What about stretch marks during pregnancy? Cream and oil are best. What helps the most?
Stretch marks are most often associated with puberty, weight change and pregnancy. It is not a health problem, but an aesthetic problem, which many women feel frustrated by. Stretch marks are caused by changes in the deep layers of the skin. The elastic supporting tissue under the skin is strained and small pink, reddish-brown, purple or dark brown scars appear on the skin. They gradually weaken, but once they appear, they will not disappear.
Author:Jennifer Smith
Updated: 06.12.2023
During pregnancy, the skin cannot cope with rapid fluctuations in hormones and weight. It loses its elasticity, elastin and collagen fibers crack due to higher tension. Prevention is not only important during pregnancy, and cream or oil for stretch marks are very helpful in this regard.
Stretch marks during pregnancy and after childbirth
The appearance of stretch marks is largely influenced by heredity, innate dryness of the skin and its low elasticity, excess weight, age, hormonal changes and rapid weight gain during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through many changes, this also applies to the skin. Pregnancy stretch marks (Striae gravidarum) most often appear on the abdomen, but they can often appear on the breasts, thighs and sides. Stretch marks during pregnancy affect up to 90% of women.
In the first stage, stretch marks are pink to bright red (it depends on the color of the skin), they can be sensitive to the touch. Over time, the scars fade and become thin lines after a few years. They most often appear in the 3rd trimester, when the most significant increase in weight occurs. The skin is firm and elastic, it naturally stretches during pregnancy, but when it does not keep up with the pace at which the body grows and you exceed its limits, it cracks. The fibers under the surface are disrupted and the damaged skin tissue is replaced by connective tissue - striae.
Once stretch marks appear, it is difficult to get rid of them. With proper care and hydration of the skin, you can achieve reduction and softening of scars. Stretch marks are not dangerous, they are an aesthetic problem.
What about stretch marks during pregnancy - oil or cream?
Your skin lets you know that something is wrong by feeling tight and itchy. Even before these feelings appear, you should think about moisturizing your skin. The skin loses its elasticity with increasing age, and the fact that you have avoided stretch marks until now may not mean anything during pregnancy. It is necessary to purposefully improve blood circulation, support skin firmness and the growth of new tissues.
Massages and blood circulation of the skin
Regular massages are helpful, the skin should be massaged twice a day with a moisturizing cream or oil containing vitamins A, C and E. Vitamin A serves to protect the skin, keeping it healthy and young, vitamin C supports the production of collagen, and vitamin E moisturizes the skin and supports its strength and elasticity. You can also use massage gloves to blood the skin. The most suitable choice are products intended for expectant mothers. In most cases, oils and creams for stretch marks serve as prevention and as a means of reducing already formed stretch marks.
Cream and oil for stretch marks during pregnancy
Best Pregnancy Stretch Mark Cream or Best Pregnancy Stretch Mark Oil? Choose according to what suits you better. Some people will prefer the cream, because it has a firmer consistency, while others will prefer the oil, which is more liquid. Elasti-Q Exclusive is one of the most popular creams against stretch marks, which increases the elasticity of the skin and has a beneficial effect on already formed stretch marks (they fade and flatten). It hydrates and nourishes the skin, penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and has a preventive effect. An effective oil for stretch marks during pregnancy is Bi-Oil, which has a deep effect on the appearance of stretch marks and scars, and hydrates dry skin. Weleda pregnancy body oil for stretch marks is also popular among women, which protects the skin from drying out and helps prevent stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and breasts. It is recommended to use it from the beginning of pregnancy until 3 months after childbirth. Eucerin stretch mark oil containing vitamin E and natural oils is suitable for the needs of sensitive skin even during pregnancy. It improves skin elasticity, stimulates blood circulation and reduces the appearance of stretch marks. It serves not only for already formed scars, but also as a means of preventing the appearance of stretch marks.
Prevention of stretch marks
Oils and creams for stretch marks are a suitable prevention, but you can also prevent unsightly freckles during pregnancy by exercising (especially strengthening the abdominal muscles before pregnancy), monitoring your weight, hydrating and blood circulation of the skin, and a healthy diet.
- Exercise during pregnancy: Of course, also before it. By strengthening the abdominal muscles, you can prevent significant changes and limit the formation of stretch marks. Strengthening and stretching muscles is very important because it removes toxins from the body and maintains healthy blood circulation. Thanks to it, the skin is more flexible and the scars will be smaller.
- Hydration: You need to hydrate the body from the outside as well as from the inside. In particular, the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks and breasts should be hydrated with suitable oils. In addition to special preparations for stretch marks, you can use shea butter or coconut oil. Hydration can be supported by gentle massaging, so the products penetrate deeper into the skin. You should not forget about the drinking regime, fluids must be taken evenly throughout the day.
- Healthy diet: Thanks to a healthy diet, you will nourish your skin from the inside. Avoid foods that are not suitable during pregnancy, and focus on a healthy diet full of antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have a beneficial effect on the elasticity of the skin.
- Weight monitoring: Gaining weight during pregnancy is inevitable. This is a natural state, after all, a new life is growing inside you. Avoid unhealthy weight gain, which causes the skin to stretch more and create more prominent stretch marks.
- Blood circulation of the skin: You can achieve it not only by gently massaging with products designed for the prevention and care of stretch marks, but also by using massage gloves or soft brushes.
Stretch marks in pregnancy - experience
Many mothers have experience with stretch marks during pregnancy and after childbirth. According to them, it is a matter of skin and genetics, nevertheless, the skin needs to be treated regularly so that it is hydrated and remains flexible. The drinking regimen must also be followed. Despite the fact that you will take care of your skin, you do not have to avoid the appearance of stretch marks, but if they do appear, you should use a cream or oil designed for this to reduce them. You should not go out in the sun with fresh stretch marks, because if they tan, they will be more noticeable.
The most frequent questions - FAQ
Pregnancy stretch marks are common, up to 90% of pregnant women suffer from them. The reason is not only genetics, but also hormonal changes and rapid weight gain during pregnancy. We will be glad if you share your experience with stretch marks during pregnancy. How did you deal with them and what helped you the most?
How do I know if I will have stretch marks during pregnancy?
How to get rid of stretch marks?
Are there home remedies for treating stretch marks?
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