• Mental health. Oddly enough, a person’s psychological state also plays a big role. It is recommended to practice meditation and yoga to clear your thoughts and speed up your metabolism.
• Physical exercise. There are special training courses that can speed up the process of eliminating stretch marks and implement a prevention plan. Each zone has its own order; it is best to use the services of a trainer who will not only describe all the exercises, but also tell you how to eat properly in this case.

If you need to achieve a positive result, you should follow all of the above points. You can also add a few beauty treatments from the list above and change your diet before eliminating stretch marks from your life.

Oil massage at home

Some ladies do not trust the remedies for stretch marks that are sold in stores. Therefore, you can use home remedies. You can use oils for massage:

• sea ​​buckthorn
• olive
• almond
• peach, etc.

They contain vitamin E, which is known to have a beneficial effect on the skin's ability to stretch without tearing. The oil can be slightly warmed up (for example, placed on a radiator) and rubbed into problem areas after you have taken a bath. You can also rub in the oils after the scrub, the recipe for which is described above.

Some beauty and skin experts advise adding essential oils to the base oils (named above) at your discretion. But we do not recommend such experiments. Because you cannot predict your body’s reaction to the oil and its effect on the fetus. Serious allergic reactions are possible, even angioedema, the outcome of which is often fatal. If you were a fan of aromatherapy before conception, you should put this hobby aside while you are pregnant. Safety comes first!

Use of cosmetics

• Shea Butter. Helps reduce inflammation and provides skin hydration. You can use pure shea butter or lotion that you can apply every day.
• Coconut oil. Coconut oil-based lotions perfectly moisturize the skin and reduce stretch marks. Pure coconut oil can be purchased at large grocery stores or specialty vegetarian stores. It has a hard texture, so it needs to be rubbed into stretch marks using massage movements.
• Retinoic acid cream. The best option for combating stretch marks that have just appeared. It helps increase collagen production.
• A combination of glycolic and ascorbic acids. Together can help with skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time. Typically, these creams can begin to work in as little as three months after daily use.
• Chemical peeling. Used with trichloroacetic acid based substances. Chemical peels can also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, it generally works best when combined with other treatments such as microdermabrasion. It is recommended to consult a specialist rather than carry out this procedure at home. The skin will peel off after peeling for a few more days. Not only the number, but also the color of stretch marks decreases. The number of cycles will be determined by the cosmetologist.

• Vitamin E. Vitamin E will minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Creams containing it should be used daily. It helps protect the skin from damage that masks marks. In addition, it also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In some cases, you can use special creams and products that are designed to protect the udder of cows and goats from the appearance of cracks and stretch marks. The composition is safe for humans and has a quick and long-lasting effect with regular use. On the subject: Surgical methods for treating obesity

How to remove stretch marks yourself at home

We've sorted out the prevention of stretch marks. But what to do if you are not among the lucky 20%, and stretch marks still appear?

You can make them less noticeable at home. But the effect will only be if the scars are shallow and no more than a month has passed since the birth.

So, to reduce stretch marks on your own, I advise you to perform a number of simple SPA procedures every day:

• Cold and hot shower. A sharp change of cold and hot water perfectly tones and tightens the skin.
• Oil massage. Continue to moisturize problem areas after giving birth with nourishing oils or special creams for stretch marks.
• Wraps. They perfectly improve microcirculation of lymph and blood and thereby smooth out stretch marks. Use wraps with blue clay, kelp, micronized algae, and healing mud. Important! Hot wraps on the chest area cannot be performed while you are breastfeeding.
• Scrubbing. Scrubs also improve blood circulation and renew the epidermis, smoothing the skin and lightening scars. You can make scrubs yourself using ground coffee, sugar, and sea salt as a base. Mix them with sour cream or natural oil and apply 15 minutes before shower with light circular movements, lightly massaging.

All these procedures, no matter whether it was your first, second or fifth birth, must be done regularly. If you do this only when you remember, there will be no visible effect. So be patient.