Isn't it remarkable how as soon as you become pregnant, your body undergoes various changes to facilitate the growth of your baby? Unfortunately, some of these changes are less pleasant; many women experience stretch marks during pregnancy. Fortunately, there are ways to significantly reduce the likelihood of developing pregnancy stretch marks. For instance, using a good stretch mark gel can help prevent the most severe marks.
What are pregnancy stretch marks?
Pregnancy stretch marks are a type of stretch mark: thick streaks that form as a result of rapid body growth. Small tears occur in the connective tissue of your skin, appearing on your body as red, pink, or purple streaks. The surface skin is highly elastic and easily stretches, but the connective tissue in the middle layer of your skin has limited flexibility. As a result, the connective tissue tears when your belly or breasts grow too quickly. Once torn, the elasticity of your skin is permanently affected, and the stretch marks remain visible.
Pregnancy stretch marks primarily develop around the belly, breasts, thighs, and buttocks. After pregnancy, as your body returns to its normal shape, the marks take on a hue that closely matches your skin tone. Consequently, pregnancy stretch marks resemble scars.
Stretch marks usually appear in the third trimester, but some women might notice them developing from the beginning of their pregnancy. You're more likely to get stretch marks during pregnancy if it runs in your family.
Can stretch marks also develop at other times?
Stretch marks aren't exclusive to pregnant women. Adolescents experiencing growth spurts, athletes rapidly gaining muscle mass, and individuals with excess weight can also struggle with stretch marks. When specific body parts grow too quickly, the connective tissue can't keep up and tears.
5 tips to prevent pregnancy stretch marks and stretch marks in general:
Preventing stretch marks is challenging, but there are ways to reduce the likelihood of their development and limit their severity. These five tips will guide you:
1. Moisturizing
The most important tip is to moisturize with a deeply hydrating cream or stretch mark gel. Opt for a gel containing asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid. These acids stimulate healthy skin regeneration by promoting collagen production. Additionally, choose a gel with natural oils, as they reduce moisture loss and keep the skin well-hydrated, maintaining its suppleness and elasticity. A supple skin has a lower risk of developing pregnancy stretch marks. Consider products like INCIA Stretch Mark Gel Cream, a fully natural product without synthetic colors or fragrances.
2. Contrast showers
Alternating between cold and warm showers boosts skin circulation, enhancing the elasticity of connective tissue. Other ways to improve circulation include connective tissue massages, breath therapy, swimming, and walking.
3. Wear maternity clothing
Properly supporting your body prevents unnecessary stretch marks due to gravity. Maternity clothing with a belly band prevents excessive sagging of the belly, minimizing strain on the skin. Excessive standing can also lead to skin overstretching on the belly and breasts. If your job requires prolonged standing, explore options for performing tasks while sitting.
4. Stay hydrated
A well-hydrated skin is more supple and less prone to developing stretch marks. The simplest way to hydrate your skin is by drinking enough water—aim for at least six glasses a day.
5. Eat healthily
A skin rich in collagen and elastin is a supple one. Therefore, consume foods that support collagen production, such as vegetables and fruits containing vitamins E, C, zinc, and silica. Vitamins C, D, B2, and B3 are also essential for healthy skin. Include leafy greens, oranges, nuts, and healthy fats in your diet more often. This benefits not only you and your skin but also the baby in your womb. Supplements containing these vitamins and minerals can also be valuable; consult your healthcare provider for advice.
Reducing pregnancy stretch marks
Once pregnancy stretch marks develop, they are challenging to eliminate. Hence, it's crucial to apply a stretch mark gel before and during pregnancy. Even if you've already developed stretch marks, continue using the gel after pregnancy. A good gel can reduce the visibility of stretch marks and make the skin smoother, thereby making the marks less noticeable. Like scars, stretch marks become less visible over time.
Be kind to your body during pregnancy and take good care of it. Eat healthily, massage your body, and apply a stretch mark gel to prevent stretch marks.